Portulacaria afra, commonly known as elephant food plant, Spekboom, or Elephant Bush, is a resilient succulent. It is valued for its distinctive appearance and low-maintenance nature. Its ability to thrive where many other plants struggle makes it an excellent choice for sustainable landscaping in arid regions like Arizona.
Identifying the Elephant Food Plant
Portulacaria afra is recognized by several common names, including Spekboom, Elephant Bush, Dwarf Jade, and Miniature Jade. Native to South Africa, this succulent features small, rounded, fleshy, emerald green leaves that contrast with reddish-brown stems. It earned its moniker “elephant food plant” because it constitutes a significant portion of the diet for elephants in its native habitat.
Why Portulacaria Afra Thrives in Arizona
Portulacaria afra is well-suited for Arizona’s climate due to its natural adaptations to arid environments. The plant exhibits high drought tolerance, surviving extended periods without water once established. Its ability to withstand high temperatures makes it resilient in the intense Arizona heat; green varieties tolerate these conditions better than variegated ones. This succulent can switch its photosynthetic pathways, enhancing water efficiency and carbon fixation in semi-arid conditions. This adaptability allows it to flourish where water is scarce and temperatures are extreme.
Growing and Care in Arizona
Sunlight Requirements
Portulacaria afra thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth. In Arizona’s intense summer heat, especially when temperatures exceed 100°F, it benefits from protection during the most scorching afternoon hours to prevent leaf burn. While it adapts to direct sun, excessive exposure can cause leaves to yellow or redden at the tips. If grown in partial shade, the plant may become leggy.
Watering Practices
Despite its drought tolerance, Portulacaria afra requires consistent watering, especially during establishment and for containerized plants. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. During Arizona’s hottest months, established plants may need deep watering every 10-14 days, increasing to every 7-10 days if temperatures consistently exceed 100°F. In cooler winter months, reduce watering significantly to once every 4-6 weeks as the plant enters a dormant period. Overwatering can cause leaves to become yellow and transparent, or stems to become mushy.
Soil Preferences
Well-draining soil is crucial for Portulacaria afra to prevent root rot. A sandy or gritty soil mix is ideal. When planting, use a cactus or succulent potting mix, or amend existing soil with materials like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to enhance drainage. Heavy clay soils should be significantly amended for adequate drainage and aeration.
Temperature Tolerance
Portulacaria afra is highly heat tolerant, making it suitable for Arizona’s warm climate. It prefers temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). While it withstands high temperatures, it is sensitive to frost and not cold hardy below 30°F (-1°C). In areas experiencing colder winter nights, protecting the plant with frost cloth or moving containerized specimens indoors is advisable.
Fertilization and Pruning
Portulacaria afra generally requires minimal fertilization; too much can inhibit flowering. During the growing season (spring and summer), a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied monthly for container plants, or less frequently for established landscape plants. Pruning can be done throughout the year to shape the plant, maintain its size, or encourage bushier growth. The plant tolerates trimming well, and cuttings easily root, allowing for propagation.
Common Uses and Benefits in Arizona Landscapes
Portulacaria afra offers numerous applications in Arizona landscapes due to its adaptable nature. It is an excellent choice for xeriscaping, a landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation, given its high drought tolerance. The plant can function as an attractive groundcover or a small shrub. It is also a popular specimen for succulent gardens and as a container plant. Its woody stems and compact growth habit also make it suitable for bonsai.
Beyond its aesthetic and water-wise benefits, Portulacaria afra provides ecological advantages. It is recognized for its carbon sequestration capabilities, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The leaves are edible for humans, offering a sour flavor and being high in Vitamin C, and are non-toxic to pets.