Portulacaria afra is perfect for beginning gardeners as it is one of the easiest types of succulents to grow due to its hardiness. In decoration, it is also beautiful if grown as bonsai. Interested? So, check out the tips of the agronomist engineer Henrique Figueiredo to keep this plant healthy in your home.
What is portulacaria afra
Portulacaria afra is a plant from the succulent family, native to South Africa. Also known as elephant bush and mini-jade, the species is ideal for those who want to start in the gardening world. According to the agronomist, “the succulent is not poisonous and, in some cultures, its leaves are used in cooking”.
Another option is to grow this plant as a bonsai. According to Figueiredo, the species tolerates pruning a few times throughout the year, being one of the most appropriate varieties for the practice. The expert points out that the succulent is often confused with the jade plant. However, he explains that “they are different because they belong to different plant families. jade is a cryssalecea and portulacaria is a family plant didiereaceae.
How to care for portulacaria afra
Many Feng Shui practitioners explain that portulacaria afra is ideal for harmonizing the home, as it brings prosperity and good luck to the environments. But despite its resistance, it is still important to be careful when growing. Check out the tips of the agronomist engineer:
1. Irrigation
Portulacaria afra belongs to the succulent family, so irrigation must be spaced and without waterlogging. According to the specialist, “the tip is to water it once every three days or when the soil is completely dry”. To prevent leaf fall, it is also necessary to water the area sparingly and ensure a well-draining soil.
2. Brightness
The succulent grows easily in full sun. For indoor cultivation, Figueiredo recommends an environment that receives a good amount of sunlight. “For this type of place, the ideal is to leave the succulent on balconies or near the window”, he recommends.
3. Fertilization
“You can receive fertilizer every two to three months. The species prefers bone meal-based fertilizers, as these nutrients help the plant’s development,” he explains. To ensure good absorption of nutrients, the engineer also recommends watering right after fertilization.
4. Ideal substrate
The soil for portulacaria afra should be well-draining, the same as for most succulents. Figueiredo recommends a mixture of topsoil, pebbles and small pieces of charcoal for planting. That way, the land doesn’t run the risk of retaining too much water.
5. Seedlings
Propagation is usually simple. According to the specialist, the plant generates new seedlings through branches that can be planted in a pot with vegetable soil. “In the first days after planting, watering should be frequent and the plant needs to be in partial shade”, he recommends.
6. Pests
The appearance of aphids, mealybugs and fungi is common. “To fight aphids, you can use a solution of water and detergent; for mealybugs, use a mixture of 10 ml of mineral oil in 1 liter of water; for fungi, the ideal is to carry out a preventive treatment, based on Bordeaux syrup.
7. Pruning
Finally, portulacaria afra is a very hardy succulent. Thus, it can be pruned a few times during the year. Pruning ensures more vitality to new shoots and also controls growth. The tip is to use suitable and sterilized equipment to avoid the emergence of fungi and diseases.
Did you know that the species also has flowers? Although rare, flowering can happen in spring and brings even more charm to the decor!
Learn more about portulacaria afra
After checking out professional cultivation tips, see how to care for this little plant by watching the selected videos:
More tips for growing portulacaria afra
In this video, Henrique Figueiredo himself brings more information that will help you in the cultivation of portulacaria afra. In the vlog, you learn a little more about irrigation, setting and how to make seedlings of the species in a practical way. It’s worth watching and jotting down the extra tips from the expert.
Curiosities about portulacaria afra
Always good to know as much information about your new plant as possible, isn’t it? Here, you can follow more curiosities about the portulacaria afra, as well as cultivation tips. Did you know that the species can live up to 200 years? Watch the video and discover more reasons to have this beautiful succulent at home.
Discover the varieties of portulacaria afra
In addition to the common species, portulacaria afra can be found in the tricolor and variegata varieties. In this video, you can see the main differences between them and how the development of each species occurs. It’s worth watching, because the gardener also brings some tips to keep the varieties always beautiful.
How to make succulent pruning and seedlings
Portulacaria afra is fast growing and can produce seedlings throughout the year. In this video, you learn how to make pruning and seedlings in a practical way. The vlog also has a golden tip to prevent common succulent diseases. Undoubtedly, it is worth watching and checking out the guidelines!
Did you like the tips? So, ensure the charm and positivity of portulacaria in your home. Another succulent that is easy to grow is echeveria and can add to the decoration.
