SKU: 20622029113
portulacaria afra elephant food

portulacaria afra elephant food Elephant Bush

Sale price$25.30 Regular price$28.11
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $7.03 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Aug 25 - Aug 30

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

portulacaria afra elephant food Elephant BushIntroducing the Elephant Bush, also known as Portulacaria afra, which is a fascinating and popular succulent garden plant native to South Africa. It belongs to the Portulacaceae family and is known for its unique appearance and easy care requirements. The elephant bush succulent gets its name from its resemblance to the foliage of an elephant's trunk. It is also commonly referred to as the dwarf jade plant, small leaf jade, miniature jade, elephant

Introducing the Elephant Bush, also known as Portulacaria afra, which is a fascinating and popular succulent garden plant native to South Africa. It belongs to the Portulacaceae family and is known for its unique appearance and easy-care requirements.

The elephant bush succulent gets its name from its resemblance to the foliage of an elephant's trunk. It is also commonly referred to as the dwarf jade plant, small leaf jade, miniature jade, elephant food, or the Spekboom. The name "Dwarf Jade Plant" comes from its small, jade-like leaves, while "Spekboom" is an Afrikaans term meaning "bacon tree" due to the plant's edible leaves that reportedly taste like bacon.


The elephant bush plant features small, round, and fleshy pale green leaves that store water, allowing your elephant bush plant to withstand drought conditions. 

The trailing stems of the elephant bush plants are thick and red-hued, which gives them a unique and appealing appearance in hanging baskets.

When grown as a houseplant, the elephant bush typically reaches a height of 1 to 3 feet.

However, if planted outdoors in its native habitat, your Portulacaria afra can grow much larger, reaching heights of up to 20 feet. The elephant bush makes for an excellent bonsai due to its unique growth pattern and ability to withstand pruning. Its thick, fleshy leaves and sturdy branches give it a robust appearance, making it an ideal succulent for shaping into intricate bonsai designs. 

The elephant bush flowers are small, star-shaped, and usually a light pink or lavender color. While the flowers are not the main attraction of this elephant bush succulent, they can add a touch of beauty when they bloom during the spring to late summer.

The elephant bush Portulacaria afra comes in various varieties, including a slow-growing variegated form Portulacaria afra variegata; a trailing growth bush Portulacaria afra prostrata; and a midstripe rainbow bush Portulacaria afra medio-picta, offers a diverse range of beauty in green spaces.

When and How to Water Your Elephant Bush

Like other drought-tolerant jade plants, your elephant bush succulent prefers a watering routine that allows the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can harm the elephant bush plant and cause root rot.

In the summer, during the growing season, you should water elephant bush succulents once or twice a month when the soil is dry. A good rule of thumb is to water this elephant plant when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. In the winter, during the dormant period,  you probably do not need to water them at all. 

Remember, it's always better to underwater than to overwater the elephant bush plant. This resilient Portulacaria afra plant can tolerate drought conditions better than excessive moisture. So, keep an eye on the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

Light Requirements - Where to Place Your Elephant Bush Plant

When growing the elephant bush indoors, it thrives in bright, indirect light. Place your elephant bush plant near a window where it can receive plenty of natural bright light, but make sure to avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day.

If you notice the leaves turning yellow or getting scorched, it's a sign that the Portulacaria afra elephant bush is receiving too much direct sunlight. So, finding that sweet spot of bright, indirect light is key to keeping your elephant bush succulent plant happy indoors.

If you decide to grow your elephant bush outdoors, it loves basking in the full sun. Although partial shade in the afternoon is frequently preferred, these plants need at least six hours of strong light each day to survive.

This is true, especially in hotter climates where the plant may become stressed by the afternoon sun's intense heat.

Your succulents should not be placed in any areas that receive continuous, direct sunlight, as this could lead to burned foliage.

Remember, the elephant bush is a versatile succulent plant and can adapt to different light conditions. Just keep in mind that it prefers bright, indirect light indoors and full sun to partial shade outdoors.

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

Elephant succulents are very airy, porous, nutrient-rich well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5- 6.5; succulents require fast-draining soil that dries completely between waterings. Your soil must have a sandy texture and a low water-holding capacity, just like desert soil.  Ideally, you want to use our specialized succulent potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your African elephant bush plant to thrive.   

When it comes to fertilizing your elephant bush plant, it only needs a small amount of fertilizer applied once a year in spring. These succulents prefer a fertilizer with lower doses of NPK, with a maximum ratio of 5-10-5 that is higher in phosphorus than nitrogen.

Hardiness Zones & More 

When it comes to growing the Elephant Bush plant indoors, the Elephant Bush prefers a cozy environment with temperatures between 65°F and 75°F. It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but it's best to avoid extreme cold or frost. If you notice the leaves starting to shrivel or the tips turning brown, it may be a sign that the air is too dry. You can increase humidity by placing a tray of water near the plant or using a humidifier.

If you are living in USDA zones 9-11, you can grow your Elephant Bush plant outdoors year-round. These zones have mild temperatures and are less prone to frost.  

In cooler zones, it can be kept outdoors during the summer and brought in as the temperature drops. 

Elephant Bush can handle average to slightly higher humidity levels outdoors. Just make sure to provide well-draining soil to prevent waterlogged conditions, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.

Don't worry if your succulents become too hot; they can tolerate triple-digit temperatures in the summer and prefer constant temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Wildlife - Portulacaria afra Attracts the Following Friendly Pollinators

Portulacaria afra have tiny, star-shaped flowers, which bloom in clusters, and are a magnet for friendly pollinators. Bees are particularly drawn to its nectar-rich blooms, while butterflies and other beneficial insects are also frequent visitors. In areas where it thrives outdoors, hummingbirds may be attracted to the vibrant blossoms as well. 

Butterflies
Bees
Hummingbirds
Lady Bugs
Multi Pollinators
Other Birds

According to ASPCA, the Portulacaria afra Elephant Bush is friendly to both humans and pets such as dogs and cats. This makes it a great choice for households with curious pets or small children.

How to Propagate Your Portulacaria afra

This African elephant bush is relatively easy to propagate. It can be grown from stem cuttings, which should be allowed to dry for a day or two before being planted in well-draining soil. The cuttings usually root quickly and can be grown into new, young plants.

Key Takeaways

  1. Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra) is a fantastic succulent with small, jade-like leaves.
  2. Visually appealing and easy to care for, adaptable for both indoor and outdoor growth.
  3. Tolerates a wide range of warm temperatures, between 65°F and 75°F, and handles higher humidity levels.
  4. It can thrives in bright, indirect light. It is suitable for beginner and experienced plant enthusiasts alike.
  5. Often grown as a seasonal accent plant or houseplant.
  6. Order your Elephant Bush today and add something truly exceptional to your garden.

The Bottom Line

Overall, Portulacaria afra, or Elephant Bush, is a remarkable plant that combines beauty, resilience, and ecological value. Its succulent, jade-like leaves and sprawling growth make it a striking addition to both indoor and outdoor settings, while its ability to tolerate drought and thrive in poor soils underscores its low-maintenance appeal. This plant’s capacity to attract friendly pollinators such as bees and butterflies further enhances its value in promoting biodiversity. With minimal care—bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, occasional watering, and protection from frost—Portulacaria afra can flourish for years, serving as both a stunning decorative element and an eco-friendly choice for any garden or home.

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 20622029113

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell portulacaria afra elephant food

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.7 ★★★★★
Based on 13 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
V
Verified Purchase
Veronica
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Light and easy to move around! Still sturdy and tall like I wanted.
Color: Grey, Size: 2 Large Panels
Easily put together, work excellently for a room divider and taller than I am at 5'9" so that makes the privacy really great for our purposes. The feet turn and so you can get them out of a pathway as needed, the middle one that has two posts in it does not move but the end ones do. Very LIGHT so not hard to move around. Fabric is not see through. We have a lamp on one side and you can see the light through it but that is not an issue for us. The price is right!! most cubicle kinds of walls are so, so, so much money. With these being light and still give privacy the price was great. If you want them for sound, this is not the product for you but really most cubicle calls are not going to give you privacy other than visually anyway and these do that well. The size was accurate and so fit exactly how I needed them to and that was an important point for me. I used both of them in L shapes for my room and the size was right on.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2025
M
Verified Purchase
Marion
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 5
Almost perfect
Color: Black, Size: 2 Large Panels, Color: Black, Size: 2 Large Panels
The cloth material is sturdy and fits well on the design. Both sides are black and you can't tell a difference between each side. It's extremely light weight and easily movable. We got a double and a single and the single is used as a sliding door. It's definitely not the MOST stable thing but overall it's pretty stable, probably won't work GREAT on carpet. It's not see through at all, which is great, the only downfall is the gap between the two sides. We are using a blanket to cover the gap. It's not 6 foot tall, but you can adjust the feet on it to be taller. Overall it's a great product for the price and can easily be moved out of they way.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2024
N
Verified Purchase
Neta S.
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 5
A decent buy
Color: Black, Size: 1 Large Panel
Easy to assemble, good quality fabric, the two horizontal "feet" are supposed to be stabilized by a knob/screw but its always looosening up with even the slightest move, so the only unfortunate thig is that it requires constant turning to tighten it if you adjust its location even a teensy bit. I used it as a backdrop to hold a design of balloons, then since the party I use it as a "semi" partition in a bedroom. Good value for the money since it can be used over and over.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2025
T
Verified Purchase
Trav Tedesco
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 4
Inexpensive Solution For Privacy
Color: Grey, Size: 2 Large Panels, Color: Grey, Size: 2 Large Panels
This worked for my needs to get privacy on a second-floor patio that faced neighbors about 16 feet away, and was almost exactly the width and height I need, and was looking for. As the patio was about 12 feet in width. The fabric is thin, but not see-through, and works well enough for my specific privacy needs. It wasn't that sturdy, even with the three legs, the top would kind of bend a bit from the weight of the thing, but I knew this from previous comments on reviews, and opted to use C-clamps and some screws to tighten it to the wall so that isn't an issue since I was outside and had walls to be able to screw into. You may have to try something different if using inside. I gave four stars instead of five as the instructions past Step 3 really don't make much sense for Steps 4 and 5 where the two are connected and when legs are put on, but I was able to work through it eventually. They really need to break down the steps for installing the legs with better illustrations. Also, highly recommend having two people work on it or at least having a second person on standby for certain steps just due to the size of them once they are together or for connecting the dividers together in the end.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2025
C
Verified Purchase
Christine Q.
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 5
Very sturdy & nice looking! Impressive & functional
Color: Black, Size: 2 Large Panels, Color: Black, Size: 2 Large Panels
I needed to divide our living room room in half and create a work room but didn’t want it to be visible so we decided to get this and use it in an L shape. It’s very simple and functional, but it does exactly what I need. I’m contemplating hanging a photograph from a ribbon just to add a little personality to the side that faces the living room room but honestly, it’s much more sturdy than I gave a credit for. I am a full-time reseller so I got foam from the hardware store and covered it in fabric as a background for taking pictures and I have a huge one that’s 6‘ x 3‘ plus another one that’s 4‘ x 4‘ both of which are hanging on the inside of this and it works great. I’m impressed!!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2025

recommand products