Scientific Name
Portulacaria pygmaea Pillans
Synonym(s)
Ceraria pygmaea
Common Name(s)
Pygmy Porkbush
Scientific Classification
Family: Portulacaceae
Subfamily: Portulacarioideae
Genus: Portulacaria
Etymology
The specific epithet "pygmaea" (pronounced "POO-mil-uh") means "dwarf" and refers to the plant's size.
Description
Portulacaria pygmaea, formerly known as Ceraria pygmaea, is a dwarf, dioecious succulent with a tuberous rootstock and small branches that are woody at the base, spread, and often hang, staying close to the soil. The tuber can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. The leaves are thick, fleshy, glabrous, blue-green at first, then yellowish-green, and fall off at the slightest touch. They can measure up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in length and 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter.
The tiny flowers are white to pale pink and appear in terminal clusters of 2 to 6.
Origin
Portulacaria pygmaea is native to South Africa and Namibia.
How to Grow and Care for Portulacaria pygmaea
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: Use well-draining soil for a healthy plant. While many growers make their own soil mix, commercial succulent soil with extra perlite or another grit will also work well.
Hardiness: Portulacaria pygmaea 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 in winter, when growth slows significantly. During the summer, when the plant is usually dormant, water it only enough to keep the leaves from shriveling.
Fertilizing: Ceraria pygmaea is slow-growing and needs minimal 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 the summer.
Propagation: Although it can be grown from seed, Portulacaria pygmaea is typically started from stem cuttings. Take cuttings only when the plant is actively growing.
Toxicity of Portulacaria pygmaea
Portulacaria pygmaea is non-toxic to both pets and humans.
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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