How to Grow Portulacaria afra (Elephant Bush)? Detailed Guide to Planting Methods and Care Essentials

Portulacaria afra is a very beautiful plant. Its leaves are fleshy, and the new branches are purplish-red in full sunlight. It looks very beautiful and attractive when grown. So how do you grow Portulacaria afra?

1. Soil

Portulacaria afra likes fertile, loose soil, and leaf mold, garden soil, or plant ash is generally best. It is best to choose a ceramic flower pot of a suitable size that has a certain degree of breathability, as this is more suitable for growing Portulacaria afra.

2. Temperature

Portulacaria afra relatively likes warm environments with plenty of sunlight. In winter, pay attention to keeping Portulacaria afra warm; the indoor temperature should be above 12°C. Although it will not suffer frostbite or freeze to death if it does not go below 5°C, its leaves will drop. Although it likes warmth and environments with plenty of sunlight, because summer temperatures are relatively high, it cannot be placed in the blazing sun; be sure to shade Portulacaria afra from the sun and pay attention to indoor ventilation.

3. Watering

Follow the principle of not watering until the soil is dry. In spring and summer, water once every four days; in autumn, extend it to watering once every five to six days; in winter, Portulacaria afra is relatively less cold-tolerant, so the watering frequency should be extended further to once every 7-10 days. Note that the soil surface must not be too wet, and there must be no standing water, otherwise the roots will rot. In winter, the surface of the potting soil should be slightly dry.

4. Fertilizing

Mainly use nitrogen fertilizer as the primary fertilizer, and apply diluted liquid fertilizer once every 20 days.

Portulacaria afra is still relatively easy to grow, and the grown Portulacaria afra is also very cute. Placed on a balcony, it can add a different kind of color.