The Rooted Plant Shop
Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’ Rainbow Bush 3”
Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’ Rainbow Bush 3”
Each plant is unique. Size, shape, fullness, and variegation will vary.
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Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’, commonly called variegated elephant bush or rainbow bush, is a compact succulent with small, round leaves marked in green and creamy white, often with pink tones along the edges and red stems. The foliage grows in tight clusters along upright stems, giving it a full, structured look that can resemble a miniature jade tree. Its color contrast and clean shape make it a strong, easy-care statement in a small footprint.
Light is key to keeping the variegation bright and the plant compact. Place it in a south or west-facing window where it can receive strong natural light, or directly in an east window if that’s your brightest option. Under grow lights, use 5000K–6500K at 1500–3000 foot-candles. Too little light will cause the variegation to fade and the plant to stretch with wider spacing between leaves, while strong light enhances the pink tones and keeps growth tight.
Watering should be minimal and controlled. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, then water thoroughly and let it dry again. Use a mix of succulent soil, perlite, and orchid bark to keep it fast-draining. If the leaves begin to flatten and space out along the stem, it’s reaching for more light. If leaves wrinkle slightly but stay firm, it’s ready for water, while soft, yellowing leaves indicate it’s staying too wet rather than drying out.
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from 606 reviewsIt arrived on the windest day ever but was packaged amazingly to where nothing was damaged .
Excellent customer service and beautiful plants.
I’ll be back!
I had a wonderful experience with The Rooted Plant Shop. Their shipping process was incredibly thoughtful—everything was carefully wrapped with thick protective material and included thermal packaging to ensure the plants arrived safely.
When I opened the box, I was impressed to see that the plants looked exactly like the pictures—healthy, vibrant, and completely undamaged. As this was my first time ordering plants online, I had some concerns about shipping stress and quality, but this experience completely eliminated all of them.
Overall, it was a fantastic first impression, and I wouldn’t hesitate to order from them again. Highly recommended!
Absolutely adorable little pink princess. Love that it came in a clay pot. Plant seems super healthy and it working on a new leaf opening.
The Purple Passion is SUCH a gorgeous plant!! Her leaves are fuzzy with the most BEAUTIFUL purple color throughout!! LOVE this one!! 🥰
I received my plants in great condition & are of good quality
Awesome service. My plants are always beautiful and healthy. Mel is so attentive and helpful. Will always keep coming back.
Ive learned so much from this guide. Im no longer fearful waiting to see if pests appear and im more educated on dealing with them and preventing them. Thanks so much.
Shes healthy and happy shipped perfectly. Her roots are pretty too! Im ecstatic for this one my heart is happy thanks again MEL and THE rooted Plant team
First time ordering for this shop and I’m so happy I did! The plant came excellently packaged and protected! The white fusion calathea is gorgeous and just as shown on the site! Will definitely be ordering again!
I’m so happy with my purchase! My Anthurium Queen of Hearts arrived in perfect condition. The packaging was secure and done with so much care, keeping the plant safe and healthy during transit. You can really tell attention to detail went into it. Thank you so much—I’ll definitely be ordering again!
This plant is healthy large and in charge. Watching her command the aesthetic charm of the room is simply captivating