Elephant Bush -Portulacaria afra Variegata- The easy care succulent

Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata,’ commonly known as the Variegated Elephant Bush, is a resilient and eye catching succulent native to South Africa. Its small, cream and green leaves grow along woody red/brown stems, creating a striking contrast. In nature, it can grow into large shrubs, but indoors it adapts beautifully to containers, bonsai training, and decorative arrangements.

What Makes it Special?

The Variegated Elephant Bush is not only beautiful, it’s functional. In its native environment, it’s a food source for elephants, hence the name. It’s also known for absorbing carbon dioxide at an impressive rate, making it an eco friendly addition to your collection. The variegated leaves bring brightness and pattern to arrangements, standing out from solid green varieties.

How to Care for Elephant Bush

Light

Prefers bright, indirect light to full sun. Outdoors, it thrives with morning sun and afternoon shade. Indoors, place near a sunny window or under grow lights.

Water

Water deeply but allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. It’s drought tolerant and very forgiving if you forget a watering or two.

Soil

Plant in a fast draining succulent or cactus mix. Add perlite or pumice to prevent root rot.

Temperature

Loves warmth and does best between 65–85°F. Protect from frost and bring indoors if temps dip below 50°F.

Fertilizer

Feed monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted succulent fertilizer.

Blooming

While it can produce clusters of tiny pink flowers in the right conditions, blooms are rare when grown indoors.

Pet Safe?

Non toxic to pets, which makes it one of the more worry free succulents for households with cats and dogs.

Humidity

Prefers low to average household humidity.

Propagation

Easily propagated from stem cuttings. Let cuttings callus before planting in dry, well draining soil.

Snap a pic, tag @UnboxmySuccly, and show us where your Elephant Bush lives. Bonus points if it’s bushy and full of color!