Rainbow Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’), 4-Inch Pot

Rainbow Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’) brings small, fleshy green-and-cream leaves to branching reddish stems. New growth and leaf edges may show pink tones under suitable conditions. This young succulent can develop a bushier, woody shape with time or be kept compact with careful pruning.

Points of interest and size

• One live young plant in a 4-inch nursery grow pot. Current height, branching, leaf color, and fullness vary naturally.
• Estimated mature indoor height: up to approximately 4 feet with time and suitable care; pruning can maintain a smaller shape. Mature size is not the shipping size.
• Also called variegated elephant bush or spekboom; this is Portulacaria, distinct from the common Crassula jade plant.

What you receive

One live Rainbow Elephant Bush in a 4-inch nursery grow pot. Natural variations in green, cream, yellow, and pink tones are normal. Photos show the variety, not a guaranteed exact plant. Decorative planters and furnishings are not included.

Care guide

• Light: Provide very bright light, with gentle direct sun after gradual acclimation. Protect pale foliage from sudden intense afternoon sun or heat through glass. Low light can produce sparse, stretched growth.
• Water: Allow the mix to dry completely between waterings, then water thoroughly and let excess drain. Avoid constantly damp roots or standing water. Reduce frequency during cool, dim conditions and periods of slow growth.
• Soil: Use a fast-draining succulent mix in a pot with drainage holes. Shop our Succulent & Cactus Soil Blend, hand-blended in small batches and sold separately; amend with pumice or perlite as needed for drainage.
• Temperature and humidity: Warm indoor conditions and average to low humidity suit it. Provide airflow and protect from freezing temperatures and cold drafts. Avoid humid, persistently wet conditions.
• Feeding: Feed sparingly during active growth according to fertilizer label directions. Shop our 2 oz Slow-Release Fertilizer for Houseplants & Succulents, sold separately. Avoid overfeeding; reduce or pause during winter or inactivity and extreme heat or cold. Avoid feeding stressed or newly repotted plants.
• Pruning: Trim long stems above a node with clean shears to encourage branching or shape the plant. Handle stems gently and remove damaged growth.
• Repotting: When roots crowd the pot or the mix breaks down, move up one pot size during active growth into fresh fast-draining mix. Maintain the original planting depth and avoid a much larger volume of wet soil.
• Propagation: Take healthy stem cuttings, remove lower leaves, and allow cut surfaces to dry and callus before placing in airy succulent mix. Water sparingly as roots establish in warm, bright indirect light.

Pet safety

Portulacaria afra is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.