Portulacaria afra – Elephant Bush

Portulacaria afra, commonly known as Elephant Bush, is a versatile perennial succulent native to South Africa. It forms a branching, bushy plant with fleshy, glossy green leaves and is valued for its attractive appearance, drought tolerance and adaptability.

With its naturally woody stems and compact foliage, Elephant Bush is particularly well suited to bonsai and container growing. It can also be grown outdoors in warm climates or brought indoors in cooler regions. When grown under suitable conditions, it can develop into a larger shrub while regular pruning helps maintain a compact, sculptural form.

This easy-care succulent performs best in well-drained soil and enjoys full to partial sun outdoors or bright indirect light indoors. Its fleshy foliage stores moisture, allowing it to tolerate periods of dry conditions once established.