Variegated Elephant Bush Portulacaria afra 'Variegata' (v)
ABOUT
The Portulacaria afra 'Variegata', commonly known as the variegated elephant bush, is a striking succulent plant with a naturally shrubby and sprawling growth habit. The leaves are its most distinctive feature, being small, plump, and glossy with a refreshing palette of colors. Each leaf typically showcases a mix of green and creamy white or pale yellow hues, arranged in a beautiful variegated pattern that makes the plant stand out in any setting. The leaves are attached to reddish-brown stems that tend to weave and intertwine, giving the plant an intriguing structure and form. The variegation can vary across different individuals; some may have more white or yellow on their leaves, while others are predominantly green with only subtle streaks of the lighter shades. This variation in pigmentation adds to the unique charm of each specimen. The compactness of the leaf arrangement along the stems contributes to its lush, dense appearance, making the variegated elephant bush an attractive choice for decorative container plantings or as an accent in rock gardens. Overall, the visual appeal of this plant lies in its colorful, textured foliage and tangled, woody stems which create a delightful miniature landscape on a smaller scale.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Didiereaceae.
Synonyms
Variegated Elephant Bush, Rainbow Bush, Mini Jade, Variegated Dwarf Jade Plant.
Common names
Portulacaria afra 'Variegata'
ToxicityTo humans
The most common common name for Portulacaria afra 'Variegata' is variegated elephant bush. Variegated elephant bush is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of any plant material can potentially cause mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction in some individuals. It is best to avoid eating this plant.
To pets
The most common common name for Portulacaria afra 'Variegata' is variegated elephant bush. While variegated elephant bush is often not listed as toxic to pets, it is advisable to prevent pets from ingesting the plant. If ingested, some pets might experience gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is best to keep this plant out of reach of pets to avoid any potential problems.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Height
8-15 feet (2.4-4.6 meters)
Spread
4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 meters)
Plant type
Succulent
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy Care: The plant is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering, making it ideal for beginners or those who prefer low-maintenance plants.
- Visual Appeal: With its variegated leaves, the plant provides an attractive splash of color to any room or garden.
- Suitable for Small Spaces: It can be easily grown in small pots, making it suitable for balconies, window sills, and small gardens.
- Adaptability: It can thrive in various light conditions, from full sun to partial shade.
- Soil Tolerance: The plant is not fussy about soil type and can grow in poor soils as long as they have good drainage.
- Fast Growing: It tends to grow quickly, providing a sense of satisfaction to the grower with its rapid development.
- Propagation Ease: It can be propagated from cuttings with high success rates, allowing gardeners to create more plants easily.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Variegated Elephant Bush is often used as a bonsai plant due to its small leaves and woody stems, which allow it to be shaped and maintained in miniature form.
- In its native habitat, the plant is used as a food source for elephants, hence the common name Elephant Bush.
- This succulent can be used in xeriscaping, a landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation.
- It can serve as a hardy ground cover in warm climates, providing erosion control on sloped terrain.
- Hanging baskets can be adorned with Variegated Elephant Bush, its cascading growth habit adds visual interest and greenery.
- It's used in fairy gardens, complementing miniature structures and accessories with its small, proportionate foliage.
- Gardeners might employ this plant as a natural fence or privacy screen in areas where it can grow tall.
- Variegated Elephant Bush can be used as a living mulch, its dense growth can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- In coastal areas, it can be planted to help stabilize sand dunes and prevent erosion.
- Due to its drought tolerance, it is often used in fire-resistant landscaping to create defensive space around properties.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Rainbow Elephant Bush is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Rainbow Elephant Bush is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Drought Resilience: The variegated rainbow bush is highly resistant to dry conditions, symbolizing the ability to endure and thrive in harsh environments.
- Wealth and Prosperity: In some cultures, such as the Chinese Feng Shui, the rainbow bush is thought to attract wealth and abundance, much like the related Jade plant, due to its coin-shaped leaves.
- Good Fortune: Its lush greenery and ease of propagation are seen as signs of good luck and positive growth, reflective of how easily it shares its bounty.
- Eco-Friendliness: Its carbon-storing properties as a succulent make it a symbol for environmental consciousness and the promotion of a healthier planet.
WaterThe Rainbow Bush should be watered sparingly; as a succulent, it stores water in its leaves. It is adequate to water the plant thoroughly once every two weeks, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. When watering, ensure to soak the soil until water runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Depending on the size of the plant and pot, use about 8 to 16 ounces of water for small to medium pots, and up to 1 gallon for larger ones during each watering session.
LightThe Rainbow Bush thrives in bright, indirect light and can tolerate direct morning sunlight. However, it should be protected from the harsh afternoon sun. A spot near a south or east-facing window is ideal to provide the best light conditions throughout the day.
TemperatureThe Rainbow Bush prefers warm temperatures and does well in a typical indoor range of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit but should not be exposed to frost as it could damage the plant. Maintaining the ideal temperature range promotes healthy growth and prevents stress.
PruningThe Rainbow Bush benefits from pruning to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. It's best to prune in the spring at the start of the growing season. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and you can also trim back any overly long stems to keep the plant compact. Pruning once or twice a year is typically sufficient.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra 'Variegata') is a well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or pumice to increase aeration. The soil pH should ideally be between 6.0 and 7.5. Regular potting soil should be avoided, as it retains too much moisture and could lead to root rot.
RepottingElephant Bush should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown its current pot. Being a succulent, it has a relatively slow growth rate, so frequent repotting is not necessary. Be sure to use fresh succulent mix soil when repotting to refresh the nutrients.
Humidity & MistingElephant Bush prefers low to average humidity levels and is quite tolerant of dry indoor environments. It does not require high humidity and excessive humidity could be detrimental, potentially leading to fungal issues or rot.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Elephant Bush in bright, indirect light and keep it away from drafts.
Outdoor
Plant Elephant Bush in partial sun; protect from hot afternoon sun.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cyclePortulacaria afra 'Variegata', commonly known as Rainbow Bush or Variegated Elephant Bush, begins its life cycle as a seed or more commonly through stem cuttings, which root readily in well-draining soil. As a succulent, it enters a stage of rapid vegetative growth, developing fleshy, variegated green and white leaves along red-tinged stems, ideal in bright, indirect sunlight. Over time, the plant becomes a dense mat or bush, and when mature, it may produce small, star-shaped pink or purple flowers, particularly if stressed or seasonally induced. It is a slow to moderate grower that can live for many years, becoming more treelike in habit as woody stems thicken. The Rainbow Bush may experience periods of dormancy, particularly in cooler temperatures, where growth slows significantly. Eventually, old age or environmental stressors may lead to its decline, but it can propagate itself by dropping leaves or stems that root to form new plants, continuing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Portulacaria afra 'Variegata', commonly known as variegated elephant bush, is through stem cuttings. The best time for propagation is during the warmer months of spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, a healthy stem is selected, cut with a sharp, sterilized knife or scissors, ensuring that the cutting is about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) long. The cut end is then allowed to dry and callous over for a few days to prevent rot when planted. Once calloused, the cutting is inserted into a well-draining soil mix, lightly moistened, and placed in a warm, bright location away from direct sunlight until roots develop. Regular, but careful watering helps to establish the cutting, which usually takes a few weeks. It's essential to avoid overwatering during this period to prevent rot.