If you are looking to add something special to your collection, this live Portulacaria Afra is a great choice. Its thick, gnarled trunk and twisting surface roots give it the look of a tree that has been shaped over many years, and it commands attention anywhere you put it. Whether you are deep into collecting rare specimens or want one true centerpiece for your space, this Elephant Bush does not disappoint. Standing about 34 inches tall, your specimen is the exact tree photographed, and every Dwarf Jade we sell is prepared carefully by hand so it arrives looking fresh and healthy.
1x Specimen bonsai tree, approximately 34 inches tall.
1x Custom Unboxing, Placement, and Care Guide. (Note: The bonsai pot shown in the photos is not included.)
It is normal for this plant to drop a handful of its small round leaves after moving to a new home. Changes in light, temperature, and humidity cause it to shed some foliage while it adjusts. New leaves will push out from the branch tips once it settles in.
Leaf drop is not a sign of thirst. Extra water in a bonsai pot is the fastest way to cause root rot in this succulent. Keep to the watering schedule below and let the tree acclimate on its own.
Acclimating: Give your tree a bright spot out of harsh direct sun for the first week while it adjusts.
Light: Bright light is key. Indoors, place it in your sunniest window or under a grow light for 12 to 14 hours a day. Outdoors, it thrives in full morning sun with light afternoon shade; introduce stronger sun gradually.
Watering: Use the soak-and-dry method. Water thoroughly until it drains, then wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again. Water less in winter.
Soil: Keep it in a fast-draining, gritty succulent or bonsai mix.
Pruning: This plant responds well to pruning in spring and summer, which keeps the canopy compact and full.
For the collectors who like the exact taxonomy, this specimen is Portulacaria afra, a member of the Didiereaceae family (formerly placed in Portulacaceae). It was first described as Crassula portulacaria, and you may also see it called Elephant Bush, Elephant Food, Dwarf Jade, Miniature Jade, Spekboom, or Porkbush.
(Note for search indexing: This collector's item is sometimes searched for or misspelled online as Portulacaria afro, Portulacria afra, Portulaccaria afra, or Elephant Bush bonzai.)
Hardiness Zone: 10-11 (Thrives in temperatures around 30°F / -1.1°C and above).
Bloom Time: Late spring to summer on mature, sun-grown plants (Produces tiny pink star-shaped flowers).
Toxicity: Generally considered non-toxic to pets and humans.
If you are looking to add something special to your collection, this live Portulacaria Afra is a great choice. Its thick, gnarled trunk and twisting surface roots give it the look of a tree that has been shaped over many years, and it commands attention anywhere you put it. Whether you are deep into collecting rare specimens or want one true centerpiece for your space, this Elephant Bush does not disappoint. Standing about 34 inches tall, your specimen is the exact tree photographed, and every Dwarf Jade we sell is prepared carefully by hand so it arrives looking fresh and healthy.
1x Specimen bonsai tree, approximately 34 inches tall.
1x Custom Unboxing, Placement, and Care Guide. (Note: The bonsai pot shown in the photos is not included.)
It is normal for this plant to drop a handful of its small round leaves after moving to a new home. Changes in light, temperature, and humidity cause it to shed some foliage while it adjusts. New leaves will push out from the branch tips once it settles in.
Leaf drop is not a sign of thirst. Extra water in a bonsai pot is the fastest way to cause root rot in this succulent. Keep to the watering schedule below and let the tree acclimate on its own.
Acclimating: Give your tree a bright spot out of harsh direct sun for the first week while it adjusts.
Light: Bright light is key. Indoors, place it in your sunniest window or under a grow light for 12 to 14 hours a day. Outdoors, it thrives in full morning sun with light afternoon shade; introduce stronger sun gradually.
Watering: Use the soak-and-dry method. Water thoroughly until it drains, then wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again. Water less in winter.
Soil: Keep it in a fast-draining, gritty succulent or bonsai mix.
Pruning: This plant responds well to pruning in spring and summer, which keeps the canopy compact and full.
For the collectors who like the exact taxonomy, this specimen is Portulacaria afra, a member of the Didiereaceae family (formerly placed in Portulacaceae). It was first described as Crassula portulacaria, and you may also see it called Elephant Bush, Elephant Food, Dwarf Jade, Miniature Jade, Spekboom, or Porkbush.
(Note for search indexing: This collector's item is sometimes searched for or misspelled online as Portulacaria afro, Portulacria afra, Portulaccaria afra, or Elephant Bush bonzai.)
Hardiness Zone: 10-11 (Thrives in temperatures around 30°F / -1.1°C and above).
Bloom Time: Late spring to summer on mature, sun-grown plants (Produces tiny pink star-shaped flowers).
Toxicity: Generally considered non-toxic to pets and humans.
