Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra variegata)
This sweet little succulent plant is actually a Jade look-a-like and often called a mini-jade! It has bright reddish brown branches with green, round leaves that dot the stems in alternating pairs. This plant grows in a sprawling or cascading habit. If left unpruned, it makes a striking hanging basket that reaches in all directions. It can also grow several feet high so with a little snipping on the sides, it will form a large bush shape. If you want to try your hand at bonsai, this makes a great succulent plant to work on.
>>Fun fact: True to it’s common name, the Elephant Bush is a favorite snack for elephants in South Africa!
Light: Very bright filtered light to direct morning sun
Water: Saturate once the soil has dried out completely: Approx every 2 weeks
Soil: Well draining potting mix. Additives could include perlite
Bloom: Mature plants will make small white or pink star-shaped flowers in winter
Propagate: Take a stem cutting from new growth near the end of a branch and let the cut callous over till dry. Place it directly into soil and water after 2 weeks.