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Cactus & Succulent Garden

Dwarf Elephant Bush

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Dwarf Elephant Bush

• Common Name: Dwarf Elephant Bush
  
• Scientific Name: Portulacaria afra ‘Prostrata’
  
• Family Name: Didiereaceae
  
• Origin: South Africa
  
• Height: Prostrate
  
• Width: 4-6 ft
  
• Growth: Slow
  
• Zone: USDA Zones 9 through 11
  
• Light needs: Bright, indirect or dappled light
  
• Salt tolerance: Moderate
  
• Soil/pH/Texture: Needs very well-drained soil, such as a cactus potting mix, with a circumneutral pH (6.5 to 7.5)
  
• Moisture: Low water needs, allow soil to completely dry out between waterings.
  
• Drought tolerance: High
  
• Pests/Diseases: Susceptible to root rot when overwatered.
  
• Growing conditions: Grow this succulent in a well-drained area, as too much water will cause root rot. Water regularly during hot summer months when the soil is dry, then restrict watering in the winter when the plant goes dormant. It is hardy down to 25°F. It grows in both sun and shade, but a mix of both is ideal.
  
• Characteristics: This plant is a cultivated variety of Portulacaria afra. Unlike Portulacaria afra, this plant has a sprawling, trailing habit rather than having erect stems. Other than that, the two are similar in appearance and needs. The stems are reddish-brown in color, with round, succulent, emerald-green leaves which grow oppositely along the stem. A pair of prominent stipules accompanies each leaf. The small, purple flowers are very rarely seen.
  
• Propagation: By cuttings.
  
• Wildlife: In the wild, Portulacaria afra is eaten by elephants and other herbivorous animals.
  
• Designer considerations: This plant is most commonly seen in hanging baskets, where the stems trail down from the edges in an aesthetically pleasing way. It is also a good ground cover plant, especially for xeric and succulent gardens.