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elephant succulent

elephant succulent Shop 'Elephant bush - Portulacaria afra' Care and Info

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Description

elephant succulent Shop 'Elephant bush - Portulacaria afra' Care and InfoIntroducing the Elephant Bush, also known as Portulacaria afra, which is a fascinating and popular succulent garden plant native to South Africa. It belongs to the Portulacaceae family and is known for its unique appearance and easy care requirements. The elephant bush succulent gets its name from its resemblance to the foliage of an elephant's trunk. It is also commonly referred to as the dwarf jade plant, small leaf jade, miniature jade, elephant

Introducing the Elephant Bush, also known as Portulacaria afra, which is a fascinating and popular succulent garden plant native to South Africa. It belongs to the Portulacaceae family and is known for its unique appearance and easy-care requirements.

The elephant bush succulent gets its name from its resemblance to the foliage of an elephant's trunk. It is also commonly referred to as the dwarf jade plant, small leaf jade, miniature jade, elephant food, or the Spekboom. The name "Dwarf Jade Plant" comes from its small, jade-like leaves, while "Spekboom" is an Afrikaans term meaning "bacon tree" due to the plant's edible leaves that reportedly taste like bacon.


The elephant bush plant features small, round, and fleshy pale green leaves that store water, allowing your elephant bush plant to withstand drought conditions. 

The trailing stems of the elephant bush plants are thick and red-hued, which gives them a unique and appealing appearance in hanging baskets.

When grown as a houseplant, the elephant bush typically reaches a height of 1 to 3 feet.

However, if planted outdoors in its native habitat, your Portulacaria afra can grow much larger, reaching heights of up to 20 feet. The elephant bush makes for an excellent bonsai due to its unique growth pattern and ability to withstand pruning. Its thick, fleshy leaves and sturdy branches give it a robust appearance, making it an ideal succulent for shaping into intricate bonsai designs. 

The elephant bush flowers are small, star-shaped, and usually a light pink or lavender color. While the flowers are not the main attraction of this elephant bush succulent, they can add a touch of beauty when they bloom during the spring to late summer.

The elephant bush Portulacaria afra comes in various varieties, including a slow-growing variegated form Portulacaria afra variegata; a trailing growth bush Portulacaria afra prostrata; and a midstripe rainbow bush Portulacaria afra medio-picta, offers a diverse range of beauty in green spaces.

When and How to Water Your Elephant Bush

Like other drought-tolerant jade plants, your elephant bush succulent prefers a watering routine that allows the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can harm the elephant bush plant and cause root rot.

In the summer, during the growing season, you should water elephant bush succulents once or twice a month when the soil is dry. A good rule of thumb is to water this elephant plant when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. In the winter, during the dormant period,  you probably do not need to water them at all. 

Remember, it's always better to underwater than to overwater the elephant bush plant. This resilient Portulacaria afra plant can tolerate drought conditions better than excessive moisture. So, keep an eye on the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

Light Requirements - Where to Place Your Elephant Bush Plant

When growing the elephant bush indoors, it thrives in bright, indirect light. Place your elephant bush plant near a window where it can receive plenty of natural bright light, but make sure to avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day.

If you notice the leaves turning yellow or getting scorched, it's a sign that the Portulacaria afra elephant bush is receiving too much direct sunlight. So, finding that sweet spot of bright, indirect light is key to keeping your elephant bush succulent plant happy indoors.

If you decide to grow your elephant bush outdoors, it loves basking in the full sun. Although partial shade in the afternoon is frequently preferred, these plants need at least six hours of strong light each day to survive.

This is true, especially in hotter climates where the plant may become stressed by the afternoon sun's intense heat.

Your succulents should not be placed in any areas that receive continuous, direct sunlight, as this could lead to burned foliage.

Remember, the elephant bush is a versatile succulent plant and can adapt to different light conditions. Just keep in mind that it prefers bright, indirect light indoors and full sun to partial shade outdoors.

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

Elephant succulents are very airy, porous, nutrient-rich well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5- 6.5; succulents require fast-draining soil that dries completely between waterings. Your soil must have a sandy texture and a low water-holding capacity, just like desert soil.  Ideally, you want to use our specialized succulent potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your African elephant bush plant to thrive.   

When it comes to fertilizing your elephant bush plant, it only needs a small amount of fertilizer applied once a year in spring. These succulents prefer a fertilizer with lower doses of NPK, with a maximum ratio of 5-10-5 that is higher in phosphorus than nitrogen.

Hardiness Zones & More 

When it comes to growing the Elephant Bush plant indoors, the Elephant Bush prefers a cozy environment with temperatures between 65°F and 75°F. It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but it's best to avoid extreme cold or frost. If you notice the leaves starting to shrivel or the tips turning brown, it may be a sign that the air is too dry. You can increase humidity by placing a tray of water near the plant or using a humidifier.

If you are living in USDA zones 9-11, you can grow your Elephant Bush plant outdoors year-round. These zones have mild temperatures and are less prone to frost.  

In cooler zones, it can be kept outdoors during the summer and brought in as the temperature drops. 

Elephant Bush can handle average to slightly higher humidity levels outdoors. Just make sure to provide well-draining soil to prevent waterlogged conditions, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.

Don't worry if your succulents become too hot; they can tolerate triple-digit temperatures in the summer and prefer constant temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Wildlife - Portulacaria afra Attracts the Following Friendly Pollinators

Portulacaria afra have tiny, star-shaped flowers, which bloom in clusters, and are a magnet for friendly pollinators. Bees are particularly drawn to its nectar-rich blooms, while butterflies and other beneficial insects are also frequent visitors. In areas where it thrives outdoors, hummingbirds may be attracted to the vibrant blossoms as well. 

Butterflies
Bees
Hummingbirds
Lady Bugs
Multi Pollinators
Other Birds

According to ASPCA, the Portulacaria afra Elephant Bush is friendly to both humans and pets such as dogs and cats. This makes it a great choice for households with curious pets or small children.

How to Propagate Your Portulacaria afra

This African elephant bush is relatively easy to propagate. It can be grown from stem cuttings, which should be allowed to dry for a day or two before being planted in well-draining soil. The cuttings usually root quickly and can be grown into new, young plants.

Key Takeaways

  1. Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra) is a fantastic succulent with small, jade-like leaves.
  2. Visually appealing and easy to care for, adaptable for both indoor and outdoor growth.
  3. Tolerates a wide range of warm temperatures, between 65°F and 75°F, and handles higher humidity levels.
  4. It can thrives in bright, indirect light. It is suitable for beginner and experienced plant enthusiasts alike.
  5. Often grown as a seasonal accent plant or houseplant.
  6. Order your Elephant Bush today and add something truly exceptional to your garden.

The Bottom Line

Overall, Portulacaria afra, or Elephant Bush, is a remarkable plant that combines beauty, resilience, and ecological value. Its succulent, jade-like leaves and sprawling growth make it a striking addition to both indoor and outdoor settings, while its ability to tolerate drought and thrive in poor soils underscores its low-maintenance appeal. This plant’s capacity to attract friendly pollinators such as bees and butterflies further enhances its value in promoting biodiversity. With minimal care—bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, occasional watering, and protection from frost—Portulacaria afra can flourish for years, serving as both a stunning decorative element and an eco-friendly choice for any garden or home.

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Melanie
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 5
Happy it is unflavored
Flavor Name: Unflavored, Size: 1.46 Pound (Pack of 1)
I was worried about the taste based on some of the reviews. I tried it in my coffee, and I'm glad I did it that way. I keep coffee in the fridge, so that is what I mixed with one tablespoon of this. I use half and half and no sugar. I tasted it. It tastes like burnt coffee. Not a bad thing...thats just what the taste it added. I decided to see what would happen if I added a splash of a flavored creamer. The taste went away instantly. Hope this helps someone!
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Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2026
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Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 5
Purchase or perish.
Format: Paperback, Format: Paperback
I don't think Mike can produce anything below 5 stars. In his recent Christmas episode on the Naked Bible Podcast I was a bit wary of listening to it. I realize this is a review of his book here, but let me make my point. The problem with not wanting to listen to his Christmas episode is that I don't really care if Christmas was/is a pagan holiday. So, honestly, it wasn't appealing to me. Somehow I ended up listening to it, and I'm telling you the amount of information he crammed in there was FASCINATING. I'm not kidding. I was so tired of hearing that subject (because I've been born and raised into Christianity), but Mike and Trey did their thing and it had me on the edge of my metaphorical seat the entire time. If you listen to that episode (Naked Bible Episode 195) you'll see exactly what I'm talking about. And what's the point of all that I just said? It's that Mike doesn't do anything half way. All that he puts out is serious work that is worthy of much consideration. No Hillary v. Trump fact checking here (though I'm sure he'd encourage you to research what he's saying). The point is, however, that not everyone has the training that he or his contemporaries have. And THAT is exactly why it is paramount that we rely upon scholars who have said extensive training. I challenge you with this (something I've challenged myself to accept): You essentially know nothing about the Bible if you don't have not just Heiser's background, but other scholars such as John H. Walton. There are many to list, but Walton would be a good companion to list next to Heiser. If you're the lay-person, do yourself a favor and pick up this work, or The Unseen Realm (or both!) and any of Walton's work. Open up your mind and challenge yourself to realize that unless you are incredibly familiar with the Ancient Near East's way of life and thought processes, then it's highly likely that you don't actually understand what is going on when you read the Bible. Enter "The Bible Unfiltered." Considerations for the seminary student: This is a great book for those who need a quick reference on a particular subject. Heiser's name is well known, and thus to reference this book in one's papers, even for a one-liner, is to reference legitimate scholarship. I'm not advocating that one does one's entire paper off of just one chapter from this book, but my point is more-so that with Heiser's reputation it will be known that you're not quoting Joe Scholar who earned his PhD in I Do What I Want. If you know Mike then you know that he's done a lot of work to present to you CONTEXTUAL research on any given listed topic. For that alone the price is worth it (though it undoubtedly cost him more to do the research that it does for us to purchase the book). Considerations for the lay-person: 1. On p. 7, Heiser says, "If Bible study doesn't seem like work to you, you aren't really doing it." Yes, that's harsh, but so was Phinehas, Peter, Paul, and Jesus. (Even Bonhoeffer was harsh in his "The Cost of Discipleship")! Over and over again Heiser says on his podcast that Bible reading is not actually Bible STUDY (not yelling, I just don't have italics in this comment box). 2. This book is great for having a quick reference for subjects. You do not have to read the book in order to understand the content of any given chapter. I use this book to help direct me to other scriptures that I can't seem to remember. Here, Heiser treats topics with brevity, yet with depth at the same time--depth that stems from years of immersing hisself in the original cultural context, the surrounding culture's contexts, and original languages of the Bible. In other words, this book will act, for the lay person, as an appetizer that gets you excited for the full meal and subsequently spark a desire within you to finally take seriously contextual Bible study. If you've never read Heiser's stuff before, this is a great place for you to get introduced to his work. From here I'd recommend getting The Unseen Realm, and then Reversing Hermon. Follow all his other works at drmsh.com, nakedbiblepodcast.com, and moreunseenrealm.com (I'm not getting paid to say all of this). Considerations for the scholar: Rid yourself of your presuppositions, get with the times, and adopt the supernatural worldview of the Bible's authors, because yours isn't supernatural enough. (Can that be considered speaking the truth in love?...) (Pictures won't rotate for some reason. Sorry!). My hand on the book next to the Schuyler Bible shows the size of the book.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2018
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Pastor Jamie Strickler
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 5
Excellent Resource
Format: Paperback
Heiser is always top notch!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2026
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Alexandra benulis
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
5 stars
Format: Paperback
Great book.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2026
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Stephen
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 4
Content is better than the title!
Format: Paperback
The best quality of Heiser as a scholar/writer in my opinion is that he appreciates the academy but does not acquiesce to its influence. This is seen most in his correct interpretation of the identity of the sons of God in Gen 6 and the identity of Satan in Is 14 and Ez 28 etc. which were long abandoned and scorned by the academy. All 60 articles are well written with clarity and brevity!
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Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2019

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