Elephant Bush Care (Portulacaria afra)

Bright light helps this succulent stay compact and colorful; otherwise, it can become leggy and dull.

• Provide 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily on a south- or west-facing windowsill.
• In summer, move it outside and allow it to acclimate for 7 days to avoid sunburn. 
• If new leaves are more than 1 inch (2-3 cm) apart, the Elephant Bush is stretching for the light.

Note: A grow light can compensate for the lack of daylight during the gray winter months, when indoor sunlight is limited.

Many people make mistakes with watering, as Portulacaria afra requires very little water.

• Saturate the soil with water. Schedule the next watering when the top 2 inches (5 cm) of soil are completely dry.
• Plan to water every 7-10 days in the summer, and reduce this to once every 3-4 weeks in the winter.
• Shriveled or soft leaves indicate insufficient moisture. Soft stems and acidic soil indicate overwatering.

Temperature

This South African plant thrives in warm temperatures. Cold periods have a strong effect on it.

• Indoors, it feels best at temperatures between 65 and 80°F (18-27°C).
• Growth slows if room temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C) for more than a week.
• Frost damage can occur at temperatures below 30°F (-1°C). 

Note: This plant thrives on a sunny shelf alongside other drought-tolerant plants. Echeveria elegans or Senecio rowleyanus make easy companions, as they require similar temperature conditions.

Humidity isn't a major aspect for Portulacaria afra, so you can avoid misting it regularly. Unlike many South African succulents, it tolerates both humid summers (70-80%) and dry heated rooms (20-30%). Normal household air is fine year-round. Pebble trays and humidifiers are unnecessary. Even in a completely dry winter room, it won't darken around the edges like a fern.

For Portulacaria afra, good drainage in the pot is very important.

• Use 2 parts cactus or succulent mix as a base.
• Add 1 part perlite or pumice to provide free drainage.
• You need a mix that drains well for about 30 seconds after a deep watering.

Note: Elephant bush roots rot quickly in soil that remains wet for more than 2-3 days.

Both simple terracotta pots and shallow bonsai trays work well for Portulacaria afra. A pot with a diameter of 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) is ideal for a young plant. Terracotta is a good choice because clay absorbs water through the walls. Choose a pot with at least one drainage hole at the base. 

Tip: A bowl about 2 inches (5 cm) wider than the roots is suitable for a growing plant.

Feeding Elephant Bush is optional, although a light fertilizing from time to time will stimulate new growth.

• Mix a balanced liquid fertilizer at half the recommended strength.
• Feed approximately every 4 weeks from spring to late summer.
• Do not fertilize from approximately October to February, when the plant is dormant.
• Rinse the pot with clean water every 2-3 months to remove accumulated salts.

Few houseplants tolerate pruning so well, which is why bonsai growers love it so much.

• Prune Portulacaria afra in spring or summer — remove up to a third of the growth. 
• Pinch out the tips to encourage side branches and a fuller crown. Trim elongated shoots back to 2-3 pairs of leaves to keep the plant looking neat.
• Remove dead or wrinkled stems as they appear.

You should repot Portulacaria afra every 2-3 years when the roots begin to emerge from the drainage holes of the pot.

• The optimal time for repotting is in spring, when temperatures of 70°F (21°C) accelerate recovery.
• Repot the plant in a pot one size larger, about 2 inches (5 cm) wider than before.
• Replace the potting mix with fresh loose soil. Water the plant lightly no earlier than 7 days after transplanting.

Propagation is very simple, as the roots form from regular cuttings.

• Cut a healthy stem 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) long with clean scissors.
• Leave it in a dry, shaded place for 3-5 days to form a callous.
• Press the base 1 inch (2-3 cm) into slightly moist and loose soil. At room temperature, roots will appear in about 2-3 weeks.

In winter, the Portulacaria afra goes dormant indoors. Reduce watering to once every 3-4 weeks, as the cold soil dries slowly. Place it near the sunniest window, at least 12 inches (30 cm) from frosted glass. A cool temperature of around 55°F (13°C) is ideal, provided there is no risk of frost.