Portulacaria afra , it’s a bonsai plant that has plenty of alternatives (elephant bush, porkbush, dwarf jade plant, and spekboom, in Afrikaans.
A small-leaved succulent plant native to South Africa, Portulacaria afra is a small, succulent plant that produces compact growth and rounded pads. It grows quickly and is incredibly hardy.
There aren’t many options when it comes to varieties of Portulacaria afra you can use for bonsai growing. However, there are both green and variegated options for you to choose from in most cases.
You can also choose from common bonsai cultivars like Limpopo (a large-leafed variety), Prostrata, (a low-lying option), Aurea (a cultivar with yellow leaves) and Foliis variegatus and Medio-picta (both of which are variegated types).
Growing Portulacaria Afra Bonsai from Seed or By Propagation
The elephant bush bonsai can be grown from seed or by propagation. However, it’s easiest to grow from cuttings that are propagated in the summer.
How To Care for Dwarf Jade Bonsai
Sunlight
Grow your Portulacaria afra indoors if you live in a temperate zone. However, do keep in mind that you can keep it outdoors as long as it is placed in full sun and is kept at temperatures above 50 degrees or so at all times.
Even when you keep your elephant bush bonsai tree indoors, you will need to provide it with lots of light. In some cases, that may mean supplementing with a grow light. If you notice that the leaves have developed red edges, you are doing okay with the amount of sunlight you are providing.
Watering
Portulacaria afra trees are unique in that they can hold an exceptional amount of water in their leaves. As succulents, they don’t need to be watered very often.
In fact, it’s a good idea to let your plant dry out slightly between watering. In the winter, you can water as little as once every three to four weeks, especially if your plant is being grown in cooler conditions.
Once the soil dries out, though, be sure to water. This plant isn’t quite as sensitive to overwatering as other succulents can be.
Fertilizing
You only need to fertilize about once per month during the main growing season (spring to autumn). Use a normal fertilizer that is well-balanced and apply it sparingly.
Potting and Repotting
You will need to repot your Portulacaria afra once every two years. This should ideally be done in the spring. Place your new plant into a well-draining soil mixture.
Although most bonsai plants benefit from a gentle watering after they have been repotted, this is not something you need to do with your Portulacaria afra.
1 май 2022
