Portulacaria Afra Variegata RAINBOW Elephant bush propagating pruning - MOODY BLOOMS

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Elephant Bush Succulent plant trimming and propagation with Moody Blooms!
Portulacaria afra (pronounced por-tew-luh-KAR-ee-uh AF-ruh) is a bushy succulent shrub belonging to the Didiereaceae family.
It is also known as Elephant Bush, Dwarf Jade, Mini Jade, Elephant food, Chinese Jade Plant, Pork Bush, or Spekboom (Afrikaans for bacon tree).
Is native to South Africa, they serve as food for elephants in their native habitat and can grow up to 20 feet tall. The foliage of Portulacaria Afra is used as food in some native cultures. The foliage is edible - and is commonly eaten in southern Africa, usually in salads or soups to add a sour flavor - and was traditionally used medicinally for a variety of minor ailments.
The plant is known to absorb carbon in the air which is why it has gleaned a reputation for being a carbon-sponge plant. It removes more carbon dioxide from the air during photosynthesis than most other plants and is one of the most successful Carbon Sinks in the world.
They have reddish-brown stems with glossy green leaves and the stem gets thicker over time as the plant matures. These plants are very easy to grow and propagate. They start out as a small bush and eventually grow tall and tree-like.
They are hardiest in USDA zones 9-11. Elephant Bush can handle mild frost and cold temperatures to 25° degrees Fahrenheit for a short period of time.If you live in a climate with freezing winter temperatures, it’s best to grow Afra in a container so the plant can move indoors during the colder months.
They grow upright horizontally but can also spread out laterally and sprawl or hang, which makes them a great choice for hanging baskets.
Its decorative and structural succulent features make it a very popular houseplant, albeit one that is kept outside. It can grow up to 2 meters in height and can be controlled with proper trimming and shaping. It can withstand long drought and heat waves but doesn’t flower during cultivations.
Portulacaria Variegata is known as the rainbow bush. It’s a succulent shrub that has creamy leaves with a light green center stripe. It has a tinge of magenta on the edge of the leaf which persists all year round.
The Jade Plant is found in many varieties as mentioned above, and it persists as a popular houseplant due to its sparse requirements for care as well as its simple but beautiful colors and ability to persist in harsh conditions. A slow growing, low sprawling evergreen succulent groundcover with attractive reddish brown stems and pale yellow to light green rounded leaves. Leaf color varies with new growth and color shades are influenced by the time of the year, water and fertilizer. Can be grown in full sun to light shade.
Elephant Bush Pest or Disease Problems
This plant is susceptible to mealy bugs that appear as small, cottony spots on the leaves. Get rid of these by wiping it down with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
Other problems with Elephant Bush include leaf dropping and leaf yellowing. Leaf Yellowing is caused by over or under watering.
In addition to being a pleasing ornamental plant, Elephant Bush has a number of uses.
It is also used to feed elephants, hence the name ‘elephant food’. It forms up to 80% of the diet of elephants. An elephant eats up to 200kg of Spekboom leaves per day. It is widely browsed by domestic and wild animals because of its ability to remain succulent despite periods of searing heat and drought, and is a favorite food of tortoises.
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My favorite moisture meter! Takes the guesswork out of when to water: amzn.to/2X0oAXP
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Sprayer for administering mealy bug killer or for watering: amzn.to/2X1rsnm
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Extra long Tweezers for removing dead leaves: amzn.to/2WW5Icy
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