Portulacaria Afra 《金枝玉葉》

🌿 Why You’ll Love Portulacaria afra:

• Glossy green foliage with a clean, structured form

• Extremely low maintenance and drought-resistant

• Can be shaped as bonsai or left to grow freely

• Suitable for both indoor and outdoor containers

🌿 Portulacaria afra – Care Guide

Also known as Elephant Bush, Mini Jade, or Dwarf Jade Plant, Portulacaria afra is a succulent shrub native to South Africa. It’s beloved for its small, round green leaves, reddish-brown stems, and easy-care nature. While it resembles the Jade Plant (Crassula), it’s faster-growing, more drought-tolerant, and an excellent choice for bonsai, hanging baskets, or succulent arrangements.

☀️ Light Requirements

• Prefers bright, direct to bright indirect sunlight

• Needs at least 4–6 hours of sunlight daily for best growth

• Can be grown outdoors in full sun or indoors near a south or east-facing window

💧 Watering

• Water deeply but infrequently – let the soil dry out completely between waterings

• In active growth (spring/summer): every 7–10 days

• In winter: water every 3–4 weeks

• Avoid overwatering – prone to root rot

🌱 Soil & Potting

• Use well-draining cactus or succulent soil

• Add perlite or pumice for better drainage

• Choose a pot with drainage holes

• Repot every 2–3 years or when rootbound

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity

• Ideal range: 18–27°C (65–80°F)

• Tolerates dry indoor air well

• Protect from frost – minimum temperature: 10°C (50°F)

🍃 Fertilizing

• Feed lightly during the growing season (spring–summer)

• Use a diluted succulent fertilizer once a month

• No need to fertilize in winter

✂️ Pruning & Maintenance

• Easily pruned to maintain shape or create bonsai

• Pinch back to encourage branching

• Take stem cuttings for easy propagation

✅ Ideal For

• Bonsai, succulent gardens, hanging pots, or xeriscapes

• Excellent for beginners

• Suitable for indoor and outdoor growing

⚠️ Pet Safety

• Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans – safe for pet-friendly homes

• Still best to keep out of reach to avoid leaf damage

Add Portulacaria afra to your collection for a charming, hardy plant that brings effortless greenery and sculptural elegance to any setting.