Portulacaria afra 'Variegata' (v)

RHS Plant Profile
elephant bush 'Variegata'
elephant bush 'Variegata' RHS

Synonyms

Crassula afra 'Variegata'
Portulacaria afra f. variegata
Portulacaria afra f. foliis-variegatis

Cactus Succulent Houseplants

A well-branched, succulent shrub that can reach 3m tall but is usually grown as a houseplant. The small, rounded, fleshy leaves are pale silvery-green with wide cream margins, carried on dark red stems. Very small, pale pink flowers are produced in clusters at the ends of stems in summer

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Didiereaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Portulacaria are shrubby succulents with fleshy stems, branches and leaves. Inconspicuous flowers are produced in small clusters
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in very well-drained compost, such as cactus compost, in bright but indirect light. Water well between mid-spring and mid-autumn; barely at all at other times. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation

Propagation

Root sections of stem in spring with bottom heat

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease-free