This is the larger one on 8-7-09.
Portulacaria afra ‘Elephant Bush
I just love this member of the Portulacaceae family! Believe it or not, I first saw this plant growing as a hedge in California. They trimmed it, like a hedge, with hedge shears! Also known as Elephant Food, Elephant Plant, Miniature Jade, Dwarf Jade, Spekboom, and Small Leaf Jade. It is cold hardy in zones 10a-11 (30-40 degrees F) and can grow to a height of 4-6 feet! They prefer full sun, but sometimes mine has been in morning sun. They have pale pink blooms in the late spring to early summer. They are supposed to be dormant in the summer, but so far I don’t think they know it. I bought two plants from Lowe’s, and one of them has grown twice as fast as the other. Maybe one knew it was supposed to be dormant in the summer and the other one didn’t care!
As with all succulents (maybe you think it’s funny I keep adding this part), re-pot with a professional soilless mix specially formulated for cacti and succulents. Water thoroughly when dry, but do not over water. They like to completely dry out between waterings. To much water, and if they don’t like something, their leaves may fall off. When you are doing something right, it will grow new ones… Trust me, I have experience!
The smaller one on 5-1-09.
The larger of the two on September 3, 2009. Look at how much it has grown since the first picture was taken!
This is the same plant that is in the above picture, the larger of the two plants. Taken 12-16-09.
