SKU: 96193044075
succulents elephant

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

Sale price$21.70 Regular price$24.11
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $6.03 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 23 - Jul 28

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

succulents elephant 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.

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: 96193044075

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell succulents elephant

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.5 ★★★★★
Based on 26 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
O
Verified Purchase
Olga
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 5
Excellent product at a very good price. I will buy it again.
This is an excellent product at a fair price. The cream creates a barrier that protects the skin, while mosturizes it. leaves hands very soft, and it doesn't feel greasy. I know that this is a favorite brand (Avene) in France, and Amazon offers it at a very good price. I will buy it again, from Amazon. I bought it this year in Paris, and it was more expensive there.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2015
A
Verified Purchase
armine arakelian
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 1
Drying formula and smell bad
Smell so bad and made my hands dry instead of moisturizing. The formula is watery. Maybe it’s fake or expired I am not sure.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2025
C
Verified Purchase
Cascadian
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 5
Great For Dog Park Fun -- The Ball Goes Flying
Size: 25in, Style: Sport
I love this thing. It's super well made and It enables me to chuck a ball the entire length of the dog park (I'm a 65 yr old woman with a wimpy arm). My dog is thrilled too. At first I thought it might be too heavy, but that's just not an issue, the weight is fine. For non-throwers like me someone at the dog park gave me a tip --- just look at the area you want to throw the ball. Helped my aim immensely. The 2.5 inch chuck it ball it comes with is my dog's absolute *favorite* . . . it's her security blanket in the kennel while driving, and it's her favorite ball to chase (the only one she'll actually bring back). She loves to chew it and to squish the air out of it, which takes a little effort. Recommend.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2025
L
Verified Purchase
leal536
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
Great tool!
Size: 18in, Style: Sport
Ok - so I do not have a dog!!! I purchased this item for a completely different purpose! I saw someone using this to gather eggs!! I often go to my daughter and son-in-law's homestead to carry out the chores when they need to be out of town! Well, I am a bit on the short side (4'11") and some of the hens KNOW that a short person is going to be gathering eggs!!! I simply could not reach all of the eggs in a couple of the nesting boxes! So, after seeing someone else use this ball launcher as an egg retriever, I bought one! I am now able to reach ALL of the eggs - one at a time with no breakage! It was a game changer for me. I am sure that it works equally well for dog play!!!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2024
S
Verified Purchase
Steven
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 5
A Fun and Engaging Playtime Essential for Active Dogs
Size: 18in, Style: Sport
The ChuckIt! Sport 18M Dog Ball Launcher has been a game-changer in our playtime routine with our energetic and playful dog. This innovative and well-designed ball launcher has become an essential tool to keep our furry friend entertained and active. The 18" length of the launcher provides a comfortable grip for both me and my dog during play. It allows for effortless throwing, making fetch games enjoyable for both of us. The launcher's ergonomic design ensures a smooth and efficient ball-throwing experience, saving me from straining my arm during extended play sessions. The inclusion of a medium-sized ball (2.5") with the launcher is a thoughtful addition. The ball's size and weight are perfect for our medium-sized dog (20-60 pounds), allowing her to easily grab and carry it in her mouth. The ball is also durable and can withstand the enthusiastic chewing of our playful pup. One of the standout features of the ChuckIt! Sport 18M Dog Ball Launcher is its exceptional throwing distance. It allows us to launch the ball far into the distance, providing ample space for our dog to run and fetch. This extended range adds a fun and challenging element to our playtime, keeping our dog engaged and excited. The durable construction of the launcher is commendable. It has proven to withstand rigorous use and outdoor play, making it a reliable and long-lasting investment for our dog's entertainment. Additionally, the launcher's compatibility with other ChuckIt! balls makes it a versatile tool for various play styles and preferences. Whether it's a bouncy rubber ball or a flying disc, the launcher can handle them all. Moreover, using the ChuckIt! Sport 18M Dog Ball Launcher has strengthened the bond between our family and our dog. It encourages interactive play, providing an opportunity for us to engage and connect with our furry companion while promoting exercise and healthy physical activity. In conclusion, the ChuckIt! Sport 18M Dog Ball Launcher has been an absolute joy for our family and our playful dog. Its easy-to-use design, impressive throwing distance, and durability make it a must-have for any dog owner with an active and fetch-loving pet. We highly recommend the ChuckIt! Sport 18M Dog Ball Launcher, along with the included medium ball, for a fun-filled and active playtime experience that both you and your dog will love.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2023

recommand products