Grow Portulacaria afra this way and it will grow like crazy, becoming a small tree in just 1 year

The stems and leaves of Portulacaria afra are tender green, remaining verdant through all four seasons, and the denser the leaves, the more shapely the form. So how can you grow Portulacaria afra into a full, bursting pot? You need to provide the necessary conditions and care according to the habits of Portulacaria afra, and it will surely grow better and better. Let's take a look together below!

Growth habits:

Portulacaria afra prefers a warm, dry environment, needs plenty of light, is drought-tolerant, and also tolerates partial shade.

Cultivation key points:

(1). Soil: It requires well-drained, loose, fertile soil. Generally, you can prepare a growing medium of leaf mold and garden soil, and add river sand to improve soil aeration. The nutrients in the soil will also eventually be used up, so generally repot once every 1~2 years.

(2). Light: Portulacaria afra likes light, but it should not be exposed to overly harsh sun, which can easily scorch the leaves. During the high-temperature period in summer, necessary shade measures should be taken. In winter, keep it in a place with plenty of light, otherwise the leaves will wither and become thin, affecting growth.

(3). Watering: Water mainly according to the principle of not watering until dry, and watering thoroughly when you do. In winter, it is still best to keep the potting soil on the drier side; during the growing season in spring and autumn, water moderately but do not let water accumulate. In hot seasons, spray water around it to maintain humidity and lower the temperature.

(4). Fertilizing: During the growing period in spring and autumn, fertilize about once every 5 days, mainly with a dilute fertilizer based on nitrogen fertilizer. Do not apply too much fertilizer or use too high a concentration, as this can easily cause fertilizer burn, killing the plant or causing leggy growth. Appropriately adding potassium fertilizer can lead to better growth.

(5). Pruning: Proper pruning can lead to better growth, promote the sprouting of new branches and leaves, and at the same time make the shape look better. When it grows too tall, branch and leaf growth will stall, so it is time to prune; you can do heavy pruning, as Portulacaria afra has strong sprouting ability.

(6). Cuttings: Portulacaria afra cuttings are generally taken in spring and autumn, which gives a high survival rate. Choose robust branches about 8~12cm long, let the wounds dry in a shady place for 1~2 days, and that is enough. Then insert them into a sand bed; with suitable temperature and humidity, they will take root in half a month.