Bonsai Jade Dwarf Green

🌿 Botanical Name

Portulacaria afra

💚 Common Names

Elephant Bush, Dwarf Jade, Miniature Jade, Small-Leaf Jade, Spekboom

🌿 Description

The Elephant Bush is a charming succulent shrub admired for its thick, woody stems and small, glossy green leaves. Often mistaken for a true Jade Plant, this easy-care succulent has a more delicate branching structure and a naturally bonsai-like appearance, making it a favorite for succulent collections, bonsai enthusiasts, and modern home décor.

Native to South Africa, Elephant Bush is incredibly drought tolerant and can grow into a beautiful miniature tree with time. Whether displayed as a tabletop plant or trained into a bonsai, its lush green foliage and sculptural form add texture and character to any space.

Strong. Sculptural. Effortlessly beautiful.

☀️ Light

Thrives with a wide view of the sky.

Bright, indirect light is ideal, though Elephant Bush also enjoys several hours of direct morning or late afternoon sun. More light encourages compact growth and stronger stems.

💧 Water

Water thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry 100% before watering again.

As a succulent, Elephant Bush stores water in its leaves and stems, making it highly drought tolerant. Avoid overwatering, as excess moisture can lead to root rot.

🌡️ Temperature & Environment

Prefers temperatures between 60–85°F.

Protect from frost and temperatures below 50°F. Thrives in average household humidity.

🌱 Soil

Use a fast-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. Always plant in a container with drainage holes to prevent excess moisture around the roots.

🪴 Growth Habit

A slow to moderate-growing succulent that develops thick woody stems and a naturally branching, tree-like form. It responds well to pruning and is an excellent choice for bonsai training.

🐾 Pet Friendly?

Yes! Elephant Bush is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.

🌿 Fleurish Tip

Don't confuse Elephant Bush with a true Jade Plant (Crassula ovata). While they look similar, Elephant Bush has smaller, softer leaves and grows more quickly. Regular pruning encourages a fuller, bushier plant, and stem cuttings root easily, making propagation simple and rewarding.

📦 Plant Details

• 🪴 Shipped in a plastic grower's pot with drainage holes
• 🌿 Decorative pot not included
• 🌵 Easy-care succulent with a woody, bonsai-like appearance
• 🐾 Pet-friendly
• 🌱 Excellent for bonsai, succulent gardens, and bright indoor spaces

Please Note: Every Elephant Bush is unique, and the plant you receive may vary slightly in size and branching from the photos shown. Each plant is hand-selected from our greenhouse and carefully packaged to arrive healthy and ready to Fleurish. 💚