Find out why Portulacaria afra Elephant Bush is perfect in all your succulent arrangements!

[@StupidEasyCooking]

I have a 15 foot wide Bush of this in my yard...I had NO IDEA what I had until today! Thank you! I just 20 cuttings!

[@bellasmith4321]

I can confirm that this plant can handle extreme heat in the 100s. Such a hardy plant! It's one of my few succulents that haven't sunburned. It's also easy to tell when it requires more water as the leaves wrinkle slightly. Quite the forgiving plant. I didn't know they were edible though. How cool!

[@celinavillegas30]

Tiffany C. Yes I have one outside and I live in Texas and it has grown so much ☺️

[@Thetinyfit]

Just took some cuttings from my boyfriend’s family’s house so it’s currently laying out for a day waiting to callous. Came here for info. Thank you!

[@jervygg8738]

Surpassingly I found this for 3 weeks surviving without soil (its roots were exposed). A pot fell for more then 3 weeks at least, it was this elephant bush plants, it belonged to the neighbor's but they don't cared about it anymore. When I learned more about succulents, I discovered that this was it. I decided to take it in and place it in a much proper pot. I'm just surprised that it's still alive for more then 3 weeks without soil. It was still in an area where sun is still shining, and a little bit of water still reached it. I potted it in a small transparent plastic cup and used cactus soil mix, and I saw that it was growing new roots. I repotted it better and proper pot and it actually does look like bonsai. It's cute! Like having my own mini tree! I'm trying to propagate some right now and gift them to my friends by Christmas where the roots should be grown a bit.

[@users4007]

I used to have one it looked like a bonsai tree but it died :(

[@SweetGumMinis]

I saw one of these in the big box stores and passed it up, then looked it up and watched this video and decided I did in fact want one. I've bought a little one and so far it's doing great. Thank you for the video and I hope it grows like crazy this fall. :)

[@madelinecontenido1895]

Thanks for the tips! I recently got one in poor health I’m nursing back- they’re surprisingly resilient and within a week I’m seeing it perk up with new growth!

[@ceciliaowen7744]

I just bought a small one today, I am so happy you gave me so much info on this cute lil succulent. I'm fairly new to succulents, but im attracted to them.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Enjoy it!

[@kerrykelley6971]

Wow I'm moving my portulacaria to my greenhouse today! After watching your video, I'll let it enjoy our summer heat & full sun, dry out some, and plant cuttings to enjoy in our salads. Excellent video, thank you!!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Just be sure to gradually introduce it to more sun and heat so it doesn't burn 😊

[@sandyarce8868]

I have a couple cuttings. I’m loving this elephant Bush. Who doesn’t love elephants. Anything an elephant will eat that lives with me makes my soul that much happier. Thanks for this video

[@justingregoryyy]

Omg this is one of the best beginner plants. Not even just best beginner succulents, but plant in general. I love that you mention bonsai. I am just starting 3 different afra trees and I actually fused 2 variegated branches to 4 regular branches to see what happens.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

So cool! Just a little tip on that 😊 The variegated variety will grow more slowly due to the lack of chlorophyll from the variegation. So don't stress too much if some areas start growing faster than others 😊

[@justingregoryyy]

@@Succulentsandsunshine this video and you saying that is officially the 1st and 2nd time I've ever heard that too. Haha! Very very good to know!

[@judymaharrey6791]

i have never thought of getting an Elephant Bush until this video. definitely on my list now!

[@annecoy1114]

So many great details about this plant. We have a huge bush of it growing on the East side of our house. Who knew you could actually use it in salads! Thanks so much!

[@alishadion6287]

I love my elephant bush succulent! As you state they are so forgiving. I have learned so much from your awesome videos 🥰

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Yes they are very forgiving :) Yes you can find it on etsy: #ad www.succulentsandsunshine.com/purplesucculentshirt

[@bobbiechinn9578]

I just got some elephant bushes in 4" pots for 25 cents A piece!!! A store near me had too many to care for so they marked them down. They were very thirsty but otherwise fine. Ty for the great info!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

That is very exciting! Always fun to add more to the collection :)

[@ceciliatamondong9207]

I tend to forget about my plant in my back yard and water infrequently; but it has done well. I even have an older plant that my father-in-law used to bonsai and that also is decades old. Love you easy it is to care for. Aloha, Cissy

[@joycelaubach2645]

I definitely favor the variegated type of this plant. It's a wonderful trailing variety for mixed containers, and I have one growing in an overturned metal hanging basket. Very architectural!

[@busker153]

My wife had an Elephant's Food plant in a pot, given to her by one of her customers. She runs the yardwork business we started together 7 years ago. Well, as soon as I found out it was edible, I went out back and tried a piece of new growth, and was amazed! It was like the sourness of a green apple. So, now I am trying to propagate some cuttings along my back fence (south side) of my yard where they will get a lot of direct, Tucson sun all day long! It is my intention to grow a significant patch of these delicious plants!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

That's awesome!

[@kennedyclan98]

I have a couple of these and they've just grown like crazy and they look so healthy!

[@ajtsolis]

These are so good for adding height to succulent arrangements! And they grow like crazy!

[@jyotikagonsalves6505]

Very forgiving plant as you said ...... we have monsoons here and my plant is outside in a container..... is thriving in hot and wet conditions.... I love this plant

[@JessicaRuiz323]

I just got a variegated rainbow from my local plant shop! So excited to have the little guy at home and start to see him grow :)

[@smokyrene7093]

I jus got mine today!!! and I didn't know tht it's edible cool can't wait for them to grow healthy and strong 💪 and I hope thy will love my apartment putting them near the window in my living room .. thank you so much for teaching us how to take care ... ❤ from Singapore 🇸🇬

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

That is very exciting! Glad the info helped :)

[@ThePragmaticUnicorn]

I don't have this one and wasn't interested in it until you mentioned that your kids eat it! My toddler is very interested in my gardening and I think he would love this!

[@ginagreen1202]

I have a small one growing in my gnome dish garden. It looks like a tiny tree and I love it. It is thriving in this zone 9 summer.

[@amber2420]

I only recently took a look around my family's property to check out the plants that seem to survive without anyone taking care of them (!). Turns out we have a gorgeous Elephant bush that must have been growing for many years- it's leaning to one side (to be out of the shade) and has beautiful thick upwards growth- I would say its about 1 metre wide and almost as tall. I took some cuttings and am looking forward to tending to little versions of this beautiful plant. Love your account! So helpful and really peaceful to watch and listen to :)

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

That's such an exciting thing to find! :)

[@jonetlewis]

I have some of this. In the past I have "loved" it too much. I have learned more since then, so I hope to have better results this time. Thanks for the video.

[@terrypete3173]

This is also one of my favorites, but I never have any luck with them. I am guessing I overwater them. This time, I am going to completely ignore them

[@9ballsantamaria]

Hi! I am one of the succulent fanatics and a bonsai enthusiast. and yes I have plenty that I have groomed to a bonsai.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

That's awesome!

[@mhoody66]

This is great information. I have one of these in a pot and my sis-in-law has it growing in her yard in a West exposure and they do great. It gets up to 110 at times here in Bakersfield, California and no problem they just flourish. Thanks for the tips.

[@pammartin6254]

I just purchased the variegated version of this plant and love it.

[@kurlann2024]

Love this one. My daughter has one of these in her window and just letting it do whatever it wants to do. Thanks for the awesome info!

[@peipeitan7557]

This video is (one of) my favorite thus far, Cassidy! I love how you shared that its edible (who knew?) and it's great to hear that your kids love to eat it. Your affection for this plant really comes through. I have the variegated kind and it's looking a little spindly. Its leaves looked a little burnt so I kept it out of the sun. I bought it because I tend to fuss over my plants and I tend to overwater as well (I watched one of your earlier videos on "which plant to buy if you tend to overwater").

[@chakamcrae5785]

I love how it grows and can be treated like a bonsai!

[@chelseafentress8313]

I had no idea that the regular version and variegated version required different care.. very interesting! I some in pots alone but I also like them in colorful arrangements to add some height to it and bring out the colors of the brighter plants.

[@becauselesliesays]

Such cute little leaves on this plant! 🌵😁

[@reneemiller2507]

This was very helpful. I just recently acquired a hanging elephant bush at HomeDepot. It's so cute and is doing very well.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Glad to hear it is doing well!

[@leslielackey8331]

Definitely going to try this one, it sounds very forgiving for a rookie and seems to be fine with living inside. Love these videos and have them saved for reference. Thanks Cassidy!

[@RaelenaThrouthehaze]

Cool looking succulent

[@sueknee8813]

I love it I grew it alone..Didn’t know you can eat it .Will definitely try it.nice video.Thank you.

[@spidergyrl1]

Thanks! I have a tiny variegated one, but am excited to get a green one now!

[@erincooper3767]

Just got the Variegated one and I'm really glad to know it is a little fussier than the traditional. Thanks!

[@carlyblankevoort3856]

Farmers in South Africa get carbon sequestration points for planting Portulacaria. It's used by a very expensive restaurant as a tangy sauce!

[@twilaharrison7524]

I have never had any luck with these but am willing to give it another shot now that I know what they like and dislike! Great videos!

[@modemode3663]

I have both varieties. Gave my brother an arrangement for house warming gift this weekend. Will have to pass on knowledge thanks

[@angelamartis08]

This is now on my wish list! Thank you for letting us know about this guy!

[@kellyminer5261]

I’ve killed two of these, I’m currently on my third and it’s doing pretty well. I’m counting on this video to help out😉

[@rickdiculous5655]

How could you?! MURDERER! 😭

[@solarwinds-]

@@rickdiculous5655 lol!

[@graceignacio306]

Pretty sure killed more than two. That's why I feel bad when they say it's a pretty easy to grow plant lol

[@wowl4453]

Can I know how you kill it? I just bought this in bonzai style. I definitely want to keep it alive 😅

[@JamesTenis]

The easiest and quickest way to kill it is by overwatering it :)

[@CatBrad]

Love that one, I am turning my strawberry garden into a succulent garden and I want a variety! Thank you for doing these videos, very helpful!

[@yesenialeon1658]

I didn't even know that I need this succulent. It's very appealing

[@vicksilb]

Thanks for the informative video. I purchased a little wooden box with several succulents in it 3 or 4 years ago, and this guy is the only one that has survived. The tiny gnome still enjoys biding his time on a little log in its shade. The plant has even spread out with several thick stems. I've trimmed it back a few times, and wanted to see if I can propagate the cuttings. I'm happy to learn how easy it is, and will share some with my gardening neighbor, too. I might try growing a larger specimen in my very sunny, hot yard in Northern Texas!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

So glad it was helpful!

[@toysintheclosetshop5443]

Cool! I recently got a cutting of one of these but I didn't know what it was. It's just put on some roots. After watching the video I'm excited to see what it does. Who knows? Maybe it will attract a herd of elephants to my deck!

[@maribootz2534]

Toys In The Closet Shop Last year I had two javelinas come to my front door and eat it down to the nubs. So watch out for those elephants!

[@katievaith]

I had no idea that the variegated variety grew downward! Thanks for the info

[@antiacolyte]

bought a small one at kroger’s today thinking it was just a little succulent👁👄👁

[@josilync.2526]

same the new plant mom life is confusing 👁👄👁

[@amygriner4584]

This was my first succulent and is definitely my easiest to grow! I have taken so many cuttings, and now I have it all over my yard in AZ! My original plant sits on the northwest side of my house under the water spigot, collecting the drops from the hose. It's so full and beautiful! Early in the summer, I planted some rooted cuttings in full sun and they've done very well! They turned a really bright yellow-green, but haven't grown much. I didn't realize they are a winter grower, but that would explain why they haven't grown. I love that this plant is so forgiving with water. Frequent water or not, it tolerates it all! One of my favorites!!

[@katiemenken6229]

This seems like a very versatile succulent! I’ll have to keep an eye out for one in my area. Thank you!

[@agentelvis81]

Thanks for the video. Elephant bush is one of the plants I'm trying out in my Ball Python's bioactive enclosure and I was drawn to try it out because it's from Africa like my snake species and I love succulents! I use a false bottom for drainage, and I have 2 types of Elephant Bush up on the hotter, dryer side, bordering the heat lamp/basking area to keep that dry area of the enclosure looking green and "alive." It also helps retain the basking area heat and doesn't let it travel over to the cooler side as easily. They help shelter and encourage a portion of the microfauna (who prefer moisture) to stay at least somewhat active on the hotter, dryer side as well. So far it's been doing alright and showing new growth in both my varieties. I moved a stick that was shading it because I didn't like the lack of growth activity in the shade - it didn't seem to be suffering in the shade, it was just kind of staying as-is and I want it to grow/spread. It's a pretty tough feeling plant, the leaves are fairly difficult to accidentally knock off, and it's been holding up to my Ball Python's exploration and occasionally sitting in it. And boy... the leaves taste so good! A little tartness and really juicy, I can see why Elephants love it in the hot African climate! These seem to be thriving as well on the hotter, dryer side as my Pothos are on the cooler, more humid side. A trick I learned when planting anything in a snake tank is to keep plants a few inches away from the glass/walls to encourage the snake to form his pathways around them instead of over them to help avoid them being trampled. I noticed that as snakes move through an enclosure they kind of naturally form "roads" for themselves in the loose top layer of substrate and they tend to cruise these same roads when they're active, so with a little forethought in your layout and plant arrangement you can really discourage trampling much of the time.

[@LarylCH]

All my neighbors have this one because that’s all that will survive our summers LOL, I had a lot at my old house also. I gives a lift. It’s rich in nutrients too!

[@helenesherlock6300]

Love this plant... I have several bushes in my yard, use it in many containers and as fillers in arrangements. Thanks for the details. Now on to try the light green variety and bring some inside too!

[@dianneschaufenbuel3675]

Elephant bush is what I need since it is so forgiving and hardy!

[@ellyza24]

I've started collecting succulents since last year and I'm so inlove with this elephant bush. I put mine in an arrangement.. and I think they look great ☺️ I didn't know they can tolerate full sun. Thanks for the info😘

[@KellyCK7]

Thank you for this awesome video!!!! I just got one last night and can’t wait to watch him grow :))

[@kateelsbree8103]

Hooray! This one will be happy out in my greenhouse.

[@StaceyHerewegrowagain]

I love the Elephant Bush succulent. Great information! Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@StaceyHerewegrowagain]

This is a perfect succulent for my type of climate.. I live in Central Florida Zone 9b and it's hard to find succulents that grow well outdoors, in full sun, without burning them. I still have to use a shade cloth when summer rolls around but overall they do great outside getting morning sun. I'm growing a few individually in their own pots, but I'm going to make an arrangement with them really soon. Thanks for sharing. It's always such a pleasure seeing you. I love that elephants eat this plant, so cool. I love experimenting with bonsai too so thanks for sharing that tip! I think I'm going to give it a try 😉 I had no idea we could eat this palnt either lol. How fun and interesting is that?!😀 Such great information.. thanks again Cassidy

[@ksharvey231]

‘This video is very helpful, I’ve had my plant for one month and trying to get the watering down. The leaves were looking shriveled, so now I believe I’m under watering it. Thanks for the tips and info

[@amru2497]

Just started taking care of my very first succulents. Using Elephant bush as a spiller for my Crassula campfire. Wish me luck.

[@sunshinepatsoph4219]

Variegated is a beauty.. has that bonsai look.

[@duvanjansenvanvuuren2573]

The reason it is so nice is because it is from South Africa

[@warnuhattingh2528]

Dis n Spekboom.

[@olafelsberry9271]

@@warnuhattingh2528 what language is that?

[@Mukundwa]

@@olafelsberry9271 Afrikaans :)

[@bexyrexy]

Most of my favorite plants are from South Africa!

[@oliviagreen2069]

Great info. I have some at home and want to plant some in my inside planters! Thanks a lot for all the great info.!

[@laurabaker9209]

Good to hear this info. I have the variegated type. It’s In mostly shade in a pot with other succulents. It has grown quite slowly. I’ve been surprised because I thought they were so hardy, but maybe it needs more sun. It’s in a tops-turvy setup, so not easy to move that pot! 😂

[@orchidquiltfish5403]

I didn't know that the variegated variety needed more water. Great info

[@rachelrothluebber1173]

That's really neat looking. I'll have to get that one for my succulent garden I'm planning on starting

[@Cogamokx]

What a beauty! All of your plants look amazing. Thanks for your great info as always, Cassidy! 💚

[@barbtroy9280]

What a tolerant plant great for multiple uses! I have never tried Elephant Bush, fearing I couldn't supply enough hot weather to its liking. But...now I am excited to try growing it, even indoors!

[@margienagata46]

I have the elephant bush and variegated variety and these are the only two plants that survived the summer in the desert. I have both in a hanging pot. Thank you for your information.

[@bernadetteklein1227]

Being in a zone 10 and having an all day full sun spot - this sounds good!

[@rachelhawsstarrin9172]

I have one of these little guys. Seems like a pretty slow grower for me, but mine is also in a windowsill.

[@katiedenniston2060]

I hadn't heard of this one before your video. Thanks for all of your helpful info! ☺️

[@lynnpawlowski8089]

I have one of the variegated variety in a pot by itself. It loves the full sun and rain outside here in SW Florida. I also have some in mixed pot arrangements that don’t get as much rain. It grows much slower and rots easier without the full sun.

[@rebeccaulmer9167]

This plant is definitely on my wish list!! It’s so adorable ❤️

[@carolynbroadfield2327]

I love my elephant bush! I have it just growing in a pot by itself, but I think it’s beautiful!

[@meganlong9251]

I think I’m going to use this in one of my next arrangements!

[@cucumberhoney6243]

I rescued one from Lowe’s a a week to two weeks ago. (I forget when) It was the nicest one they had but it still looked nasty. It’s not changed much other than the leaves look a bit greener and nicer. So hopefully I’m doing something right

[@partywithanelicia8475]

Oh yes!! I need more spillers!

[@sharilambeth9062]

I have this in nearly every arrangement I do!

[@chickitapanda6503]

New subscriber and happy thank you so much she is a beauty I just saved one from Walmart and she is looking happy in my east window

[@BUtheBabyUnicorn]

I love the variegated version! Though the regular elephant bush is quite nice too. I love the contrast that it brings to my other succulents, many of which are much less tree like. I finally picked up some variegated elephant bush a couple of weeks ago. Thank you for this video!

[@cheerleader2257]

I have this one and it gives me no problems!

[@bernicepierre3921]

I have a couple of these growing in my Zone 10 yard and they do quite well!

[@allisonjarvis7664]

My sister has one of these, I'm sending this to her!

[@amandakelley9164]

Thanks for the propagating tips for this one!

[@jmscnny]

I have had salads with the fleshy petals mixed through. It adds a pleasant little kick.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

That sounds fun!

[@photogrammy]

Going to be on the lookout for this one.

[@buffie9ify]

I haven't owned the dark green variety, but I've killed off 2 variegated ones. I'm glad to see that the green ones aren't as finicky, in case I wanted to give it one more shot.

[@karenburzdak8525]

When I realized that I could grow it as a "tree" in a bonsai, I decided it was OK afterall.

[@livefire4433]

I’m going to look for one of these! Thank you for doing these videos.

[@makalapinkston9689]

This video was super duper helpful. I just got one of these plants from Home Depot! I can’t want to see how she grows :)

[@mizzwycked7931]

I really love how yours is curved and free-flowing like that! Mine all grow straight up with branches jutting out at 45 degree angles. I have some in full sun here in San Diego but I also have some that only get morning sun and they all do very well. I did not know they were edible - as always great info, thanks!

[@marionhover6663]

I have the variegated and now will add the green variety. I use it in arrangements and recently have taken a few cuttings into the garden. I really hoping eventually for a bush to emerge!

[@dani88light]

Love edible succulents. What a great idea to put in salads or soups.

[@buttercupsandbreakfast]

Since these plants aren’t the most common when you think of succulents, I couldn’t find what type this was. I thought it was a jade or money plant. But finally, I found it.

[@DMDeVille]

Love this one. I have it both on its own and mixed it.😊

[@lisacrawford203]

I love my Elephant Bush succulent! I am amazed at how easily it propagates and takes sun, indirect for FL though! Our climate is very humid an UV rays easily scorch my succulents except this one! Thank you for another great video and information!