Propagation and Growing Methods for the Potted Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta' (Rainbow Bush)

Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta', also known as Rainbow Bush, Gongsun tree and so on, has beautiful leaf shapes and flowers; its flowers are pink and very lovely. Today, the editor will introduce to you the propagation and growing methods for Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta'.

1. Propagation methods for Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta'

1. Cuttings

Cuttings of Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta' are generally taken during the growing season, that is, in March and April, though cuttings can be taken in other seasons as long as the temperature is between 15°C and 25°C. The cuttings can be branches trimmed off during shaping; the length requirement is not strict, but there must be at least 3 to 4 pairs of leaves. Before inserting, remove the lower leaves and let them dry for 1 to 2 days. After the wounds have dried, insert them into the growing medium, place them where there is no direct sunlight, and keep the soil slightly moist. They can root in 2 to 3 weeks.

2. Grafting

Because Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta' was introduced not long ago, gnarled, old, antique-looking trunks are not easy to find, and grafting does not demand much in the choice of rootstock variety, so people often use the old trunk of the more vigorous original species——Portulacaria afra——as the rootstock and graft by the inlay method. This method works very well. Grafting is also best done during the growing season, using the original species of Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta', Portulacaria afra, as the rootstock and grafting by the cleft method.

2. Growing methods for Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta'

1. Soil

Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta' requires loose, fertile soil with good drainage and aeration. You can also mix the soil yourself: commonly 2 parts leaf mold, 2 parts coarse sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1 part garden soil, with a small amount of plant ash or bone meal mixed in as base fertilizer, used after mixing evenly. Repot once in spring every 1 to 2 years; when repotting, cut off rotten roots and plant in new growing medium.

2. Light

Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta' likes an environment with plenty of sunlight. Although it can also grow normally under semi-shade and scattered light, the distance between stem nodes becomes longer, making the plant loose and not compact, which affects its ornamental value. So it can be given full sun, with appropriate shading during high temperatures. In addition, ensure good ventilation during the high temperatures of summer to prevent leaf drop and root rot caused by muggy, humid conditions.

3. Watering

Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta' likes a dry environment and is drought-tolerant. Usually, watering should follow the principle of “water thoroughly after the soil dries out”, avoiding long-term water accumulation in the pot. In winter, water less and keep the pot soil dry; once a month is enough. When the temperature is above 35°C, mist around the pot to increase air humidity. Do not leave it in long periods of rain during the rainy season, to avoid root rot. Keep the pot soil dry in winter; it can overwinter safely at around 5°C.

4. Fertilizing

Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta' likes fertilizer, so during the peak growing seasons of spring and autumn, apply a diluted decomposed liquid fertilizer or compound fertilizer once every half month. However, note that the nitrogen content in the fertilizer water must not be too high, lest the leaves contain too much green and fail to highlight the variety's characteristics. When fertilizing, dilute with water and apply along the edge of the pot; do not fertilize close to the plant's roots.

5. Shaping

Because this species grows quickly, Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta' must be pruned and shaped frequently, removing excess branches to keep the plant's form graceful. Shaping can be done by combining wiring and pruning. Common forms include straight-trunk style, curved-trunk style, slanting-trunk style, cascade style, waterside style and other different forms. You can learn more about them online.

The above are the propagation and growing methods for Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta'. Hope they can help you!