# Elephant Bush / Spekboom (Portulacaria afra)

> Native to South Africa, Portulacaria afra is a semi-arid succulent shrub distinguished by reddish-brown woody stems and small, fleshy obovate leaves. Often confused with Crassula ovata, this ecological powerhouse belongs to Didiereaceae, possesses remarkable carbon-sequestration abilities, and is a staple forage for wild megafauna like elephants. In cultivation, it thrives under full sun, responds exceptionally well to bonsai pruning, and tolerates intense drought.

- **Scientific Name:** *Portulacaria afra*
- **Botanical Family:** Didiereaceae
- **Care Difficulty:** Easy (1/5)
- **Cold Hardiness:** -1°C / 30°F (USDA Zone 10a). Can tolerate brief light frosts, but best kept above 5°C (41°F) to prevent severe tissue damage.
- **Pet Safety / Toxicity:** Pet-Safe (Non-toxic to cats and dogs)
- **Canonical URL:** https://sukulentler.com/en/species/portulacaria-afra
- **Markdown Source:** https://sukulentler.com/en/species/portulacaria-afra.md
- **Botanical Photo:** https://sukulentler.com/assets/images/articles/species_portulacaria_afra.webp?v=1793977228

## Light & Sun Exposure

Thrives in full sun to very bright indirect light, ideally receiving at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Low light leads to etiolation, weaker stems, and premature leaf drop.

## Watering Schedule & Method

Follow a strict soak-and-dry protocol, letting the substrate dry out completely between waterings. Reduce frequency significantly in winter, watering only when foliage begins to show slight deflation.

## Soil & Gritty Mix Formula

Highly porous, fast-draining gritty mix composed of 60% inorganic minerals (pumice, lava rock, perlite) and 40% quality cactus soil/coco coir.

## Cold Tolerance & Overwintering

-1°C / 30°F (USDA Zone 10a). Can tolerate brief light frosts, but best kept above 5°C (41°F) to prevent severe tissue damage.

## Propagation Methods

Easily propagated via stem cuttings taken during spring and summer; allow cut ends to callus for 2-3 days before planting into dry, well-draining substrate.

## Available Language Editions

- [TR: Fil Çalısı / Cüce Yeşim (Portulacaria afra)](https://sukulentler.com/tr/turler/portulacaria-afra.md)
- [DE: Speckbaum / Elefantenstrauch (Portulacaria afra)](https://sukulentler.com/de/arten/portulacaria-afra.md)
- [ES: Planta de Elefante / Arbusto de Elefante (Portulacaria afra)](https://sukulentler.com/es/especies/portulacaria-afra.md)