Portulacaria afra 'Decumbent'
SKU:S2KN1323
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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
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Highlights
Portulacaria afra 'Decumbent' (Miniature Jade, Elephant Bush, Spekboom): Small, round, apple green leaves stand out against flexible red stems. This easy to grow cultivar branches freely and spills nicely from pots. In frost-free climates, it can also be planted outdoors in full to partial sun as a spreading ground cover. Portulacaria tend to be reluctant to bloom in cultivation, but they can produce clusters of small purple flowers in midsummer.
Soft succulents will not survive a hard frost, but if there is a risk of freezing temperatures they can be brought indoors to grow on a sunny window sill or under a grow light. They need ample sunlight, great drainage, and infrequent water to prevent rot. Pick containers with drainage holes and use well-draining cactus and succulent soil with 50% to 70% mineral grit such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite. Water deeply enough for water to run out the drainage hole, then wait for the soil to fully dry before watering again.
Product Size
2.0" Pot
Current Primary Color
Green
All Seasonal Colors
Red
Bloom Color
Purple Bloom
Grow Zone (Hardiness)
Zone 10 (30F)
Recommended Light Conditions
Bright Indoor Light, Filtered / Partial Sun
Maximum Height
6"-8"
Growth Habit / Shape
Hanging / Trailing, Low Growing / Creeping
Special Characteristic
Easy to Propagate, Hard to Kill, Fast Grower, Pet Safe
THIS PLANT IS HARDY IN ZONES 10+
10
WHAT IS MY HARDINESS ZONE?
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Questions & Answers
Popular Questions
• Staff Answer
If hand pulling is not enough to remove the offending Portulacaria, a broad leaf herbicide should do the trick.
• Staff Answer
You might find straight Bonsai Jack Gritty Mix too well-draining for Portulacaria afra. You could mix it with an equal volume of standard cactus & succulent soil and/or use the Gritty Mix on its own as a top dressing to prevent rot and fungus gnats at the soil surface.
• Staff Answer
Portulacaria afra is often grown indoors, but it also thrives outdoors in frost-free weather. There are a number of reasons why it might be dropping leaves including issues with water and light. If you purchased it from us, you can email a clear photo of the plant to info@mountaincrestgardens.com along with answers to the following questions:
- Growing conditions (full sun, part sun, filtered sun, indoors, outdoors, etc.)
- Soil used for planting
- Watering schedule
- Does the container have a hole for drainage?
• Staff Answer
Although Portulacaria afra is edible and is commonly eaten in South Africa, I can't recommend you eat it because it's been treated with pesticides. We do sell a variegated variety and I bring that up because the variegated leaves just taste bitter.
• Staff Answer
They need deep but fairly infrequent water. Rather than watering on a regular schedule, you'll want to pay attention to the soil and the leaves. Drench deeply enough for water to run out the pot's drainage hole, but only when the soil is completely dry and the leaves start to feel less firm and begin to wrinkle. When in doubt, don't water yet.
• Staff Answer
Click the link below to read our guide on making and planting cuttings! These steps work very well for Portulacaria afra.
Source: https://mountaincrestgardens.com/faqs...
Source: https://mountaincrestgardens.com/faqs...
• Staff Answer
Shop Succulent Soil Here
Succulents need grittier soil than other plants because they are adapted to dry conditions and store water in their leaves. Regular potting soil mixes stay damp for long periods of time, which can cause rot in succulents. Instead, use a sandy, well-draining soil so you can water thoroughly without leaving your succulent in standing water.
IN POTS…
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• Staff Answer
Our plants can be transplanted immediately upon arrival.
If you want to wait to transplant, they can remain in their original containers for up to a month. If the pots came in a plastic carrier tray, remove the pots from the carrier tray prior to the first watering.
Keep the plants indoors near a sunny window or outdoors under a roof (only if outdoor temperatures stay above your succulent's minimum hardiness temperature). Water only after the soil is fully dry by drenching from above with a faucet, hose, or watering can. Gently shake excess water from the leaves and allow containers to drain completely.
• Staff Answer
Fertilizing is not necessary, but it is a good option for succulent growers who want to encourage faster, larger growth. It can be used on mature plants with established roots. Only fertilize in the growing season (spring and summer for most varieties) to avoid weakening or burning dormant plants. Use a light touch and make 2-3 applications of low-Nitrogen, diluted fertilizer each year (N-P-K ratio around 5-10-10). You can find specially-formulated cactus / succulent fertilizers in most garden centers or go organic with compost tea or bone meal.
Example: Miracle-Gro Quick Start, diluted to half strength
• Staff Answer
Succulents need deep, infrequent watering, especially during their growing season and when they are young and establishing roots. Only water after the soil is completely dry and the plant feels less firm. Err on the side of underwatering. Watering too frequently is the most common way to kill succulents.
HOW TO WATER SUCCULENTS
- Drench from above using a faucet, hose, or watering can
- Do not mist with a spray bottle (the only exception is for Air Plants)
- Water until it drains from the container's drainage hole. If your container does not have a drainage hole (not recommended), use about 1/3 the volume of the container…
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- Shipping Days: Monday, Tuesday
- Same Week Shipping Cut-off: Monday 11:59PM PT
- Delivery Days: Usually the following Thursday or Friday
- Delivery Date Requests: Use the comments box during checkout
- Why don't we ship every day? This schedule avoids weekend delays and helps us ensure the plants are delivered fresh
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100%
of customers that buyfrom this merchant give
them a 4 or 5-Star rating.
April 27, 2025 by Thomas P. (NJ, United States)
“Beautiful little groundcrop plant. Just one note - it may be a bigger plant than you think.”
April 13, 2025 by christopher M. (Florida , United States)
“Beautiful”
