Portulacaria

New Zealand’s Best Portulacaria Plants

Adding interesting plants to your garden or indoor space delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact
• They purify the air
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the right Rainbow Bush for your space. We’ll help you chose the right plant to thrive in your climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Portulacaria, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Portulacaria

1. Is Portulacaria afra same as jade plant?

Portulacaria afra, commonly known as the elephant bush or spekboom, is often referred to as the jade plant. However, the true jade plant is Crassula ovata. Both plants are succulents with similar appearance and care requirements, but they belong to different genera within the same family, Crassulaceae.

2. Is Portulacaria a money plant?

Portulacaria afra is commonly referred to as the money plant, along with other names like jade plant, elephant bush, and spekboom. The term "money plant" is not a botanical name but rather a common name used for various plants that are believed to bring wealth and prosperity. Portulacaria afra is one of the most popular plants associated with this symbolism.

The association of Portulacaria afra with wealth and prosperity can be traced back to various cultures and traditions. In Chinese culture, Portulacaria afra is known as the "money tree," and it is believed to attract financial abundance. In Feng Shui, Portulacaria afra is often placed in the southeast corner of a home or office, which is considered the wealth area, to promote financial well-being.

While the scientific evidence behind the money-attracting properties of Portulacaria afra is lacking, the plant's popularity as a symbol of wealth and prosperity remains strong. Whether you believe in the symbolism or not, Portulacaria afra is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for succulent that makes a great addition to any home.

3. Is Portulacaria an indoor plant?

Portulacaria afra, also known as elephant bush or spekboom, is an excellent indoor plant. It is a succulent, which means it stores water in its leaves and stems, making it drought-tolerant and easy to care for. Portulacaria afra prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It should be watered when the soil is completely dry, and it can tolerate some neglect.

4. Does Portulacaria need full sun?

Portulacaria afra, also known as elephant bush or spekboom, prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate full sun, but too much direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. If you are growing Portulacaria afra indoors, place it in a south-facing window. If you are growing it outdoors, choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

Here are some signs that your Portulacaria afra is not getting enough light:

• The leaves are pale and yellow.
• The stems are leggy and thin.
• The plant is not flowering.

If you notice any of these signs, move your Portulacaria afra to a brighter location.

5. How often do you water Portulacaria?

Portulacaria afra is a succulent, which means it stores water in its leaves and stems, making it drought-tolerant and easy to care for. You should only water your Portulacaria afra when the soil is completely dry. This is because overwatering is the most common cause of death in succulents.

The frequency of watering will depend on the following factors:

• The size of the pot: A larger pot will hold more water, so you will need to water less frequently than a smaller pot.
• The type of soil: Well-draining soil will allow water to drain quickly, so you will need to water more frequently than heavy soil.
• The amount of sunlight: Plants that receive more sunlight will dry out more quickly, so you will need to water more frequently than plants that receive less sunlight.
• The time of year: During the summer, when the weather is hot and dry, you will need to water more frequently than in the winter, when the weather is cooler and wetter.

Here is a general guideline for watering Portulacaria afra:

• During spring and summer, water every 1-2 weeks.
• During autumn and winter, water every 2-4 weeks.