Portulacaria afra f. variegata - Rainbow Bush
SKU:S2KN1138
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Highlights
Rainbow Bush, Mini Jade, Spekboom, or Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra f. variegata) (Jacquin): This stemmed succulent is particularly versatile and easy to grow. Plant it outdoors in warm climates and it can grow into a dense, 4.0' tall shrub. Keep it indoors in a small pot and it will stay a petite, bonsai plant. It is native to South Africa and Swaziland where it grows on sunny, rocky slopes. It even has a symbiotic relationship with elephants: elephants eat some of the branches and their trampling aids propagation of new shrubs from stem cuttings.
P. afra variegata stands out for its green and cream leaves (0.5" - 1.0") and deep red stems that verge on purple. Planted outdoors, it grows as a cascading ground cover and eventually mounds upon itself into a shrub up to 4.0' tall. Though reluctant to bloom in cultivation, P. afra can sometimes produce clusters of tiny, violet flowers in midsummer.
Despite similar appearance and care needs, P. afra is not closely related to the Jade Plants. It is, however, equally easy to grow indoors. Pick pots and soil with great drainage and place the plant near a sunny window. The stems are easily pruned into your desired form or left to cascade from a container. Water deeply but very infrequently, particular during winter dormancy. In warmer months, try your hand at propagating stem cuttings (more info). No elephants required.
Product Size
2.0" Pot
Current Primary Color
Green
All Seasonal Colors
White
Bloom Color
Purple Bloom
Grow Zone (Hardiness)
Zone 10 (30F)
Recommended Light Conditions
Bright Indoor Light, Full Sun
Maximum Height
Over 12"
Growth Habit / Shape
Low Growing / Creeping, Shrub
Seasonality
Winter Dormant Partial
Special Characteristic
Easy to Propagate, Pet Safe, Hard to Kill, Variegated
THIS PLANT IS HARDY IN ZONES 10+
10
WHAT IS MY HARDINESS ZONE?
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Questions & Answers
Popular Questions
Does this come as seeds, in a pot, what is the size? I don't see where it says exactly what you get?
• Staff Answer
This listing is for one plant in a 2" pot.
If you scroll down on any of our plant listings, you'll find a section called "PRODUCT DETAILS". There, you'll find a list beginning with the item "COLOR - PRIMARY". Near the bottom of this list is an item called "PRODUCT FORMAT". That will tell you what size pot the plant ships in or what size plug if that's relevant.
If you scroll down on any of our plant listings, you'll find a section called "PRODUCT DETAILS". There, you'll find a list beginning with the item "COLOR - PRIMARY". Near the bottom of this list is an item called "PRODUCT FORMAT". That will tell you what size pot the plant ships in or what size plug if that's relevant.
• Staff Answer
For starters, Portulacaria afra is not an acerola tree and does not produce the same cherry like fruits as an acerola tree. However, the foliage of P. afra is edible and commonly consumed in the southern regions of Africa. True acerola trees bear the Latin name Malpighia punicifolia and we don't sell them as they are not succulents.
That all being said, acerola trees tend to bloom in the late spring and are ready for harvest in the late summer to early fall. They are self pollinating, meaning you don't need another tree to get them to set fruit.
That all being said, acerola trees tend to bloom in the late spring and are ready for harvest in the late summer to early fall. They are self pollinating, meaning you don't need another tree to get them to set fruit.
• Staff Answer
It's important to note that this plant rarely blooms in cultivation and the plants that do bloom are typically large specimens growing outside.
If you want to try getting your plant to bloom, give it more light. Also, allow it to get cold in the winter when it goes dormant. Don't let it freeze, but let it get close to freezing temperatures. This cold period greatly encourages blooming and, if you're growing the plant indoors, the fact that it doesn't get cold in the winter may be the reason it's not blooming.
As a last resort, you can try a dilute, balanced fertilizer.
If you want to try getting your plant to bloom, give it more light. Also, allow it to get cold in the winter when it goes dormant. Don't let it freeze, but let it get close to freezing temperatures. This cold period greatly encourages blooming and, if you're growing the plant indoors, the fact that it doesn't get cold in the winter may be the reason it's not blooming.
As a last resort, you can try a dilute, balanced fertilizer.
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June 11, 2024 by Pam K. (Colorado, United States)
“Mountain Crest is great to order from -- plants took longer than usual to come but still looked great.”
A plant I have been wanting for a long time!
February 16, 2024 by Jennie V. (LA, United States)
“I transplanted this rainbow bush about a week after I received it. It has established roots already and seems to be very healthy! If it continues to do well, I plan to use it in an arrangement with other succulents with similar requirements of water and light.”
