Scientific Name
Portulacaria afra f. variegata
Accepted Scientific Name
Portulacaria afra Jacq.
Common Name(s)
Rainbow Bush, Elephant Bush, Elephant's Food
Synonym(s)
Portulacaria afra 'Variegata'
Scientific Classification
Family: Portulacaceae
Subfamily: Portulacarioideae
Genus: Portulacaria
Etymology
The formal epithet "variegata (pronounced "var-ee-GAY-tuh") means "variegated; having a pattern of different colors or marks."
Origin
Portulacaria afra is native to South Africa, Eswatini, and Mozambique. Portulacaria afra f. variegata is a variegated form of Portulacaria afra selected in cultivation.
Description
Portulacaria afra f. variegata is a much-branched succulent shrub with attractive, reddish-brown stems and smooth, glossy green leaves with cream-colored margins. It can grow up to 10 feet (3 m) tall. The branches become interwoven as the plant ages. The leaves are thick, fleshy, broadly obovate, measuring up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length and 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in width.
The flowers are small, star-shaped, lavender-pink, and appear in clusters in late spring and early summer.
How to Grow and Care for Portulacaria afra f. variegata
Light: This plant requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily but can tolerate partial shade. If grown indoors, place it in a sunny window.
Soil: Well-draining soil is very important for a healthy plant. While many growers make their own soil mix, commercial soil for succulents with extra perlite or another grit will also work fine.
Hardiness: Portulacaria afra f. variegata thrives in warm, sunny climates and can tolerate light frost. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 25°F to 50°F (-3.9°C to 10°C).
Watering: In spring and fall, water thoroughly and wait until the top of the soil dries out before watering again. Water less during winter when growth slows down significantly. During the summer, when it is usually dormant, water the plant only enough to keep the leaves from shriveling.
Fertilizing: Portulacaria afra f. variegata is a slow-growing plant that does not need much feeding. However, it will benefit from a small amount of organic fertilizer during the growing season.
Repotting: It is best to repot this plant every 2 to 3 years or when it becomes top-heavy, even though it does not mind being root-bound. Repotting is recommended during summer.
Propagation: Portulacaria afra f. variegata is propagated by taking stem cuttings during the growing season.
Toxicity of Portulacaria afra f. variegata
Portulacaria afra f. variegata is a non-toxic plant with edible leaves rich in vitamin C and a pleasant sour taste.
Links
- Back to genus Portulacaria
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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