Dwarf Jade
Portulacaria afra
A succulent shrub featuring small, fleshy, rounded green leaves arranged oppositely along reddish-brown stems, developing a woody trunk with age.
- Light
- Full sun to bright indirect light, requiring 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Water
- Water deeply when the soil is completely dry, allowing excess water to drain completely. Reduce watering frequency during the dormant winter months.
- Growth
- Perennial succulent shrub with an upright, branching growth habit, reaching heights of 3 to 6 feet indoors and up to 12 feet outdoors in native climates.
Care instructions
Provide bright light with at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Water thoroughly only when the soil has completely dried out. Plant in fast-draining succulent soil and feed lightly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active spring and summer growing season.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to bright indirect light, requiring 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering
Water deeply when the soil is completely dry, allowing excess water to drain completely. Reduce watering frequency during the dormant winter months.
Soil
Well-draining sandy or gritty soil mix formulated for cacti and succulents, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 10 through 11, grown primarily as an indoor container plant in cooler climates.
Growth habit
Perennial succulent shrub with an upright, branching growth habit, reaching heights of 3 to 6 feet indoors and up to 12 feet outdoors in native climates.
Bloom season
Rarely blooms when grown indoors; produces small pink or star-shaped white flowers during late winter or spring under optimal outdoor conditions.
Propagation
Propagated easily from stem cuttings by letting the cut end callus over for a few days before placing it in dry, well-draining soil.
Common pests & issues
Prone to root rot if overwatered or kept in poorly draining soil. Common pests include mealybugs and scale insects, which can be treated with insecticidal soap.
Similar species
Crassula ovata (Common Jade Plant), which can be distinguished by its thicker stems and larger, less densely packed leaves compared to Portulacaria afra.