- Description
Description
Portulacaria Afra – Jade Afra Bonsai
Portulacaria afra, commonly known as Elephant Bush or Dwarf Jade Plant, is a succulent shrub native to South Africa. It’s a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor cultivation due to its attractive appearance and ease of care.
The Jade is considered an indoor tree in most temperate zones, although it can be grown outdoors in full sun and high temperatures. Do not let temperatures drop below 40 °F (5 °C). It requires substantial light, full sun if possible, especially when kept indoors. You’ll know if your Jade tree is getting enough sunlight when it’s leaves develop red tips or edges.
Fertilize your Jade tree once a month, spring through autumn, during the growth season. Any normal fertilizer, should be fine.
During autumn months it occasionally blossoms white flowers, but only if there have been droughts in the season. The bark is green and soft when it’s young, and it transitions into a red-brown color as it ages. The Dwarf Jade (Portulacaria afra, or Elephant bush) is very similar to the Jade (Crassula ovata) and the same care guidelines apply to both species. As the name suggests, the Dwarf Jade has smaller leaves which makes it more suitable for Bonsai cultivation.
