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What are the characteristics of Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta'? Let us introduce you to this succulent plant

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Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta', also known as variegated elephant bush, is a variegated cultivar. Native to South Africa, it prefers a sunny, warm and dry environment. Its leaf shape and color are quite attractive, giving it ornamental value; as a potted plant it can be placed next to a TV or computer to absorb radiation, and it can also be planted indoors to absorb substances such as formaldehyde and purify the air.

Growth habits of Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta'

A variegated cultivar of the elephant bush. It likes warmth and bright light. It is drought-tolerant but not cold-tolerant, and the winter temperature should not be lower than 10°C.

Optimal temperature: 21-24°C

Watering: keep moist during the growing season

Light: bright light

Propagation: cuttings

Pests and diseases: rust, scale insects

Combination suggestions: Graptopetalum paraguayense 'Bronze', Portulacaria afra f. variegata

Care tips for Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta'

Potting mix: repot every spring. When repotting, cut off overly long and dense stem nodes to keep the stems and leaves evenly distributed. Use a mix of leaf mold, fertile native soil and coarse sand, with a small amount of superphosphate added. Keep the potting soil moist during the growing season, but ensure good drainage.

Watering: during high summer temperatures, be careful to control watering and maintain good ventilation. You can mist around the pot to increase air humidity. Reduce watering in winter and keep the potting soil slightly dry.

Fertilizing: fertilize once every 2 months with diluted cake fertilizer water or "Huiyou" 15-15-30 special fertilizer for potted flowers.

Propagation methods of Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta'

Cuttings: in spring or autumn, cut semi-mature branches 8-10 cm long, insert them into a sand bed, and they will root after about 3 weeks; pot them up after 4 weeks.

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