- Low Maintenance
- Light Preference/Tolerated (Bright Direct Light, Bright Indirect Light)
- Below Average Watering Needs
- Mature Height 8-15 feet
- Pet Safe
The Rainbow Elephant Bush Succulent is botanically called Portulacaria afra, but is widely known as the Elephant Bush. Originating from South Africa, it is one of the easiest succulents to take care of and a great first succulent plant to try growing at home. Producing bright-green, fleshy leaves on thick stems, it can reach up to 12 feet tall, although when grown in a pot indoors, it will keep to a far more manageable size.
Best Locations For Growing Rainbow Elephant Bush Succulent
Considered non-toxic, the Rainbow Elephant Bush Succulent can be grown in any room as long as it receives bright light and average room temperatures.
Rainbow Elephant Bush Succulent Sunlight Requirements
The Rainbow Elephant Bush Succulent thrives in high levels of light, although it will tolerate a room with medium light conditions. For it to grow best, place it near a bright window where it will receive at least 6 hours of light a day. If moving the Rainbow Elephant Bush Succulent to a spot with higher light levels, it may need to be done so gradually, in order to acclimatize the plant to the new conditions and not scorch the leaves.
Rainbow Elephant Bush Succulent Care
Preferring a temperature of 65°F to 80°F the Rainbow Elephant Bush Succulent can be grown indoors or placed outdoors during the warmer months. At the end of summer when the temperature drops below 60 °F, bring the plant inside. If the leaves turn yellow or die, they can be pruned away using a pair of sharp scissors that have been sanitized. Every 2 to 3 years the Rainbow Elephant Bush Succulent will require repotting into a slightly larger pot, which is best done in spring with a fresh and free-draining succulent potting mix.
Watering Rainbow Elephant Bush Succulent
As with most succulents, the Rainbow Elephant Bush Succulent prefers to be allowed to dry out in between watering. When the soil is dry, it can be watered thoroughly, ideally with harvested rainwater. Place the plant back into its pot once any excess water has been allowed to drain away.
Feeding Rainbow Elephant Bush Succulent
The Rainbow Elephant Bush Succulent will benefit from being given a monthly feed of succulent or cactus fertilizer diluted to half strength from spring until the fall. However, it is not recommended to feed this succulent during its winter dormancy period.
Rainbow Elephant Bush Succulent Information
Light Exposure: Bright Direct Light, Bright Indirect Light |
Care Requirements: Easy |
Watering Requirements: Below Average - Let the soil dry completely, then, water deeply. |
Pet Friendly: Yes |
Kid Friendly: Yes |
Air Purifier: High |
Habit: Upright |
Growth Rate: Slow |
Mature Height: 8-15 feet |
Mature Spread: 6 feet |
Flowering: Yes |
Flower Color(s): Pink, Purple |
Flower Shade/Description: Lavender-Pink |
Fragrant: |
Foliage Type: Variegated |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: Green/Lime, Pink, Variegated, White, Yellow/Gold |
Temperature: 65° - 80°F (18° - 27°C) |
Humidity: 75% Or Above |
Common Name: Rainbow Elephant Bush Succulent |
Other Name(s): Rainbow Bush |
Scientific Name: Portulacaria afra Variegata |
Plant Type: House Plant |
- SKU:
- Succ_Portulacaria_Rainbow.Bush-HP
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.