SKU: 43373964458
elephant food plant succulent

elephant food plant succulent Elephant Bush

Sale price$24.00 Regular price$26.67
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $6.67 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 19 - Jul 24

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

elephant food plant succulent Elephant BushIntroducing 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.

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 43373964458

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell elephant food plant succulent

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.1 ★★★★★
Based on 20 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
R
Verified Purchase
RDS
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 5
Solid product at affordable price
Size: 1-Gallon
It’s working well so far after a couple spraying with it; easy to assemble; good delivery, good price. It’s a good one to get for spraying foliage in your yard.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2026
B
Verified Purchase
Beau D.
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 5
Great, Affordable, Pump Sprayer
Size: 1-Gallon
This is an affordable pump pressure sprayer. It works the same as, if not better than, other higher priced sprayers I have used. Itnis easy to clean and has an adjustment tip to change the amount of spray and width of spray. With it only being 1 gallon it is easy to carry while walking the perimeter of my home to spray for pests.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2026
T
Verified Purchase
T money
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 4
Good
Size: 1-Gallon
I’ve used this sprayer for applying fertilizer, insect control, and watering plants, and overall it works really well for basic lawn and garden jobs. The pump builds pressure quickly, and the adjustable nozzle gives a nice range from mist to stream. I also like the translucent tank because it makes it easy to see fluid levels while mixing. The anti-clog filter is a nice feature and helped keep the spray consistent during use. It’s lightweight and comfortable to carry around the yard. The only reason I’m giving 4 stars instead of 5 is that some of the plastic parts feel a little lightweight, and I noticed a slight drip from the nozzle after extended use. Still, for the price and performance, it’s a solid sprayer and gets the job done well.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2026
J
Verified Purchase
Jose
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 5
Impressed so far
Style: Standard Grip, Size: 25ft, Color: Chartreuse
I have a large back yard, a pool and a stationary hose reel bolted to the house that holds around 250 feet of hose (depending on the hose). During the summer especially, we use this hose a lot. The reel had 200 feet of pretty good quality, heavy duty residential hose on it. That hose lasted over 20 years but was starting to show it's age and had been repaired several times. What's more, my wife hated the stuff. Her primary complaint was how heavy it was. She really struggled to drag it around the yard or wind it back on the reel. So it was time to replace it. My criteria: brass fittings, reasonably heavy duty and durable, decent price. Her criteria, lighter! So I searched the reviews and looked at damn near everything amazon sells and picked this stuff. I ended up buying two 50 foot hoses and one 100 foot hose. So, here's what I think. The hose ends are heavy duty brass and well crimped. The little bits of plastic sleeve on each end are just branding and don't provide any other useful purpose. This isn't a criticism, just an observation. I cut them off. As others have mentioned, the female fittings are crimped a little tight. This makes it somewhat difficult to tighten them without twisting the hose. I put a little white lithium grease on mine and held the things in my hand - twisting back and forth until they lubed up and loosened up. No harm, no foul, I'd rather a little tight than loose. Once that was done, I connected all the sections and stretched the whole thing out in the yard. I connected one end to the faucet (hose reel), slapped a nozzle on the other end and turned on the water. It was a warm summer day, I let the hose fill with water and then went down the entire 200 foot length untwisting and straightening it all out. Then I left it bake in the sun for a couple hours under pressure. After that I turned off the water, and started inspecting the hose. I have about 80lbs of water pressure, left under pressure and cooking in the sun, the hose definitely swelled a little diameter wise, but no bulges or anything untoward. Connections all looked good, no leaks or malfunctions. So, I turned off the water and took off the nozzle and started winding it up on the reel. Now right away I could tell that this stuff was more pliable and significantly lighter then the hose it replaced. I carefully spooled it up on the reel and threaded a brass shutoff and brass quick connector on the end. That was the middle of June, 2023. It's now December 2023. The verdict. I like the stuff, and more importantly, so does my wife. From my perspective, I like the color, it's easy to see and find in the grass, I don't trip over it or worry about not seeing it before I run over it while cutting the grass (you can laugh, but that accounted for one of the previous "repairs" I mentioned earlier). Now, when you pull hose off a reel, it tends to come off pretty straight, which automatically alleviates a bunch of twisting and kinking issues. Still, as you drag this stuff around the yard it keeps its shape pretty well and doesn't twist up or kink. It's flexible and yet "stiff" enough to drag around corners without issue. The hose itself has definitely faded a little colorwise, the end that gets the most use is less orange then the hose that spends most of its time wrapped on the reel, but not unduly so. After a summer of use, I'd have to say it's held up well, without any signs of terminal wear and tear. What does my wife think? She loves the stuff. It's much easier for her to use and wind back up. She really is the primary user, she does 90% of the pool "stuff", plant tending, gardening and watering. If she likes it, I'm good. So, we'll see, in a couple more years, if this hose doesn't hold up, I'll come back and let you know. For now I'd have to say, if you need a new hose, try this stuff.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2024
C
Verified Purchase
Chelle
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
Great hose!
Style: Standard Grip, Size: 100ft, Color: Chartreuse
5 stars without hesitation. This Flexzilla Garden Hose 5/8 in. x 100 ft. is legitimately one of the best hoses I’ve used. It’s actually flexible like advertised, doesn’t fight you every time you move it around, and it feels way more durable than the cheap stiff hoses from big box stores. I honestly don’t understand a lot of the complaints, mine has held up great, doesn’t kink nearly as bad as others I’ve owned, and is super easy to coil up. Solid hose.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2026

recommand products