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Portulacaria afra – the name might sound like a mouthful , so it might be easier to advert to this industrial plant by other gens such as elephant bush , porkbush , dwarf jade plant , andspekboom , in Afrikaans , just to name a few !
An wanton to care for flora , the elephant bush is often used in bonsai cultivation . However , if you ’re golden enough to live in a frost - free expanse , you’re able to even usePortulacaria afrain your outside landscaping !
aboriginal to South Africa , this dwarf jade flora is typically grown outside in full sun in its native range . However , like most other succulents , it can also be produce as a bonsai tree indoors . Here ’s what you need to know !
Most nurseryman will opt to grow this plant life as a bonsai specimen , though . Here ’s what you need to know .
Interesting Facts about Portulacaria Afra Bonsai
Types of Portulacaria Afra Bonsai
Asmall - leaved succulent plantnative to South Africa , Portulacaria afrais a small , lush plant that produces compact maturation and round pads with thick trunk . It grows quickly and is incredibly brave .
As you might await from the name , the tender Modern leaves of this plant is a preferred species in an elephants diet !
It ’s also one of the most democratic choice of bonsai styles for indoor growers due to its fine branch structure and the fact that it ’s such a pocket-size tree .
There are n’t many selection when it come to miscellanea ofPortulacaria afrayou can use forbonsai growing . However , there are both green and variegated options for you to choose from in most cases .
you’re able to also choose fromcommon bonsai cultivarslike Limpopo ( a large - leaf motley ) , Prostrata , ( a low - lie alternative ) , Aurea ( a cultivar with yellow leaves ) and Foliis variegatus and Medio - picta ( both of which are vary types ) .
Other good companions for your portulacaria bonsai tree includeCrassula ovata , Japanese black pine , the money tree , or the fatty tissue porc tree .
Growing Elephant Bush Bonsai from Seed or By Propagation
The elephant bush bonsai can be grown from source or by extension . However , it ’s easiest to produce from cutting that are propagated in the summer .
Propagation is the easiest and most successful method to arise an Elephant Bush . This can be done by either using stem cutting or leaf cuttings .
Stem Cuttings
The first step in propagation via stem cuttings is prefer a healthy stem .
You should select a stem turn with a terminal bud that is goodish and ripe , but not old or woody . Using a sterile knife or shear , cut the root , check that the cut is clean and does not crush the stem .
You ’ll place your small cutting in a enough pot with new soil , summate a piece of rooting endocrine to get it to take off . The best time to take this clipping is when the flora is dormant .
Leaf Cuttings
Similarly , for foliage cuttings , select a hefty , matured leafage . Gently wind the folio from the stem , ensuring you get the entire leaf and base .
Once you have your cuttings , they need to dry before planting . This process , known as callusing , help to keep the cutting from rotting when institute . Depending on the sizing of the carving , this may take a few day to a week .
Once the cuttings have dried , they are quick to plant . Prepare a mass with well - draining soil , such as a mix designed for cacti or succulent . Place the film editing on top of the soil or insert the mown end of the stem into the soil . Do not irrigate now after constitute to forefend causing bunkum .
How To Care for a Jade Bonsai
Here are some tips to help you care for your miniature trollop tree diagram !
Sunlight
Grow yourPortulacaria afraindoors if you last in a temperate zone . However , do keep in brain that you’re able to keep it outside as long as it is placed in full sun and is hold on at temperatures above 50 degrees or so at all multiplication .
Even when you develop the hack bonsai as an indoor bonsai tree , you will need to provide it with lots of light . In some cases , that may think of supplementing with a grow luminosity . If you notice that the leaves have developed red edges , you are doing all right with the amount of sun you are providing .
Watering
Portulacaria afratrees are unique in that they can harbor an exceptional amount of water in their leaves . As succulents , they do n’t need to be watered very often . That articulate , it ’s a just musical theme to have a solid lachrymation agenda in place to make certain you are n’t over irrigate your plant and that you let the grunge become completely dry .
In fact , it ’s a unspoiled idea to let your plant life dry out out slimly between watering . In the winter , you could irrigate as short as once every three to four weeks , specially if your plant is being develop in cooler conditions .
Once the soil dry out out , though , be certain to irrigate . This flora is n’t quite as tender to overwatering as other succulents can be .
Fertilizing
You only ask to fertilize this great bonsai tree about once per month during the primary produce season ( bounce to autumn ) . Use a normal fertiliser that is well - balanced and utilize it sparingly throughout the entire wad .
In most cases , you could use the same plant food you expend on other plants you ’re grow as bonsai .
Potting and Repotting
You will need to repot yourPortulacaria afraonce every two years and make indisputable you practice new bonsai dirt intermixture every time . This should ideally be done in the spring . Place your fresh plant into a well - draining soil mixture . If you may , use soil that has a bit of calcined clay and pine barque in your bonsai passel .
Although most bonsai works benefit from a gentle lacrimation after they have been repotted , this is not something you call for to do with yourPortulacaria afra .
Instead , void water for about one calendar week . This will let the origin become dry and callous and can prevent fungal root decomposition .
Pruning a Portulacaria Afra Bonsai
You need to be careful about pruning yourPortulacaria afra , as it hold piddle in its outgrowth and trunk . These can cause them to twist from the spare weight .
However , when done slowly and methodically , jade tree diagram benefits from pruning , which can force the tree to spring up branches lower on its luggage compartment . Again , drastic pruning is n’t necessary – just enough to get the industrial plant refreshed once every few year .
Avoid using undercut library paste with your jade bonsai plant , as this can cause your plant to rot .
Pests and Diseases
Portulacaria afrais not prone to many disease or plague . As long as you water it correctly and give it enough sun , it will do just fine and not suffer from any of the most common bonsai ailments .
That said , you should keep an eye out for pests like mealy bugs and aphid . These pests release honeydew melon that can cause the plant to become ill .
Where to Buy Dwarf Jade Plant Bonsai
you’re able to buyPortulacaria afrabonsai from most nurseries or specialty bonsai stores .
See more : Crassula ovata bonsai tree
- Photo by RealityImages / depositphotos
