Product description
Portulacaria afra, or elephant bush, is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant succulent from South Africa, known for its red stems and small, fleshy leaves, and is popular as a houseplant, bonsai, or landscape plant in warm climates. It's easy to propagate from cuttings, thrives in full sun, and requires infrequent watering, allowing soil to dry between waterings. It's non-toxic to pets and humans, and its edible leaves have a sour, refreshing taste.
Key Characteristics
Appearance: Red stems and small, round, green leaves; can grow into a large shrub or tree in ideal conditions, but stays small in pots.
Varieties: Includes 'Variegata' (cream and green leaves) and 'Minima' (smaller leaves, trailing habit).
Growth: Fast-growing, flexible stems, and can be easily shaped for bonsai or trained as a ground cover.
Care Instructions
Light: Full sun to partial shade; needs bright light to prevent stretching.
Water: Water deeply but infrequently, letting soil dry out completely between waterings.
Soil: Requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 9-11; protect from hard freezes.
Uses & Benefits
Edible: Leaves are edible and can be used in salads.
Bonsai: Its flexible stems and fast growth make it ideal for bonsai.
Fire-Resistant: Can act as a firebreak in landscapes.
Air Quality: Highly efficient at absorbing carbon dioxide.
Propagation
Method: Easily propagated from stem cuttings; allow cuttings to callous for a few days before planting in soil.
Shipping & policies
Estimated shipping date: To be calculated
Ships and local pickup from: Denham Springs , LA
Shipping fee: $15
Sales tax:
. We're required by law to collect sales tax and applicable fees for certain tax authorities.
. Sales taxes vary depending on state.
Returns and exchanges:
. Returns and exchanges are not accepted.
Product description
Portulacaria afra, or elephant bush, is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant succulent from South Africa, known for its red stems and small, fleshy leaves, and is popular as a houseplant, bonsai, or landscape plant in warm climates. It's easy to propagate from cuttings, thrives in full sun, and requires infrequent watering, allowing soil to dry between waterings. It's non-toxic to pets and humans, and its edible leaves have a sour, refreshing taste.
Key Characteristics
Appearance: Red stems and small, round, green leaves; can grow into a large shrub or tree in ideal conditions, but stays small in pots.
Varieties: Includes 'Variegata' (cream and green leaves) and 'Minima' (smaller leaves, trailing habit).
Growth: Fast-growing, flexible stems, and can be easily shaped for bonsai or trained as a ground cover.
Care Instructions
Light: Full sun to partial shade; needs bright light to prevent stretching.
Water: Water deeply but infrequently, letting soil dry out completely between waterings.
Soil: Requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 9-11; protect from hard freezes.
Uses & Benefits
Edible: Leaves are edible and can be used in salads.
Bonsai: Its flexible stems and fast growth make it ideal for bonsai.
Fire-Resistant: Can act as a firebreak in landscapes.
Air Quality: Highly efficient at absorbing carbon dioxide.
Propagation
Method: Easily propagated from stem cuttings; allow cuttings to callous for a few days before planting in soil.
Shipping & policies
Estimated shipping date: To be calculated
Ships and local pickup from: Denham Springs , LA
Shipping fee: $15
Sales tax:
. We're required by law to collect sales tax and applicable fees for certain tax authorities.
. Sales taxes vary depending on state.
Returns and exchanges:
. Returns and exchanges are not accepted.
Accepted payment methods
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