SKU: 2398428883

portulacaria afra green

portulacaria afra green Shop 'Elephant bush - Portulacaria afra' Care and Info

Name: portulacaria afra green Shop 'Elephant bush - Portulacaria afra' Care and Info
Brand: virtipatel.com
SKU: 2398428883
Price: 20.35 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3411 (12 reviews)

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Description

portulacaria afra green 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

Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra) is a fantastic succulent with small, jade-like leaves.

Visually appealing and easy to care for, adaptable for both indoor and outdoor growth.

Tolerates a wide range of warm temperatures, between 65°F and 75°F, and handles higher humidity levels.

It can thrives in bright, indirect light. It is suitable for beginner and experienced plant enthusiasts alike.

Often grown as a seasonal accent plant or houseplant.

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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Product Reviews

Verified Purchase

Jason

Fort Morgan, US

★★★★★ 2

Like one of the other reviews has stated

Like one of the other reviews has stated, I, too, really wanted to like this chair, and I would have much rather enjoyed using it, than have losing $300 to send this chair back to the company that I purchased it from--(I have to pay for shipping both ways, plus a 10% restocking fee). Furthermore, I now have to begin the process again, for looking for yet another office chair that does not actually cause me physical discomfort and pain to use. To begin this review, I want to state that I have never in my life experienced any sort of back injury, and in general, I never experience back pain. I am a healthy person in my 20's, my body frame is 6 feet tall and weighs 160 lbs, and I wear a size 38 suit jacket. I am a graduate student that spends each day sitting, doing reading and researching online, and I really need a proper ergonomic chair in which to do that each day. I also want to mention, that unlike some people who have probably purchased this chair without trying it out first at an actual Herman Miller retail store, I actually did make two different trips out of my way to a Herman Miller retailer to test this chair out for about an hour each time, before decided to purchase it. Having stated all of that, I will explain some of the reasons for which I rate this chair 2 stars out of 5 stars. The chair caused me discomfort and pain: 1. Ultimately, the single chief reason for which I am choosing to return this chair, is that I cannot sit in it for extended periods of time, without experiencing pain and/or flaring in my back. 2. Aside from that discomfort, the chief reason for which I simply cannot use this chair for extended periods of time, is that it is extremely hard to find a sitting position on this chair that is not actually uncomfortable; the way in which the lower and middle portions of this chair are designed confuses me, as those portions of the chair's letter "H" shaped components are unable to be adjusted, which is very significant, due to the fact that the lower and middle portions of the back of this chair can really cause a lot of discomfort. 3. Problems using the setting for this chair: What is probably the most greatly annoying part of using this chair, is the fact that it is so hard to find a single setting that works, and once one finds a setting that works, it changes and then changes again; and there are no memory settings, so each time one tries to revert back to a previous setting that actually worked, one has to go through trial and error steps that are time consuming and frustrating. 4. The back portion of the chair: The lower back portion of this chair is not adjustable, and it really does press into my back as though it were an elbow. Of course there are ways to adjust the back of the chair so that such an experience can be altered, but when I make such adjustments, the chair is not improved, and only remains equally, if not more uncomfortable in different ways. An example of how discernable the lack of comfort in this chair is, occurred when I had one of my family members, who has spent lots of time searching for a proper office chair for himself, sit in my Embody chair, and he noticed within seconds that the chair was not very comfortable. 5. Why didn't I discover these aspects of the chair when I tried it in the store?: You might be wondering, how is it that I did not discover such uncomfortable qualities to this chair when I tried it out in the store. That question leads me to my biggest piece of advice to anyone considering purchasing this chair: It is imperative that you try this chair out for very extended periods of time before deciding to make this your new chair--that is of course, unless you don't mind spending between $1200 and $1650 for a chair that might not be useable. As for myself, I am lucky enough to be able to return this item, but it is going to cost me $300 to do so. It takes time to really discover the potential that this chair has for discomfort, as well as comfort, so don't expect to really know what this chair is all about from a basic trial of it. 6. Amount of time that I used this chair: Since purchasing this chair I have sat in it for up to 10 and 12 hours a day, totaling well over 150 hours, and unfortunately I have concluded that I simply cannot be an owner of a Herman Miller Embody chair. 7. Some of the positive qualities of the chair: Having stated all of that, I will in fairness, explain in my estimation what some of the positive qualities of this chair are. 8. Craftsmanship: The chair is clearly crafted well and manufactured well, with good quality parts and fabric; the chair is weighs 65 pounds, and it feels solid. Furthermore, the casters that come standard with the chair, work very well--they roll well, and quietly. The arm pads of the chair work well, but I wish that they actually went a little higher than they do; I found my posture being adversely affected by having to rest my arms too low, and for a chair that seeks to be a "one size fits all ergonomic chair," I think it is an oversight to not make the arm pads go higher for people that are taller and have longer arms. Another positive quality about the chair is that it reclines extremely well; with this chair, one is able to really get a full recline, and remain in that position for as long as one feels comfortable, without feeling as though the chair is going to tip over, due to its very substantial weight. 9. Aesthetic: The chair has an exceptional aesthetic as well. Although, if you do decide to purchase this chair, I highly recommend the "Black on Black" color, and do not recommend purchasing the white colored chair. I was one of the many people who initially planned to buy one of the bright white chairs,because the do look really cool, but before I purchased my chair, I read another reviewer state that they regretted buying the white chair, as its brightness served to overwhelm the spaces in which they used it. I ultimately concurred with their recommendation and was glad that I decided to buy the black chair. The white chair looks great, but over time, it is way too much; too bright, too white, too colorful, etc. Before purchasing this chair I looked at every YouTube review video of the Embody chair that I could, to see what they were saying, and it really does seem as though the main reason that is given for purchasing this chair, is that it ostensibly has such a novel and beautiful aesthetic to it--which may be true, but in my estimation, it is not a good enough reason to spend between $1200 - $1650 on a chair that ultimately might have to be returned. When paying that kind of premium money, you're going to need a chair that you can use a lot. 10. Conclusion: I am disappointed that I will be sending this chair back to the company from whom I purchased it. This chair is not your ordinary office chair: it is unique in its objective to mimic the human spine, and it really should be experienced for very extended periods of time, before being purchased. This is a very heavy chair -- 65 pounds -- to be returning, and that combined with the cost of returning it, is why it is not in one's best interest to purchase this chair unless one plans to keep it. Even if you decide to return this chair within the 30 day time frame that is allowed, you will be charged for both ways of shipping, and in my case, a 10% restocking fee (totalling $300). Here is something interesting to keep in mind: At Herman Miller, the employees are allowed to use whatever Herman Miller chair they choose. Yet, on the several (three) different occasions that I called Herman Miller, I learned that there are plenty of employees that choose to use chairs other than the Embody chair, which are a lot more low end, as their own personal office chair. The main reason that I decided to purchase the Embody chair over the Aeron chair, is because of the fact that the Embody chair is supposed to have incorporated all of the research, development, and money that went into designing the Aeron chair, in addition to all kinds of new cutting edge research and development. I therefore concluded that the Embody chair would surely be at least as good, if not better than the Aeron chair. Well, when ones holds the aforesaid idea in mind, it is very curious that there are plenty of Herman Miller employees that choose not to use the Embody chair as their own personal office chair, given the fact that they are encouraged to use whatever Herman Miller chair they prefer the most. Furthermore, it is also interesting that there are not more positive reviews of the Embody chair than the paltry handful of reviews that have been on Amazon since the chair was created approximately five or more years ago. If the Embody chair is Herman Miller's new flagship chair, than why after all of these years of being produced, have there not been more positive reviews of the chair on Amazon? I do not doubt that this chair can be a phenomenal chair for some, if not many people. I can however, only offer my own perspective and experience with this chair. Just around each time that I thought I was finally getting to like this chair, I would then begin experiencing new forms of discomfort and/or pain from using it. Message to Herman and Miller: If any of the designers from the research and development teams from Herman Miller read this review, I want to give you some summarized recommendations: 1. Please try to fix the harshness of the lower lumbar portion of this chair, or at least design the chair so that the letter "H" portion of the lower lumbar area of the chair can be adjusted. 2. Please offer some sort of memory settings for the chair, so that it might be easier to go between settings without having to use trial and error, and lots of guess work for finding a comfortable chair setting. 3. Please consider making the arm pads go a little higher for taller people. 4. Please consider making this chair more comfortable to sit in--and by comfortable, I mean that it might be prudent to put more cushioning on this chair, which may not be as aesthetically pleasing as the current Embody chair model, but which could ultimately yield a much more inviting and rewarding sitting experience for Embody chair users. It really seems as though function in the Embody chair was compromised for the sake of the chair's novel, modern, futuristic aesthetic.

WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare

Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2016

Verified Purchase

Glenn R. Miller

Massapequa, US

★★★★★ 5

Well-packaged, quality materials, easy to assemble, very comfortable, great customer service

Color: Black Full Mesh, Style: Executive

When I received this package, I was surprised at how small/compact it was--hard to believe a high-back office chair could fit in that box! As I unpacked it, I was impressed by two things: first, how incredibly well it was packaged with an obvious intent to protect the components; second, how solid, heavy-duty, and high-quality those components were. I got the box unpacked and read the instructions. They were simple and easy to understand, and included so many "here's a good tip" notes that it was obvious that a lot of thought and experience had gone into writing them. I found the chair simple to assemble and had it done in less than 15 minutes. The chair was very adjustable. I was able to get the height to exactly what I wanted with no trouble at all. I was also able to adjust the height of the lumbar support, and to adjust how far it extended. There are a lot of adjustments you can make, the instructions lay that out quite thoroughly, too. As a result, the chair was very comfortable and helped me sit with a healthy posture. I bought this chair because I had begun having an ache in my lower back, which I suspected was due to a chair I had been using for over 5 years. Within 3 days, the back pain was gone. I was also very impressed with the customer service. Their manual mentions in multiple places things you can try if you have any issues, and always ends with "call us". Their team reached out to me after a few days to make sure I got the chair assembled with no issues and that it was comfortable. This was all part of the all-around quality of this purchase. I'm very happy with this chair!

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Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2026

Verified Purchase

Marcos Castillo

Boise, US

★★★★★ 5

Comparable to Higher-End Chairs, Solid Build and Support Without the Premium Price

Color: Black Full Mesh, Style: Executive, Color: Black Full Mesh, Style: Executive

I’ve been using this chair for a bit now and it’s been a genuinely upgrade. The build quality stands out right away, it has real heft and doesn’t feel cheap or hollow. Everything fits together cleanly and once assembled it feels stable and planted. I’m over 6 ft and 200+ lbs and it handles that without any issue, no creaking or sense that it’s being pushed to its limits. There’s enough space in the seat and back that you don’t feel boxed in. I added an extra ergonomic cushion and it still feels roomy, which isn’t always the case with chairs in this category. The adjustability helps a lot here, especially the lumbar support. Being able to move it up and down and also forward and back makes it easy to actually get it where you need it, instead of just accepting a fixed position. The armrests are also easy to dial in, especially if you’re switching between typing, reading, or leaning back a bit. The tilt range is useful, and the tilt tension is stronger than I expected. Even at my size it takes a bit of effort to lean back, which I see as a positive since it feels controlled and supportive rather than loose or overly easy to recline. The mesh is another strong point. It came in perfect condition, no snags, no loose threads, no rough edges anywhere. There weren’t any bits of untrimmed plastic on the frame either, which says a lot about the quality control. The mesh itself is taut with a bit of bounce, so it doesn’t sag but still has some give, which makes long sitting sessions more comfortable. Assembly was straightforward and clearly thought through. The instructions are easy to follow, but what stood out were the built in redundancies that keep you from second guessing anything. There are multiple left and right indicators when installing the arms, a clear front facing marker for the gas lift, and the screws are labeled in the packaging so you’re not guessing which goes where. It’s one of the smoother assembly experiences I’ve had. I also reached out to activate my warranty and had a very positive experience. I spoke with Alice who was very knowledgeable, quick, warm, and they went out of their way to help me with whatever I needed. When I inquired about the extra screw holes under the chair, she let me know that this was for a foot rest which was still in the production phase and unprompted offered to have one shipped to me when they were ready! There is an excellent team behind the product. Overall: well built chair with good materials, thoughtful design choices, and good adjustability to make it work for different setups. It feels durable, comfortable over longer periods, and especially well suited if you need something that can handle a larger frame without sacrificing support.

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Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2026

Verified Purchase

M. T.

Omaha, US

★★★★★ 5

Excellent chair/great support.

Color: Black Full Mesh, Style: Executive

Excellent, comfortable chair! I was surprised at how easy it was to assemble---but the directions were super clear and all the pieces and parts were labeled. Once I received the chair, I was also surprised with the email follow up from Alice at Molents. All this for a reasonably priced chair.

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Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2026

Verified Purchase

Carnegie, US

★★★★★ 4

Great Ergonomic Support and Fit, with Minor Adjustment Caveats

Color: Black Full Mesh, Style: Executive, Color: Black Full Mesh, Style: Executive

As someone who is 5'4" and 140 lbs, the size of the chair feels ideal, and the seat cushion is spacious without feeling overwhelmingly large. The breathable mesh material is high quality, keeping me cool during long working sessions while still feeling sturdy. The back support and adjustable lumbar feature aligns perfectly with my spine and has noticeably reduced my posture fatigue. The height adjustment mechanism operates smoothly to align perfectly with my desk, and the assembly process was surprisingly straightforward, taking less than 20 minutes with clear instructions and tools included. My only slight hesitations are regarding armrests not being long enough. The wheels are not easy to roll on carpet and require a bit of extra effort to move. Maybe a chair mat might be helpful on carpeted floors. However, for the price, the comfort and build are impressive.

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Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2026