Baby jade plant
Portulacaria afra
#56 of the top 100
How to care
Portulacaria afra, commonly known as Elephant Bush, is a succulent native to South Africa. It is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in bright, indirect light and can tolerate some direct sunlight. It is well-suited for indoor environments and is often used in bonsai due to its small leaves and woody stems. This plant is easy to care for, making it a popular choice for beginners.
Light Preference
Part Shade
Full Sun
Size
- Height
- 1.5 m – 2.5 m
- Spread
- 1 m – 1.5 m
- Years
- 10 – 20
Preferred soil
Loam
Sand
Acidic
Alkaline
Neutral
Propagation
Cutting
Life Cycle
Perennial
Lives for more than two years.
Hardiness Zone
9b
-3.9°C – -1.1°C
Leaves
- Evergreen
- Green
- Succulent
Flowers
- Showy
- Pink
Edible parts
In Southern Africa, the leaves of Portulacaria afra are commonly consumed as part of salads or soups. They are appreciated for their slightly tart flavor, which can add a refreshing element to dishes.
Informational only — not a guarantee that a part is safe to eat. Missing data does not mean a plant is inedible.
Other names
- Dwarf jade plant
- Elephant bush
- Porkbush
- Purslane tree
- Spekboom
Taxonomy
- Order
- Caryophyllales
- Family
- Didiereaceae
- Genus
- Portulacaria