Variegated Elephant Bush|Bonsai|Succulent Plant|

Rainbow Bush, Mini Jade, Spekboom, or Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra f. variegata): This stemmed succulent is easy to grow. Plant it outdoors in warm climates and it can grow into a dense, 4.0' tall shrub. Keep it indoors in a small pot and it will stay a petite, bonsai plant. It is native to South Africa and Swaziland where it grows on sunny, rocky slopes. It even has a symbiotic relationship with elephants: elephants eat some of the branches and their trampling aids propagation of new shrubs from stem cuttings. P. afra variegata stands out for its green and cream leaves (0.5" - 1.0") and deep red stems that verge on purple. Planted outdoors, it grows as a cascading ground cover and eventually mounds upon itself into a shrub up to 4.0' tall. Can sometimes produce clusters of tiny, violet flowers in midsummer. Despite similar appearance and care needs, P. afra is not closely related to the Jade Plants. It is, however, equally easy to grow. 🌿|Care|🌿 Light: Succulents thrive in bright, indirect light. Aim for 6 hours of sunlight daily. If growing indoors, a south-facing window works best. Rotate regularly to ensure even growth. Water: Water sparingly—typically every 2-4 weeks. Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the most common cause of issues, so when in doubt, water less! Soil: Plant succulents in well-draining soil. If repotting, use cactus or succulent mix to prevent root rot. Temperature: Succulents prefer 60-80°F (15-27°C). Avoid over watering in extreme cold weathers , as most are sensitive to frost. Pot: Make sure the pot has drainage holes. Good drainage is essential to avoid water accumulation.

Condition

Other (see description)

Season of Interest

Care varies through the season

Plant Type

Succulent