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.
Jade trees can hold large amounts of water inside their leaves, so water sparsely and allow the plant to dry out a little between watering. If the tree is kept relatively cold during winter months, watering can be done as seldom as once every three weeks. Monitor your tree closely and water the moment the soil dries out slightly. The Jade Bonsai is not as particular about over-watering as most other succulents.Jade trees can hold large amounts of water inside their leaves, so water sparsely and allow the plant to dry out a little between watering. If the tree is kept relatively cold during winter months, watering can be done as seldom as once every three weeks. Monitor your tree closely and water the moment the soil dries out slightly. The Jade Bonsai is not as particular about over-watering as most other succulents.
Fertilize your Jade tree once a month, spring through autumn, during the growth season. Any normal fertilizer, as described in our fertilize section, should be fine.
Because the Jade tree is a succulent, it retains water in its trunk and branches. The water retention makes the tree limbs heavy which naturally bends the trunk and branches. It responds very well to pruning, and you should prune it regularly to force it to grow branches, especially in the lower part of the trunk. Do not use cut-paste on Jade trees. The nature of its trunk and branches make it very susceptible to rotting. The bark is very soft, so be cautious when wiring. If you do wire your Jade tree, make sure to monitor it closely as the wire will cut into the bark quickly.
Temperature: In the winter it can tolerate 50-61 degrees but will be fine between 61 and 71 degrees. Freezing temperatures will destroy this succulent plant. It will do well indoors throughout the year, but will be happiest if it gets to enjoy the outdoors during the summer.
The Jade tree has found to be mildly poisonous to humans upon ingestion, causing minor symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. However, Jade plants are included in the list of extremely poisonous plants for dogs and cats, according to ASPCA. Dwarf Jade (Portulacaria afra) Originally from the dry regions of South Africa, the Dwarf Jade is a fleshy, soft, woody small tree that grows up to 3m (10ft.) It has a thick trunk, but a fine branch structure with thick green oval-shaped succulent leaves.
flowergiftsbloomingApr 1 · 7 min readComprehensive Guide to National Flowers DayNational Flowers Day celebrates the dawning of perhaps the most anticipated season of all – spring! The day marks the end of winter and a floral character of blooming beauty, positivity, and grace.
flowerflower-meaningsspeciesMar 13 · 10 min readFull Guide on Lotus Flower Meaning, Symbolism and Plant OverviewLotus is an abstract depiction of various religious entities. Because this knowledge may be limited only to where it is commonly cultivated and traded, we will try to shed light on the legends.
diseaseproblempestsMar 4 · 8 min readFull Guide on Plant Leaves Turning YellowYellowing of plant leaves is like a fever in humans, but unlike a doctor prescribing paracetamol for a headache, you will need more than just a plant pill!
speciesgardeningoutdoor-cultivationFeb 27 · 11 min readFull Guide on Best and Worst Potato Companion PlantsPotato companion plants are a diverse crop family thought to have positive agronomic effects on potatoes, soil, and even pest protection.
fruitplantinggardeningFeb 20 · 8 min readFull Guide on Blueberry Companion PlantsSome crops can help blueberries in various ways, all of which are directed to soil improvement, pest resistance, and harvest increment. So, come along to the world of companion plants for blueberries!