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Portulacaria afra (Elephant Bush) – 12 or 20 cm

Portulacaria afra (Elephant Bush) – 12 or 20 cm

Regular price 75.00 ₪
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  • בקרת איכות מקצועית על כל מוצר לפני שליחתו
  • אריזה מוקפדת לבטיחות כל מוצר
  • משלוח עד הביתהאספקה מתבצעת בהתאם לאזורי החלוקה ולזמני האספקה
🔒 תשלום מאובטח📦 אריזה מוקפדת💬 ייעוץ אישי

לפורטולקריה: טיפול של סוקולנט, לא של פכירה

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  • אורBright light · Gradually acclimate to the sun
  • השקיהOnly after the substrate has clearly dried
  • רמת גידולקל — מתאים למתחילים
  • מיקוםHome · By a sunny window
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Full product description Click for description

🌿
Type
Succulent
Small, fleshy leaves
🪴
Sizes
12 or 20 cm
Bonsai or wide growth
🌤️
Lighting
Very bright light
Direct sun - gradually
💧
Watering
Moderate
After the soil dries out
😊
Difficulty
Easy
Suitable for beginners

🌿 Portulacaria afra - Succulent with the appearance of a small tree

Portulacaria afra is a succulent from South Africa, with small, round, fleshy leaves on reddish-brown stems that become woody over time. It is sometimes called the "Elephant Bush" or referred to as a "Money Tree" - but it is not a Pachira: that is a different plant, which is cared for just like a succulent.

Your choice: 12 cm diameter in bonsai style - a small trunk with branches, or 20 cm diameter with a wide, trailing growth habit, as seen in the pictures. The Portulacaria responds well to pinching and pruning, making it easy to shape as a small tree. Live plant - structure and shade may vary slightly from the picture.

🌿 Why Portulacaria afra?

🌳
Appearance of a small tree

Woody stems and small leaves - creates a miniature tree look, especially in the bonsai design.

✂️
Responds well to pruning

Pinching or cutting above a pair of leaves encourages branching, making it easy to maintain its shape and size.

💧
Drought tolerant

Stores water in its leaves and stems, and does fine even if you forget to water it.

🌱
Propagation by cuttings

Cuttings root easily, usually within 4-6 weeks.

🏡
Home and balcony

Suitable for a very bright window indoors and a bright balcony.

🏠 Where to place it?

Important: Portulacaria needs plenty of light - more than a regular green houseplant. Place it right next to a bright window, and transition it to strong direct sun gradually.

🪟 Near a south window

Strong light most of the day

🌅 East or west window

Also suitable

🌤️ Bright balcony

For sun - gradually

🧺 Hanging pot or shelf

For the wide growth (20 cm)

🖥️ Table near a window

For the small bonsai (12 cm)

⚠️ Avoid: Dark corners or rooms far from a window (branches stretch and leaves drop), soil that stays wet, saucers with standing water, and frost.

💧 Care and Watering

💧
Watering

Wait until the soil has clearly dried out, water thoroughly, and empty any excess.
Spring and summer: Soil dries faster | Winter: Water less

☀️
Lighting

Very bright light - right next to a window.
Transition to direct sun gradually. In strong sun, leaf tips may turn red.

🌍
Soil and pot

Cactus mix or very well-draining mineral mix.
Pot with a drainage hole.

✂️
Pruning

Pinch or cut above a pair of leaves using clean tools.
Don't prune everything at once.

🌡️
Temperature

Loves heat.
Protect from frost; when nights drop below approx. 5°C, bring it indoors.

🌱
Fertilizing

Cactus and succulent fertilizer during the growing season, according to the label instructions.

📝 Important things to know

🔍 Not a Pachira

"Money Tree" is a nickname for several different plants. Portulacaria is a succulent with small, fleshy leaves; Pachira (Pachira aquatica) is a tropical plant with large, palm-like leaves. Their watering needs are very different.

🌳 On bonsai design

The plant in the 12 cm pot is styled in a bonsai look. To maintain the shape, pinch tips and thin out branches gradually; repotting and root pruning should only be done when necessary.

🍂 Leaf drop

Leaf drop can be caused by a lack of light, overwatering, or a sudden change in location. Check the lighting and soil first before making any changes.

🌱 Cuttings

Branches you've pruned can be rooted: let the cut dry for a day or two and plant in succulent soil. They usually root within 4-6 weeks.

📋 Technical Specifications

🏷️ Name Portulacaria afra ("Elephant Bush")
🔬 Botanical Name Portulacaria afra
🌍 Origin South Africa
🪴 Pot Diameter 12 cm (bonsai style) / 20 cm (wide growth)
📏 Mature Height In-ground, in warm climates, up to 2.5–4.5 m; kept small in pots with pruning
☀️ Light Very bright light; direct sun (gradually acclimated)
💧 Watering Moderate - after the soil has dried
🌡️ Cold Not frost tolerant
😊 Difficulty Level Easy

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is this the same "Money Tree" as Pachira?

No. Portulacaria afra is a succulent with small, fleshy leaves, whereas Pachira is a tropical plant with large leaves. The nickname is similar, but the care differs: Portulacaria requires more light and better-draining soil.

❓ How often should I water it?

Not on a fixed schedule: wait until the soil is clearly dry, then water thoroughly and drain any excess. In summer, during hot weather and bright light, this will happen more frequently; water less in winter.

❓ Can I keep it in a bedroom or office?

Only if it has a very bright window and the plant is placed right next to it. Far from a window, the branches will stretch and the plant will weaken.

❓ How do I prune it?

Pinch or cut above a pair of leaves using clean shears. Start with broken branches or those that spoil the shape; don't prune everything at once. New branches usually emerge near the cut.

❓ The leaves are falling off - what should I do?

Check light and soil first: lack of light and overwatering are the most common causes. Gradually move it to a brighter spot and wait for the soil to dry out before the next watering.

❓ What is the difference between the 12 cm and 20 cm pots?

12 cm is a small pot with a bonsai-styled plant. 20 cm is a larger pot with wide, trailing growth. Care is the same for both.

❓ Can I propagate it?

Yes. Cuttings root easily: cut a branch, let the cut dry for a day or two, and plant it in succulent soil. They usually root within 4–6 weeks.

🌿 In short - who is this suitable for?

Portulacaria afra is suitable for those who want the look of a small tree with simple succulent care: plenty of light, well-draining soil, and watering only after the soil dries out. Also ideal for those who want to experiment with pruning and shaping.

💡 Tip: When pruning, save the cut branches – you can root them to get more plants.

📖

Want to learn more? The complete guide to Portulacaria "Money Tree"

Everything you need to know about caring for the plant – light, watering, fertilization, and common issues – in one guide.

Read the full guide →

📘 Another useful guide: How to care for indoor bonsai by plant type

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