Rainbow Elephant Bush Succulent

Light Needs

Bright Direct Light to Bright Indirect Light

Mature Height

8 - 15 Feet

Mature Spread

6 Feet

Feature

Low Maintenance

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.

SKU:

Succ_Portulacaria_Rainbow.Bush-HP