Portulacaria Afra Prostrata is known by common names such as elephant bush or elephant’s food. That’s right! Elephants eat this handsome live succulent plant in its native habitat in South Africa; they even help propagate it when they do so, as broken branches will readily root on the ground. You shouldn’t have to worry about hungry pachyderms munching on yours. Elephant bush, with its dependable greenery, attractive mahogany red stems, and its tolerance of neglect, dry conditions, and full sun, is one of the backbone plants of the succulent garden. This lateral (prostrate) form can do the same as a hanging plant on your patio or inside in a bright room. Or maybe you have a tree from which you can hang potted plants like this one. A hard to-kill, easy-to-please variety, it’s an ideal introduction to succulents for beginning plant parents. While elephant bush belongs to the plant-it-and-forget-it club, you’ll be admiring its year-round good looks when you swing by its way. Grows to 2 to 3 feet high and 3 feet wide. Plant in well-draining soil. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch. Provide full sun to bright, indirect light. Flowers in summer, although rarely. Hardy to Zone 9/25 degrees F.
- Light Requirement: 6 Hours Sun
- Water Only When Dry
- Low Maintenance Live Plant
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