Elephant Bush
Portulacaria afra
Elephant bush is a fast-growing South African succulent shrub with small round jade-green leaves on reddish stems, popular as a houseplant, bonsai subject, and carbon-storing landscape plant.
- Light
- Bright direct to indirect light
- Water
- Sparingly; dry out between
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Elephant bush is a soft-wooded succulent shrub often mistaken for jade plant, though it belongs to a different family. Its small, fleshy, paddle-shaped leaves grow densely along distinctive reddish-brown stems.
Native to South Africa, where wild elephants browse on it, Portulacaria afra is exceptionally easy to grow, propagates almost effortlessly, and is renowned for its ability to sequester large amounts of atmospheric carbon.
How to identify it
Distinguishing features:
- Leaves: small, round to teardrop, glossy, fleshy, bright green, 0.5-1 in across
- Stems: smooth, succulent, reddish to mahogany brown
- Habit: bushy, multi-branched shrub; trailing in cultivars like 'Variegata'
- Size: up to 8-12 ft in habitat; kept much smaller in pots
- vs. jade plant: leaves are smaller, thinner, and stems more slender than Crassula ovata
Care & growing
Light: Bright light, including several hours of direct sun, keeps it compact and colorful.
Water: Water thoroughly, then let the soil dry out fully; very drought-tolerant.
Soil: Fast-draining succulent or cactus mix.
Temperature: Warm, 65-85F; protect from frost.
Feeding: Light feeding once or twice in the growing season is sufficient.
Propagation: Among the easiest of all plants; stem cuttings root readily in soil with little care.
Habitat & origin
Portulacaria afra is native to the Eastern Cape and arid thicket of South Africa, where it forms dense, drought-resistant scrub known as spekboomveld.
It is a key browse plant for elephants and other wildlife and is widely planted both as an ornamental and, increasingly, for ecological restoration and carbon capture projects.
Frequently asked questions
Is elephant bush the same as jade plant?
No, though they look similar. Elephant bush is Portulacaria afra with smaller leaves and reddish stems; jade plant is Crassula ovata in a different family.
Why is my plant dropping leaves?
Usually overwatering or a sudden change in light. Let the soil dry fully between waterings and give it bright light.
How do I make it bushier?
Pinch or prune the stem tips; cuttings root easily, so you can replant trimmings to thicken the plant.
How big does elephant bush get?
In its native habitat it can reach 8-12 ft as a multi-branched shrub, but in pots it is easily kept much smaller and is often grown as bonsai.
Elephant Bush guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Elephant Bush.
