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Shrubs
Spek Boom / Elephant Bush
Portulacaria Afra
Is a hardy, small-leaved succulent shrub or small tree valued for its drought tolerance.
Quick Care Summary
Light
Full sun to Partial Shade.
Water
Low
Mature size
2m-5m
Frost
Frost sensitive
Difficulty
Easy
Flowering
Summer
How to Grow and Care
- Light: Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily but tolerates partial shade.
- Indoors, place near a south- or west-facing window
- Soil: Needs well-draining soil, such as cactus or succulent mix, or regular potting soil amended with perlite or sand
- Watering: Highly drought-tolerant; water sparingly, allowing soil to dry between watering. Overwatering can cause root rot, especially in variegated varieties
- Propagation: Easily propagated from cuttings, which root readily and can grow into new plants
Best Uses
- Indoor plant
- Outdoor garden
- Patio / container
Growth and Size
- Height: 2-5m
- Width: 1m
- Growth rate: Fast
- Foliage: Bright Green
Climate Suitability
- Soil condition: Well-draining sandy soil.
- Temperature: Warm & dry.
- Watering: Drought Hardy.
- Watering: Sensitive to waterlogged soil.
- Wind: Tolerant
Maintenance Level
- Low maintenance.
- Occasional pruning
- Don't need a lot of pruning, dead leaves and branches after winter, or when trimmed into a topiary.
- Fertilize in the beginning of summer with slow release fertelizer.
Additional Information
- Native to South Africa.
- Have edible leaves and medicinal values.
- Have red stems, ideal for Bonsai's
- Plays a role in carbon sequestration
- Restoration of semi-arid landscapes.