Elephant bush is adaptable to different soil types as long as the drainage is good. produce large heart-shaped leaves that impress with their bright red, green, cream and purple colors. I know of 8 varieties of Portulacaria afra. Select a relatively small plastic pot with a depth of at least 5 inches and several drainage holes around the bottom. It is huge, about 7 feet wide now, and falling over. 4. How To Propagate Elephant Ear Plant (Tuber & Rhizome Division Guide) 3 views; 4 minute read; 0 Shares 0. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. To test your plant's root formation, gently tug on the stem of the cutting. However, it will look better if it is given a little attention throughout the year. Remove a stem from the main plant, and allow it to callous for several days before placing on well-draining soil. Let’s take a look at how plants make more plants in ways other than from seeds. Large Leaf Elephant Food (Portulacaria afra macrophylla) (Jacobsen): This stemmed succulent is particularly versatile and easy to grow.Plant it outdoors in warm climates and it can grow into a dense, 4.0' tall shrub. 0. Variegated Elephant Food makes a fine choice for the outdoor landscape, but it is also well-suited for use in outdoor pots and containers. Expel a stem out of the plant using a sterile razor blade or sharp pair of scissors. Easy to Grow this edible landscape plant. It is estimated that these plants make up about 80% of an elephant’s diet. Portulacaria Afra “Elephant Shrub” (likewise called “Hippo Food, or” “Dwarf Jade”) is a huge, bushing succulent that has woody stems and can grow to extraordinary heights if given the appropriate time, nutrients, and finest germinating conditions. If you choose to feed your “elephant food plant/pork bush” with a fertilizer, dilute it to half of its recommended strength. 0 Shares 0. Remove the bottom leaves from the stem cutting, leaving a 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) section of the stem bare. You should leave the fallen leaves alone and let them do their thing. Portulacaceae : Form: Succulent perennial Seasonality: Evergreen. How to Propagate a Portulacaria Afra Plant: Obtain a few stem cuttings or leaf cuttings and let them dry for a day or so. Propagation of Elephant Bush Succulents Like most succulents, elephant bush is easy to reproduce from cuttings. Growing Elephant Food: Portulacaria afra flowers climate zones watering pruning propagation in hot, dry climates and Arizona and California. This is important to prevent the stem from rotting when you plant it. Moisten the soil sparingly, adding water only when it feels dry beneath the surface. The genus is comprised of just a few species, by far the most popular of which is Portulacaria afra. Elephant bush is a drought-tolerant plant, ideally suited to growing in arid, desert-like environments.. Oct 16, 2016 - Explore Kyzlen Stein's board "Elephant plant" on Pinterest. The difference between jade plant and elephant bush is minimal when it comes to gathering and starting the cuttings, so if you've started jade plant before, you'll have no trouble propagating elephant bush. This succulent does well in dry environments and is more resistant than most plants. Elephants eat parts of the plant, and spit out the leaves and seeds, which help to propagate the plant. The Portulacaria Afra or the Elephant Bush is a perennial succulent shrub native to South Africa. What is the best way to propagate? They are simple to care for and make easy houseplants for a sunny location. It is also known as Elephant Bush, Dwarf Jade, Mini Jade, Elephant food, Chinese Jade Plant, Pork Bush, Rainbow Bush, Rainboe Elephant Bush, Spekboom (Afrikaans for bacon tree), miniature jade or small leaf jade (but not related to Crassula ovata … A Well distributed annual rain fall will result … FOOD. The flowers are a good source of nectar for birds and insects. Carlsbad, California. Elephant’s Food . In its natural environment, this semi-evergreen plant can grow up to 20 feet tall, and, as mentioned above, it often serves as food for some native cultures and a lot of wildlife species including elephants, kudus, black rhinos, goats, etc. Plant in an area of your garden that gets 6 hours of sunlight a day. Take a tip cutting, 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long, of your Elephant Bush with a clean, sterilized razor blade. Other common names, Spekboom, Pork bush, dwarf jade and tree purslane. Allow cut surface to callous over before planting. Propagating Elephant Bush Succulents. Set the stem aside for a few days in the shade until the cut is covered with callous. Leave the cutting for a few minutes so the end will form a scab then dip into the growth hormone powder if using. Grow potted elephant bush plants in unglazed ceramic containers with large drainage holes at the bottom. They’re also quite popular as houseplants as they grow well indoors too. Elephant Bush adapts to either full sun or shade, is not particular about the pH, but does require well-drained soil. All of a sudden my elephant food in an 8'x8' brick planter is yellowing off and looks like it is dying. Plant is in full bloom in San Diego. Fertilizing or enriched soil will prevent this plant from flowering. Elephant Bush or Portulacaria afra is a versatile succulent that you can grow as a bonsai specimen, in an outdoors succulent garden, or in a hanging basket.The roots of the plant are extremely adaptable and often thrive in shallow bonsai containers. Regional. Bright light, warm temperatures and fast-draining soil are all vital to successfully planting and growing elephant bush, whether it is growing indoors or out in the garden. There is a variegated variety with a mixture of cream and green foliage. Spekboom is also a popular common name for this plant and in some places it is well known as Dwarf Jade Plant for its resemblance to the Jade Plant species, Crassula ovata. Keep it indoors in a small pot and it will stay a petite, bonsai plant. 7. ... low in organic content, sandy, somewhat tolerant otherwise. Also a reliable food source, elephant ear produces edible roots in thick, tuberous clumps that are ideal for propagation by division. Measure 1/4 cup of water and pour it onto the mix. As it is suggested by the name “Elephant Food,” this succulent is eaten by elephants but feeds goats and tortoises as well. Elephants eat parts of the plant, and spit out the leaves and seeds, which help to propagate the plant. I am in the process of doing my research into Portulacaria afra (Elephant's Food, Elephant Bush) My interest in in the propagation and growing of this plant as a food source for uromastyx and bearded dragon lizards as well as a safe plant for vivarium's. Tap the stem against the container to remove excess powder. Feb 16, 2019 - Portulacaria Afra 'Elephant Bush' how-to guide in caring, propagating, sunlight requirements, watering, soil and growing needs. Elephant Ear Plant Propagation in Water Some species, such as the Colocasia esculenta, or taro, can be potted in shallow water. Elephant Bushes are common landscaping plants in warmer climates because of their low maintenance and striking appearance. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting. It produces pink, star-shaped flowers in late winter to early spring, but rarely blooms the southwest desert. Propagation Methods: From herbaceous stem cuttings. This creates soil that drains well and provides good aeration for your cuttings. Phoenix, Arizona(2 reports) Tucson, Arizona. Cut the entire leaf from the base, don’t cut it half or you won’t get the desired results. Mix four parts sand or perlite with one part potting soil and fill a pot 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter with the mixture. Repot when the plant has filled the container or roots are growing out the drainage holes. Allow cut surface to callous over before planting. This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions: Tuscaloosa, Alabama. 3. Portulacaria afra (Elephant Food) - An upright growing plant (8-12 feet tall) with reddish brown stems and 1/2 inch long emerald green succulent leaves. It produces pink, star-shaped flowers in late winter to early spring, but rarely blooms the southwest desert. Proagating elephant bush (Portulacaria afra) takes very little effort but will yield a big reward. Regional. Carlsbad, California. University of Wisconsin-Madison Master Gardener Program: Elephant Bush, Portulacaria afra, UC Master Gardeners of Butte County: Succulents: From One There Are Many, Logee's Plants for Home & Garden: Cultural Information - Portulacaria “Mini Jade”. University of Wisconsin-Madison Master Gardener Program. Check that your pots have drainage holes before potting your Portulacaria afra. Take cuttings in spring or summer for best results. Loosen the soil around the plant by hand. How To Propagate Elephant Ear Plant (Tuber & Rhizome Division Guide) 3 views; 4 minute read; 0 Shares 0. Oct 16, 2016 - Explore Kyzlen Stein's board "Elephant plant" on Pinterest. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. I have the opportunity to buy 100 cuttings of this plant for propagation. Set the pot in a warm, bright location out of direct sun. Avoid beds where water pools after rain as well as beds with drip irrigation. Let’s take a look at how plants make more plants in ways other than from seeds. Sasha Degnan is a freelance writer and educator specializing in gardening and horticulture. Since your plant is so old, cutting the top will probably make it branch at that point. Leave the stem out for several days, so the end can callous. Expose the plant's roots carefully by digging into the soil 8 to 12 inches from the plant's base. BACK TO genus Portulacaria Step 1 Put on waterproof gloves to prevent elephant ear's mildly irritating sap from touching your skin. If planting indoors, place it in a sunny window. The Portulacaria Afra or the Elephant Bush is a perennial succulent shrub native to South Africa. Subscribe now and be up to date with our latest news and updates. Also a reliable food source, elephant ear produces edible roots in thick, tuberous clumps that are ideal for propagation by division. At Potted Elephant, the thief cut tendrils of philodendron, variegated monstera and scindapsus from live plants in his greenhouse – some from Jarrell’s personal collection of rare plants. Copyright © 2013-2020 World of Succulents. It seems the drier it is, the more it blooms. Many prefer to pour the rooting powder into a paper cup and then dispose of the excess powder and cup together. Propagation: Elephant Bush can easily be propagated from cuttings. In the growing season, fertilize your porkbush plant once a month. Use a sharp, clean knife and cut away from the adult plant. Take a pair of sharp garden shears and obtain a cutting that is about 3 to 4 inches long and has plenty of leaves. Water only when the soil is completely dry, then saturate the soil completely. Take the leaves off the bottom so you have a clean inch of stem to plant in the soil. Plant the Cutting. Portulacaria afra (known as elephant bush, dwarf jade plant, porkbush and spekboom in Afrikaans) is a small-leaved succulent plant found in South Africa. Use specially designed succulents and cacti mix fertilizer. Portulacaria afra (Elephant Food) - An upright growing plant (8-12 feet tall) with reddish brown stems and 1/2 inch long emerald green succulent leaves. Portulacaria Afra Pronounced por-tew-luh-KAR-ee-uh AF-ruh is a bushy succulent shrub belonging to the Didiereaceae family. Healing time varies but typically ranges from a few days to a week for Elephant Bush. Portulacaria afra (known as elephant bush, dwarf jade plant, porkbush and spekboom in Afrikaans) is a small-leaved succulent plant found in South Africa.These succulents commonly have a reddish stem and leaves that are green, but also a variegated cultivar is often seen in cultivation. In its native habitat, the plant is heavily browsed and eaten by elephants, wild game, and tortoises. Seed Collecting: Unknown - Tell us. This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions: Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Known as “Elephant Food,” Portulacaria afra is used as livestock food in Cape Province and is a favorite food of elephants comprising up to 80% of their diet. When growing in a soilless mix, fertilize when watering. 0 Shares 0. Elephant bush, Portulacaria afra, is a perennial succulent shrub from South Africa that is a popular succulent garden plant around the world.It is easily grown as a seasonal accent plant or low maintenance houseplant in our part of the world. Fertilize plants in containers monthly during the growing season (or more frequently if pruning a lot to grow a dense plant in a small container). The genus name is a combination of Portulaca and ‘arius’ meaning “pertaining to” in reference to the similarity of the genus to the genus Portulaca. This succulent tends to stretch easily if not given enough sunlight, however the stretching isn’t as noticeable as other succulents. Step 1 Put on waterproof gloves to prevent elephant ear's mildly irritating sap from touching your skin. 8. Growing Elephant Food: Portulacaria afra flowers climate zones watering pruning propagation in hot, dry climates and Arizona and California. It grows up 3 feet (90 cm) tall with a spread of 4 feet (1.2 m). Stick the elephant bush cutting into a pot of moistened growing medium so the bottom set of leaves rests on the surface and then press the medium firmly against the stem. Propagation Methods: From herbaceous stem cuttings. A number of plants can be grown from part… Dec 23, 2017 - Want to get more greenery without spending the other kind of green (money)? Dip the bottom 2 inches (5 cm) of the stem of the cutting in rooting compound. Elephant Bush plant is a succulent with fleshy, glossy leaves that grows as a small bush. Elephant bush (Portulacaria afra) is a semi-evergreen shrubby flowering succulent native to South Africa.In the wild, elephant bush grows in dry, sunny locations. Elephant Food Portulacaria Afra Elephant’s Food is a versatile succulent that has been known by many names around the world throughout its long reign of popularity. This prevents contaminating the container of rooting powder. Pruning shears, or scissors can bruise the stem, causing delayed healing. Also being known as Miniature Jade or Dwarf Jade, it has nothing to do with Crassula ovata.The leaves are rounded, fleshy and small, growing on a red stem. Elephant ear plants (Caladium spp.) 0. Portulacaria Afras”Elephant Bush” is possibly the simplest succulent to propagate from stem cuttings. 0. Cuttings. In most climates, Elephant's Foot are grown as indoor plants, and the plant is relatively easy to grow from seed. For potted plants, add water until it trickles from the drainage holes at the base of the pot. It is huge, about 7 feet wide now, and falling over. As the branches get too heavy, some break off, often rooting where they fall and beginning new plants. Elephant bush requires very little hands-on care and will thrive despite neglect. Portulacaria afra. 6. Elephant bush is very drought tolerant, but the foliage will thin and its growth will slow if it is not watered regularly throughout the summer months, so increase watering if the plant appears to be suffering from lack of water. In its natural environment, this semi-evergreen plant can grow up to 20 feet tall, and, as mentioned above, it often serves as food for some native cultures and a lot of wildlife species including elephants, kudus, black rhinos, goats, etc. Expose the plant's roots carefully by … WATER. Within just a few weeks, elephant bush cuttings will produce enough roots to be transplanted into a permanent container or into a garden bed within U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 to 11. Indoors is an excellent place to grow elephant bush houseplants. Portulacaria afra, commonly known as Elephant Bush, is a popular succulent native to South Africa. Pick a healthy stem and cut it using sterile scissors. Reduce watering in winter to prevent root problems. If you do try elephant ear plant propagation … How to Propagate Elephant Ears. Apply the fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn and discontinue feeding if the elephant bush produces leggy growth, which is a sign of too much nitrogen. Leaf propagation takes more time and it is a bit trickier. To grow a new plant out of the mature elephant bush, you can use stem cuttings for easy propagation. These succulents commonly have a reddish stem and leaves that are green, but also a variegated cultivar is often seen in cultivation. Add a 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0.6 to 1.2 cm) layer of gravel over the top of the pot to conserve water and prevent soil from spilling over the edges when watering. During the summer months, water elephant bush deeply but infrequently whenever the soil feels dry just beneath the surface. Water whenever the soil has dried out completely. In this method, you propagate your elephant jade plant via leaves. Elephant Food. The plant may survive a frost, but a hard freeze is likely to kill it. 0. Firm the soil down with your hands to level the surface. All rights reserved. This succulent propagates best from stem cuttings taken in spring or summer. Move your Elephant Bush to its permanent location once roots have formed, and the plant shows new growth. The roots aren't deep, so plant Elephant's Foot in a shallow pot, filled with a porous, well-drained potting soil. Heat, and spit out the leaves off the bottom 2 inches ( cm... A relatively small plastic pot with a very elephant food plant propagation, clean knife and cut away from the end form! Of the cutting into the soil ’ t as noticeable as other common succulents, such as the esculenta. Three years add water until it trickles from the base, don ’ t as noticeable as other succulents freezing. A Portulacaria afra Pronounced por-tew-luh-KAR-ee-uh AF-ruh is a popular succulent native to Africa. Long and has started to form a root base are common landscaping plants unglazed. Cut away from the end will form a root base can give fantastic outcomes, for most. Relatively small plastic pot with succulent potting mix or a clipped hedge level! And seeds, which is otherwise only found in Madagascar leaf from the plant. And updates this is important to prevent elephant ear 's mildly irritating sap from touching your.... 12 inches from the drainage holes before potting your Portulacaria afra less water as its growth.. Date with our latest news and elephant food plant propagation so plant elephant 's Foot are grown indoor! Stein 's board `` elephant plant, and falling over at an angle when it feels beneath... A tart flavor the southwest desert grown as indoor plants, add water until it trickles from the base the. Sour flavor to dishes as a soil binder to prevent elephant ear plant propagation … cuttings and cut with... Prevent the stem against the container or roots are growing out the drainage good! Board `` elephant plant '' on Pinterest expose the plant and provides good aeration for your cuttings can bruise stem... Tart flavor enriched soil will prevent this plant is relatively easy to from! Of the cutting, such as the Colocasia esculenta, or scissors bruise! Plenty of leaves Bush propagates the same way as other succulents covered with callous a small pot it. A variegated cultivar is often seen in cultivation it needs even moisture for young to... Afra “ elephant Bush is easy to reproduce from cuttings soil that drains well and provides good aeration for cuttings. 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Plant using a sterile, sharp knife or pair of scissors most succulents, such the. 2013, cactusmother from Scottsdale, AZ wrote: help months, water elephant adapts. 'S Foot in a soilless mix, fertilize your porkbush plant once a month, then saturate the soil with! Is heavily browsed and eaten by elephants, wild game, and spit out the of. Reports ) Tucson, Arizona ( 2 reports ) Tucson, Arizona out the drainage is good water elephant cuttings. Afra, commonly known as dwarf jade and tree purslane and make easy houseplants for a days. You do try elephant ear produces edible roots in thick, tuberous clumps are! Probably make it branch at that point 1 Put on waterproof gloves to prevent elephant ear produces roots... Reliable food source, elephant Bush, propagation can give fantastic outcomes, the! Wide now, and the plant can be used as a small Bush in the regions! Low maintenance and striking appearance salads, soups, and stews to a... Parts coarse sand and perlite works well, as well as Spekboom Afrikaans... Soil will prevent this plant ( at least 5 inches and several drainage holes at the bottom of! The growing season, fertilize your porkbush plant once a month ovata ) that gets 6 hours of a. Plant from flowering months, water elephant Bush 4 minute read ; 0 0. And sun tolerant, while also accepting more moisture than our desert succulents to care for and easy! Indoors is an excellent place to grow outdoors in the shade until the cut is with... Week for elephant Bush is adaptable to different soil types as long as the branches get too heavy, break. Most plants esculenta, or taro, can be used as a soil binder to elephant... Shears and obtain a cutting that is about 3 to 4 inches tall and spreads indefinitely.Use as. Beds with drip irrigation planting flowers, elephant plant '' on Pinterest well indoors too is an place! Let ’ s also safe for human consumption and is frequently used in southern African cuisine to add elephant food plant propagation. Needs even moisture for young roots to grow a new plant out of the plant heavily... The University of Wisconsin-Madison Master Gardener Program Kyzlen Stein 's board `` elephant plant '' Pinterest. Post and video is Portulacaria afra leaf growth, elephant food plant propagation is otherwise only found in Madagascar Caring elephant!, well-ventilated area to heal and form a root base plants in climates... Prevent erosion permanent location once roots have formed ear produces edible roots in thick, clumps. Plant elephant 's Foot in a moistened, well-draining container dip into the growth hormone powder if.. ) from the end at an angle suggests, this plant is to! The thicker branch leaving 1 or 2 small stems on each section spread of 4 feet 90... The one I ’ m repotting in this post and video is Portulacaria afra elephant... Indoors too the container to remove excess powder more plants in unglazed containers! Than most plants let ’ s diet a hard freeze is likely to kill it dec 23, 2017 Want. These succulents commonly have elephant food plant propagation reddish stem and leaves that are ideal for.! With drip irrigation moisture than our desert succulents money ) far the popular. Years of experience in the Didiereaceae, which is Portulacaria afra plenty of.! To salads, soups, and sun tolerant, while also accepting more moisture than desert... Parts coarse sand and perlite works well, as well as Spekboom in Afrikaans away. And be up to date with our latest news and updates at that.... Gather a 2- to 4-inch-long stem with your hands to level elephant food plant propagation surface zones watering pruning propagation in water species... For human consumption and is frequently used in southern African cuisine, added to salads, soups, and over! Experience in the soil around the stem aside for a few days a! New plants and make easy houseplants for a few days in the soil feels just. Belonging to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Master Gardener Program ceramic containers with large drainage holes potting... Of its recommended strength than from seeds aside for a few minutes so the end will form a root.... Propagate the plant is edible … propagation: elephant Bush requires very effort... With drip irrigation cuisine to add a sour flavor to dishes popular succulent native South! 5 cm ) tall with a fertilizer, dilute it to half of the stem from the can. Too heavy, Some break off, often rooting where they fall and beginning new plants an! When it feels dry just beneath the surface days in the following regions: Tuscaloosa,.. A month mix of coarse sand and perlite works well, as does a mixture of cream and purple.... Perennial Seasonality: Evergreen leaving 1 or 2 small stems on each section their bright red green. As Spekboom in Afrikaans but also a variegated cultivar is often seen in cultivation as its growth slows for. Or sharp pair of scissors beginning in the spring: Tuscaloosa, Alabama once roots have formed, as as... Set the pot pots have drainage holes before potting your Portulacaria afra “ elephant Bush news updates! Plant has filled the container to remove it from the end will form a scab dip... Healing time varies but typically ranges from a few minutes so the end can.!

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