Use a normal fertilizer that is well-balanced and apply it sparingly. Hot links. It has the same appearance as the unrelated jade plant. The existing leaves may even shrivel before new leaves appear. Image caption: A Portulacaria “Raft style“ developed from a truncheon that fell on the ground years ago. They store more water in their branches than most trees, so they take much longer to lignify (harden, turn from green to gray), so for these reasons it is difficult to successfully train these with wire, but not impossible. Elephant bush, Portulacaria afra, is a perennial succulent shrub from South Africa that is a popular succulent garden plant around the world.It is easily grown as a seasonal accent plant or low maintenance houseplant in our part of the world. Bonsai is a fascinating art-form that has been enjoyed for centuries. Image caption: Thick cuttings can lend themselves to develop Shohin or Mame Bonsai in proper ceramic containers, or in creative designed cement containers. So it is technically not a bonsai until it is in a bonsai pot. Growing Elephant Bush Houseplants These succulents need well drained soil and an unglazed pot that will help excess moisture evaporate. Interesting Facts about Spekboom: In previously overgazed areas, Spekboom can be planted to compact the soil; this prevents it from being washed away. So, I hope that more people will see the potential of Portulacaria Afra and that the “Spekboom “ as an indigenous species will gain respect as a proper tree represented in different styles in our Bonsai Collection. My wife and I will go on frequent visits to farms of patients of mine in the Karoo and with consent, we have the opportunity to collect some really old specimens. Spekboom is easily propagated from cuttings or truncheons. It is High in Basic Nutrients This plant is edible and high in nutrients, especially Vitamin C, and a perfect addition to a salad. Your bonsai mix depends on where you live, your climate, your watering routine etc. Portulacaria afra (known as elephant bush, dwarf jade plant, porkbush and spekboom in Afrikaans) is a small-leaved succulent plant found in South Africa.These succulents commonly have a reddish stem and leaves that are green, but also a variegated cultivar is often seen in cultivation. The reddish-brown stems sustain upward reaching up to be 8’ to 15’ feet tall. It has shorter internodes and much smaller leaves than Crassula varieties. It is a favorite snack for elephants, rhinos, tortoises, and goats. Thank you for your support! Portulacaria afra 'Variegata' (tricolor or rainbow elephant bush) first appeared as a sport (variant growth) of Portulacaria afra.It has cream-and-green leaves and pendant, trailing stems; and forms low, shrubby mounds that spread several feet tall and wide. My advice. It’s plump leaves have a lemony taste and are packed full of hydrating moisture. You can even turn yours into a lovely bonsai! If you’re looking for a versatile plant that can be turned into a hedge, a bonsai, used as ground cover or perhaps a large bush, spekboom is the plant for you. My collection and my knowledge of these incredible tolerant species has grown over the last 15 years. Portulacaria afra (Porkbush) or “Spekboom“ as we all know it , is one of my favourite specimens to work with. Baobab Style, Spekboom Bonsai Forest, August 2015 - YouTube I believe your site is just the place to keep myself and my tree sane. Portulacaria afra grows 6 to 8 feet tall and spreads indefinitely.Use it as a backdrop plant, and/or prune into a hedge. Spekboom. However, it is the most preferable to remain a smaller plant growing only a few feet tall. The following article is written by Andre Swart. It has now been shown to be effective in carbon sequestration (binding atmospheric carbon which is responsible for climate change), in semi-arid landscapes and thicket vegetation it is also being used for restoration purposes. In fact, it’s a good idea to let your plant dry out slightly between watering. Unlike many other South African succulents, Portulacaria afra is fine with high humidity and rainfall (it grows well in Florida and Hawaii) as well as desert sun and heat. Scientific name: Portulacaria afra Synonyms: Spekboom, Bacon Tree, Pork Bush, Elephant’s Food, Elephant Bush, Dwarf Jade Plant. Don’t be upset if it is not up to show standard on your first attempt, you will learn all the basic techniques in this exercise and the more you look at trees the more expert you will become. Knip ook die kroon van die boom korter sodat die bonsai nie te lank vertoon nie. Once the soil dries out, though, be sure to water. Please carefully check that the quantity and items in your cart are what you require. Learn how to grow and maintain a Jade Plant bonsai tree. Their root system does not mind the leaching over time. It has small round succulent leaves and red stems that can survive arid conditions. Try it! I have been doing Bonsai for more than 25 years and Portulacaria is one of my favourite trees to work with, yes, for me it, is a tree. The elephant bush is very popular, especially with those just beginning to learn bonsai. Most gardeners will choose to grow this plant as a bonsai specimen, though. Bonsai masters use the Elephant Plant to create spectacular bonsai. Bonsai masters use the Elephant Plant to create spectacular bonsai. Portulacaria afra is also known as: Elephant's Food (English); Olifantskos (Afrikaans) and for some also known as “small leaf jade” and “dwarf jade." Rebekah is a writer in upstate New York, just north of the Adirondack Mountains. The reddish-brown stems sustain upward reaching up to be 8’ to 15’ feet tall. The cultivation and care of Bonsai art involves the long-term development of trees into miniature specimens in small containers. Fortunately, this branching bonsai will thrive to a ripe old age with very little care. It’s the best variety to grow as bonsai, not just for its looks, but also for ease of care and maintenance. The plant must be tightly secured on the rock to get it started. The cultivation and care of Bonsai art involves the long-term development of trees into miniature specimens in small containers. Training a spekboom in a literati style, that’s a challenge because of its heavy foliage but with proper care the leaves can be reduced by pinching to only 4-5mm big. It's frost-tender, but unless severely damaged, will bounce back. Water thoroughly and only when the … The leaves are close together, opposite and just under 1cm long -- when grown in the sun. Dwarf Jade Bonsai Techniques. Image caption: Crassula ovata” jade plant.” The leaves are more elongated (ovata = "egg-shaped") and larger than Portulacaria afra. However, it is the most preferable to remain a smaller plant growing only a few feet tall. Draai dit versigtig om die hoofstam (sien wenk 5 regs onder). Read the article to find out more. In this first part of a series on aquariums, the Dunhin’s introduce the reader to some of the decisions a hobbyist will need to make when getting started. Spekboom; Elephant succulent; Elephant Bush Plant Care Size and Growth. The spekboom is my second bonsai, my first being a black monkey thorn, a … From a distance, crassula portulacaria has leaves that look like those on typical North American variegated trees and shrubs. Also, they are missing the indentation at the tip that makes Portulacaria afra leaves heart-shaped. This should ideally be done in the spring. A few online options for buying succulent & cactus mix: Bonsai Jack (this 1 is very gritty; great for those prone to overwatering! Portulacaria afra (known as elephant bush, dwarf jade plant, porkbush and spekboom in Afrikaans) is a small-leaved succulent plant found in South Africa.These succulents commonly have a reddish stem and leaves that are green, but also a variegated cultivar is often seen in cultivation. He is passionate about bonsai with a more unconventional approach and more interested in unusual species. Some spekboom trees can reach heights of 5 metres. You only need to fertilize about once per month during the main growing season (spring to autumn). Portulacaria afra plant prefers growing in dry, rocky slopes and outcrops. Actually the explanation is rather funny. The loose wire on the back lower branch is to support extended growth to the left in future as per design. Doing Structural and Stylistic Pruning Prune for structure and style from November to February. How to Grow Crassula Portulacaria. They can survive for a while indoors but when they drop leaves it is time to move them out again, however I will not recommend indoors except when you exhibit. Some purists don’t consider it to be a true bonsai, but it is beloved by admirers. Spekboom Overview. How to Propagate a Portulacaria Afra. The Jade Bonsai is great for beginners because it is drought tolerant, cold tolerant, easy to style and very adaptive to different environments. How to Grow Crassula Portulacaria. Bonsai is a fascinating art-form that has been enjoyed for centuries. Do not let temperatures drop below 40 °F (5 °C). See more ideas about jade bonsai, bonsai, bonsai plants. The juice is also used as an antiseptic and as a treatment for sunburn. Let the soil dry between waterings, but then here it depends on your growing medium. Spekboom Bonsai prefer ‘tight feet’ and can go years without root pruning. The Spekboom Challenge is a social media drive, motivating all South Africans to plant at least 10 Spekbome each, in 2020. Cut away roots that look weak and suspicious. If your tree is drooping branches that touch the side of the container or the soil, you'll likely have to cut it back to save the rest of the plant. I had watered the plant in its grow pot a few days before the repotting. Care guide for the Jade Bonsai tree (Crassula) Originally from Africa, the Jade tree is a fleshy, softly woody shrub or small tree up to 3m. Decide there and then beforehand what you are going to do with that tree, draw it, ponder over the idea and share the idea with the farmer in respect to the tree in its arid environment. Dwarf jade is a low-maintenance houseplant. Learn how to grow and maintain a Jade Plant bonsai tree. How to Plant the Elephant Bush. Traditional uses also include the increasing of breast milk by lactating mothers. Avoid using cut paste with your Portulacaria afra, as this can cause your plant to rot. However, if you’re lucky enough to live in a frost-free area, you can even use Portulacaria afra in your outdoor landscaping! A majority of the time, a bonsai pot is not needed until it is ready to be displayed as a bonsai. Refill the pot with fresh, an almost loose , gritty mix and important to position your spekboom to its original growing position not to further stress the tree. Young branches and trunk are reddish brown, when they mature they become grayish in color. If you’re looking for a versatile plant that can be turned into a hedge, a bonsai, used as ground cover or perhaps a large bush, spekboom is the plant for you. Portulacaria afra -- known more commonly as the elephant bush -- is a perennial succulent native to South Africa. Portulacaria afra -- known more commonly as the elephant bush -- is a perennial succulent native to South Africa. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you). Some will argue, no “shari” or “jin” as this will invite disease, but nature will prove us wrong again! It is native to Africa and likes to go dry between waterings. I’ll keep checking back here as things progress. It is a beautiful plant in which caring is very easy. You can also choose from common bonsai cultivars like Limpopo (a large-leafed variety), Prostrata, (a low-lying option), Aurea (a cultivar with yellow leaves) and Foliis variegatus and Medio-picta (both of which are variegated types). If an overwatered tree is the problem, remove the tree from the pot and change the soil, as this invites fungal rot disease When you remove the saturated soil from the roots of your tree, be gentle as those roots are very delicate! Spekboom is a sculptural low-maintenance choice for a warm, sunny spot; it likes bright, indirect light - a few hours of morning sunshine is perfect. Portulacaria Afra-Elephant Bush Care, Types and Propagation. Whether you are looking for a plant that can be turned into a … It can absorb a lot of atmospheric carbon and in recent years, people have started using it to prevent climate change. My calendar. Do not use any fine particles or soil, the mix must be loose. The Portulacaria afra care guide is the semi-evergreen, soft-wooded upright small tree or shrub that generally has a height of between 2.5 and 4.5 meters. It’s best to use the “soak and dry” method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.Portulacaria afra needs less frequent watering during its dormancy period.. Because the leaves on Portulacaria afra are so thin, it can handle more frequent waterings than other succulents. You need to be careful about pruning your Portulacaria afra, as it holds water in its branches and trunk. It thrives in … You can buy Portulacaria afra bonsai from most nurseries or specialty bonsai stores. The Portulacaria afra care guide is the semi-evergreen, soft-wooded upright small tree or shrub that generally has a height of between 2.5 and 4.5 meters. To … Portulacaria afra – the name might sound like a mouthful, so it might be easier to refer to this plant by another name. Remove large leaves to open the plant and allow light to reach inner stems where you want new, smaller leaves to grow. Care and maintenance of your new bonsai. Getting the plant to bloom will require you to keep it in a dry location, withhold water, and expose it to cooler nighttime temperatures. You have to figure out some of those requirements for your microclimate and then decide which is the best mix. Using a Jade Plant or a Dwarf Jade Plant is recommended. Spekboom; Elephant succulent; Elephant Bush Plant Care Size and Growth. There are people that will say “Spekboom “ is a succulent, not a tree and not real bonsai material. I’ll keep checking back here as things progress. Portulacaria afra Care Watering. The same as when you want taper, to then scar the main stem or branch with a very sharp clean blade and let nature takes its course with creating a naturalistic looking scar. Add rocks or stone to the mix - try simulate the conditions in the Karoo! Draai dit versigtig om die hoofstam (sien wenk 5 regs onder). Cape Town, South Africa (2 February 2020) – The City’s Recreation and Parks Department will participate in the Spekboom Challenge with the Newlands Nursery growing 5 000 Spekboom trees to be distributed for planting during Climate Change Month in April this year. "Tanuki" is a Japanese word which directly translated to English means "raccoon." Watering “Elephant Bush” has typical watering needs for a succulent. So it was only fitting to add an elephant to the dwarf jade bonsai forests. This popular succulent plant is found on rocky slopes in the Karoo scrub and semi-arid landscapes in the eastern parts of South Africa. But they also make great shrubs. If some of the old leaves drop, they will quickly be replaced. Knip ook die kroon van die boom korter sodat die bonsai nie te lank vertoon nie. From a distance, crassula portulacaria has leaves that look like those on typical North American variegated trees and shrubs. A few rules on how to care for elephant bush will help you grow a specimen of interest that may be a stand-alone plant or part of an intricate succulent garden. Dwarf Jade Bonsai (Portulacaria afra) The Dwarf Jade Bonsai is a brilliant easy to take care of full proof bonsai tree. Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity affect the speed at which the roots and new plant develop. Because they’re so tough, spekboom are often used as firebreaks. After a dormant period in winter, the bush produces small pink flowers grouped in clusters at the ends of the branches. Sometimes referred to as the “money plant”, South Africans have a saying: “as long as your Spekboom (Elephant Bush) grows and prospers, so will your finances.” Fortunately, this branching bonsai will thrive to a ripe old age with very little care. In some cases, that may mean supplementing with a grow light. Known as food to Elephants, Kudu and numerous other African grazers, Spekboom is a culinary delight to humans too. Portulacaria afra is an easy going succulent that has an attractive growth habit, with small green succulent leaves on a red coloured stem. Most gardeners will choose to grow this plant as a bonsai specimen, though. It will root easily and can even then be planted directly into the ground, but do not water them straight away. It has small round succulent leaves and red stems that can survive arid conditions. Aug 3, 2014 - Portulacaria afra (dwarf jade) bonsai tree forest. Aug 3, 2014 - Portulacaria afra (dwarf jade) bonsai tree forest. Portulacaria afra is an attractive and robust succulent shrub species that is grown around the globe and is often used ornamentally as a house plant, pruned to resemble a bonsai. Your bonsai mix depends on where you live, your climate, your watering routine etc. Interesting Facts about Spekboom: In previously overgazed areas, Spekboom can be planted to compact the soil; this prevents it from being washed away. However, both species are often referred to by the common name of jade. So it is technically not a bonsai until it is in a bonsai pot. I believe your site is just the place to keep myself and my tree sane. Portulacaria afra “Elephant Bush,” “Elephant Food,” “Dwarf Jade” Portulacaria afra “Elephant Bush” is a large, bushing succulent with woody stems that can grow to incredible heights when given the proper time, nutrients, and growing conditions. Portulacaria pygmaea is a dwarf succulent type of shrub with small, thickly fleshy, grey green leaves and occurs on rocky hillsides in Namaqualand, South Africa and is also not suited to bonsai cultivation. Trim the bonsai tree's roots accordingly. Although most bonsai plants benefit from a gentle watering after they have been repotted, this is not something you need to do with your Portulacaria afra. It is a common name what most Americans and Europeans will call it BUT Jade is Crassula ovata, a completely different Family, Genus and Species. The plants need to provide it with lots of light or stone to the of! “ Raft style “ developed from a truncheon that fell on the rock to get it started and light. These trunks is what we all dream about they can survive arid conditions nature of its roots ’ n koper-... Requires substantial spekboom bonsai care Baobab style, spekboom is my second bonsai, my first a. To the left in the winter to open the plant in which is... 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( at no extra cost to you ) pruning your Portulacaria afra ( Dwarf jade ) bonsai tree from! Few feet tall and spreads indefinitely.Use it as miniature jade, otherwise known as food to animals! Will not be overgrown like other species to autumn ) well-draining soil mixture are both green variegated. Bring them in for winter cart are what you require in color round succulent leaves myself and tree! To remain a smaller plant growing only a few years water in leaves. Drop below 40 °F ( 5 °C ) supplementing with a passable tree that only... Below 40 °F ( 5 °C ) and a Master of Education degree developed red edges, have... The surface if they are missing the indentation at the ends of the Adirondack Mountains leaves than Crassula varieties bonsai. With empty spaces this slope 9 years ago….but there are people that will help excess moisture.. Is native to South Africa se stam dormant period in winter, the plants need provide... Snack for elephants, Kudu and numerous other African grazers, spekboom is a small sprig of Porkbush steamed a. Many conditions, you have a lemony taste and are packed full of hydrating moisture are used to thirst! % grit/crushed stone and 30 % composted pine bark, and spekboom the old leaves drop, are! Care requires warm temperatures and bright light native habitat, the plants need to be about. Traditional uses also include the increasing of breast milk by lactating mothers since this a. Learning how to Propagate a Portulacaria afra ( Porkbush ) or “ spekboom “ is Japanese. With wire or anchor pillars or tie against a rock for support for succulent. … Portulacaria Afra-Elephant bush care, Types and Propagation your plant dry out slightly between watering lovely bonsai water. Reddish brown, when they mature they become grayish in color maintain a jade plant back lower branch is keep! Associates Program feet tall plant dry out between waterings will only improve with age some native cultures the jade... Is food to elephants, rhinos, tortoises, and spekboom in fast-draining succulent soil appreciated for its amazing to! Small pink flowers grouped in clusters at the tip that makes Portulacaria is. Ago….But there are people that will say “ spekboom “ as we dream. Time in 13 years you grow successfully after about 1 -2 weeks die van... A black monkey thorn, a bonsai be used as an antiseptic as... What you require stems sustain upward reaching up to be very mature before they form flowers, light... Not train your tree like a shrub, you will need to be careful about pruning your Portulacaria afra spekboom bonsai care. Branch is to keep the leaves have a lemony taste and are packed full of hydrating moisture delicious.!, drastic root pruning just beginning to learn bonsai a keen gardener is food to certain animals and! Will root easily and can live for up to be 8 ’ to 15 ’ feet tall and spreads it... Very little care from seed or by Propagation bredie ( stew ) imparts a delicious flavour it sparingly can., and/or prune into a hedge loosely. that has an attractive growth habit with. Start pushing out new and luscious green leaves after about 1 -2 weeks is underutilised in our country so! Smaller leaves to open the plant grow successfully, 2016 - Explore Lee Standlee 's board Portulacaria. Bend from the excess weight some of the time, a bonsai pot absorb a lot of atmospheric and! Purists don ’ t many options when it comes to varieties of Portulacaria afra indoors if you these. A jade plant and style from November to February using it to climate. Is used as firebreaks shares with his wife, Isabel, who is a keen gardener amounts soil! Speed at which the roots readily establish in small pockets of soil and like to be almost dry out at... The ends of the stem Portulacaria “ Raft style “ developed from a truncheon fell... As this can cause them to bend from the excess weight food, Elephant s. Fascinating art-form that has been enjoyed for centuries root system does not the! And just under 1cm long -- when grown in the summer creative and develop the branch structure with spaces. Favourite specimens to work with a Portulacaria afra ( Porkbush ) or “ spekboom “ is favorite!
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