MainMain
FoliageFoliage
LargeLarge
Medium, BushMedium, Bush
Medium, TreeMedium, Tree

Elephant Bush Plant

(24 customer reviews)
Bush
Tree
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
2-Day Shipping Available
Ships June 13th - June 20th.

Select Pot

  • Grower
    Ships in our standard grower pot which includes drainage holes at the bottom.
  • Selva
                                                                                                                                                                    
    
                                                            12 inches wide. Made with recycled plastic and natural materials. Weather resistant, insulating, frost resistant, chip and crack resistant. Includes plug and saucer.                                                        
    
                                                                                                                
    
                                                            8 inches wide. Made with recycled plastic and natural materials. Weather resistant, insulating, frost resistant, chip and crack resistant. Includes plug and saucer.                                                        
    
                                                                                                                
    
                                                            8 inches wide. Made with recycled plastic and natural materials. Weather resistant, insulating, frost resistant, chip and crack resistant. Includes plug and saucer.
  • Meseta
                                                                                                                                                                    
    
                                                            6.5 inches wide. Made with recycled plastic and natural materials. Weather resistant, insulating, frost resistant, chip and crack resistant. Includes plug and saucer.                                                        
    
                                                                                                                
    
                                                            6.5 inches wide. Made with recycled plastic and natural materials. Weather resistant, insulating, frost resistant, chip and crack resistant. Includes plug and saucer.
  • Viento
                                                                                                                                                                    
    
                                                            12 inches wide. Made with recycled plastic and natural materials. Weather resistant, insulating, frost resistant, chip and crack resistant. Does not include a drainage hole.                                                        
    
                                                                                                                
    
                                                            12 inches wide. Made with recycled plastic and natural materials. Weather resistant, insulating, frost resistant, chip and crack resistant. Does not include a drainage hole.                                                        
    
                                                                                                                
    
                                                            12 inches wide. Made with recycled plastic and natural materials. Weather resistant, insulating, frost resistant, chip and crack resistant. Does not include a drainage hole.
  • Nube
                                                                                                                                                                    
    
                                                            6.5 inches wide. Made with recycled plastic and natural materials. Weather resistant, insulating, frost resistant, chip and crack resistant. Does not include a drainage hole.                                                        
    
                                                                                                                
    
                                                            6.5 inches wide. Made with recycled plastic and natural materials. Weather resistant, insulating, frost resistant, chip and crack resistant. Does not include a drainage hole.

This product is not California Certified.

$ 34.00
You may like to add:

Natural Root Stimulant

Natural probiotics, organics, and moisture control gel boost root growth. Invigorates existing plants, reduces transplant shock and accelerates establishment of new plants. This all natural product will not burn roots.

When Transplanting: Apply between new soil and plant so stimulant touches root ball.

For Existing Plants: Apply stimulant 2-3 inches below top of soil.

Use the proper amount for each pot size:
6″ Pot: ½ Pack
8-10″ Pot: 1 Pack
12-14″ pot: 2 Packs

Organic Indoor Soil Mix

Watch your indoor plants flourish with PlantVine’s Organic Indoor Soil. This is our best all-purpose mix for the demanding requirements of indoor potted plants. The perfect combination of quality ingredients provides the ideal amount of water retention, drainage and aeration for a wide variety of interior plants. This is an all natural product containing no artificial fertilizers or chemicals. Each bag contains 128 oz of soil.

Repotting:
6” pot into an 8-10” planter: About 1.5 bags
8-10” pot into a 12-14” planter: About 3 bags

Organic Outdoor Potting Mix

PlantVine’s Organic Outdoor Potting Soil is time-tested and proven to help your outdoor potted plants thrive. This is our best all-purpose mix, and a smart choice for a wide variety of outdoor plants, flowers and vegetables. The all natural ingredients are specially blended to provide excellent long term drainage, high air porosity and good water holding capability. This mix contains no artificial fertilizers or chemicals. Each bag contains 128 oz of soil.

Repotting:
6” pot into an 8-10” planter: About 1.5 bags
8-10” pot into a 12-14” planter: About 3 bags

Pot it for me

Have your plant delivered pre-potted when purchasing a medium-sized plant along with one of our premium planters.

  • For Medium Plants
  • Perfect for gift giving
  • Replaces our standard grower pot
  • Medium Plant and Premium Planter must be purchased at same time to qualify
  • Can not be used with large, XL or hanging pot specimens

Soluble Fertilizer

Great for indoor and outdoor potted plants, this fertilizer quickly dissolves in water, making fertilizing as quick and simple as possible. Just mix 1 teaspoon (scoop included) with 1 gallon of water, and water as normal. Makes 48 gallons.

Shop with Confidence
Our plants are covered by our 45 day guarantee.
We even send you a picture of your plants before they ship.

Scientific Name: Portulacaria afra

Common Names: Elephant Bush, Elephant Plant, Elephant Food, Dwarf Jade, Miniature Jade, Spekboom

Overview: commonly known as Elephant Bush, is a beloved succulent native to South Africa. This hardy plant features small, fleshy, bright green leaves that grow along reddish-brown stems, offering a striking contrast and a clean, architectural look. Though often mistaken for the Jade Plant (Crassula ovata), Elephant Bush stands out with its more compact leaves and dense, shrubby growth habit.

Elephant Bush can grow up to 3–5 feet tall when planted outdoors, but it remains more compact in containers, making it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor settings. It’s drought-tolerant, easy to care for, and thrives in bright, indirect light. In its native habitat, it’s even a natural food source for elephants—hence the name.

Whether you’re creating a water-wise landscape, enhancing your succulent collection, or simply looking for a resilient, low-maintenance plant, Portulacaria afra is a timeless, vibrant option.

 

Categories: , , , ,

Description

Big Charm in a Small, Green Package

Portulacaria afra—commonly known as Elephant Bush—is a beloved succulent admired for its vibrant green leaves and reddish-brown stems. Native to South Africa, this resilient plant is often mistaken for a jade plant but stands out with its finer foliage and trailing or upright growth habit.

Compact yet full of personality, the Elephant Bush thrives indoors in bright light or outdoors in warm, dry climates. Reaching up to 3–5 feet tall when mature, it’s an excellent choice for hanging baskets, bonsai arrangements, or sunny patios. Its low-maintenance nature makes it perfect for both seasoned plant lovers and beginners.

Caring for your Elephant Bush Plant

Light

Loves bright, indirect sunlight. Can tolerate some direct sun but prefers protection during the hottest part of the day.

Soil

Use well-draining succulent or cactus soil. A pot with drainage holes is essential to prevent root rot.

Water

Water thoroughly but infrequently. Let the soil dry completely between waterings. In winter, water even less.

Temperature

Thrives in temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C–27°C). Not frost-tolerant—bring indoors if temperatures drop.

Fertilizer

Feed with a diluted succulent fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring to summer). Skip during dormancy.

Pruning

Trim to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Pruning is also great for bonsai styling.

Pests and Diseases

Generally pest-resistant but may occasionally attract mealybugs or spider mites. Treat with insecticidal soap if needed.

Propagation

Easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Allow cut ends to dry before planting in well-draining soil.

Additional information

Zone

11a

Sun Exposure

Medium Shade, Partial Sun

Mature Height

6 in – 12 in

Spacing

6 in – 12 in

24 reviews for Elephant Bush Plant

  1. Pamela M (verified owner) –

    My plant was very well packed, still moist in all this heat, and it seems happy in its new home.

  2. Duane Lenz (verified owner) –

    plant is not doing well… didn’t look good upon receipt.

  3. Kaveh Sharzehi (verified owner) –

    It’s a beautiful plant but has lost some leaves and some are crumpled. I hope it makes it

  4. Dore Kruger (verified owner) –

  5. Janet Root (verified owner) –

    Arrived quickly and in good condition. Very pleased with your tree and your service.

  6. Lakeesh (verified owner) –

    Very cool looking plant.

  7. TINGTING (verified owner) –

  8. Kyoko (verified owner) –

    It was the happiest, healthiest plant of the three I purchased at the same time. Also some question with the soil since it retains water poorly and whatever water I put in comes straight out of the drainage holes in the side. But the plant itself is lovely!!!

  9. Trey (verified owner) –

    Much bigger than expected!! Looks beautiful right out of the box. About 2-3 days after receiving, a ton of leaves have turned yellow and fallen off (soil was quite moist when it arrived). So I will continue to monitor in the days coming.

  10. Aleasha M. (verified owner) –

    Gorgeous plant well packed and shipped. Way bigger than expected. Loved that I got a picture of my exact plant when it was shipped.

  11. Patricia J Shaw (verified owner) –

    I like the plant but thought it would be fuller.

  12. Anonymous (verified owner) –

    I really like my new plant. It was wrapped very well. Fast delivery too, ill order some more plants from PlantVine.

  13. Tammy W. (verified owner) –

    WOW!!! It came well packaged and healthy. There were no pests and the roots are great. I love this nursery and highly recommend. I really love that they send pictures of the exact plant you are getting sent. Great customer service.

  14. VERONIQUE P. (verified owner) –

    Overall pleased with my plant. I like that PlantVine takes the time to handpick your plants. They are properly packaged to prevent damage during shipment, and they stand behind their products. It was a pleasure doing business with them, and I have since recommended PlantVine to friends and family, and have also placed another order with them.

  15. Gemeil Hardy (verified owner) –

    The plant is awesome it was very healthy when it came in and well packaged i had no breakage on my plant I will be buying another plant very soon thanks for the quick delivery and awesome customer service

  16. S W (verified owner) –

    Perfect.

  17. Anonymous (verified owner) –

  18. Susan (verified owner) –

    Beautiful plant. Much larger than expected.

  19. Nicole S. (verified owner) –

    My personal favorite and also matched exactly to the picture! I would buy again!

  20. Ai G. (verified owner) –

    In love with our latest addition! Exactly as pictured!

  21. Anonymous (verified owner) –

  22. Pauline P. (verified owner) –

  23. Lucy Burgos (verified owner) –

    I am very satisfied with my purchase thank you

  24. Andrew White (verified owner) –

    My plant arrive happy and hale, and a very good specimen as well.

Load More

Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.

Why others chose the Elephant Bush Plant

–

purchased to go with our other jade plants

–

Was also looking for this one!

–

Wanted a jade plant for awhile

–

Bonsai

Related products