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Elephant bush 3”
Elephant bush 3”
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Portulacaria afra, commonly known as "Elephant Bush" or "Porkbush," is a hardy and low-maintenance succulent that thrives in a variety of home environments. Here's how to care for it:
Light
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Direction of Light: Portulacaria afra does best in bright, indirect light, ideally near a south or west-facing window. While it can tolerate some direct sunlight, too much can cause the leaves to scorch. If the light is too dim, the plant may become leggy.
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Ideal Placement: Place it in a spot with plenty of natural light, but avoid direct sun for prolonged periods, especially in summer.
Watering
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Watering Frequency: Like most succulents, it prefers to dry out between waterings. Water when the soil is completely dry. During the growing season (spring and summer), you might water every 2-3 weeks, while in fall and winter, watering can be reduced to once a month.
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Watering Tips: Ensure that the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot. Water thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain away, but avoid leaving the plant sitting in water.
Temperature
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Preferred Temperature: This plant thrives in temperatures between 65°F (18°C) and 85°F (29°C). It’s sensitive to frost, so keep it indoors or move it to a protected area if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Soil
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Soil Type: Portulacaria afra prefers well-draining, slightly sandy or cactus mix soil. It’s important that the soil doesn't retain too much moisture, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing
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Fertilization: During the growing season (spring and summer), feed your Portulacaria afra with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks. Don’t fertilize in the winter when the plant is dormant.
Problems to Watch Out For
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Overwatering: The most common problem is overwatering, leading to root rot. Ensure the soil dries out completely between waterings and that the pot has good drainage.
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Leggy Growth: This happens when the plant isn’t receiving enough light. If this occurs, move it to a sunnier spot to encourage compact growth.
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Pests: Portulacaria afra can occasionally attract mealybugs, aphids, or scale. If you notice pests, treat with insecticidal soap or wipe the leaves with a damp cloth.
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Leaf Drop: If the plant is stressed (due to overwatering, too much sunlight, or insufficient water), the leaves may start to drop. Adjust care accordingly.
General Tips for Thriving
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Pruning: If your Portulacaria afra becomes too leggy, you can prune it back to encourage fuller growth. It responds well to pruning and can even be propagated by cutting and rooting.
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Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and check the root health. This is also a good time to move it into a slightly larger pot if it’s outgrowing its current one.
With the right conditions, Portulacaria afra is a resilient and attractive plant, adding a touch of greenery with minimal fuss!
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it came in great shape, I’m so excited to see it grow!!

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Beautiful plant and well packaged. Unfortunately UPS treated the box like a football and 5 of the leaves had the tops snapped. Not RPS’s fault.

This plant does not even look Real! But it is! Barely even a wrinkle on arrival! Thank you Mel! I will be buying more!

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I love all my plants this one is just so stinking CUTE!
