The Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra) and the Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) are popular, often-confused succulent houseplants. Their strong visual resemblance, including fleshy, oval-shaped leaves and woody stems, frequently leads growers to mistake one for the other. This confusion is compounded because the Elephant Bush is sometimes sold under the common names “dwarf jade” or “miniature jade.” Despite these similarities, they are distinct species with clear biological and physical differences.
The Classification Distinction
The distinction between the Elephant Bush and the Jade Plant is established at the family level in biological classification. The Jade Plant, Crassula ovata, belongs to the Crassulaceae family and is placed within the Crassula genus. In contrast, the Elephant Bush, Portulacaria afra, belongs to the Didiereaceae family. This classification means the two plants are only distantly related, despite their similar appearance as thick-leaved succulents. The genus Portulacaria is unique within its family, highlighting the taxonomic gap between it and the Crassula genus.
Visual Differences Between the Two Succulents
The most apparent differences between the two species lie in their leaves and stems. Jade Plant leaves are typically larger, thicker, and flatter, often displaying an oval shape, and they can develop a reddish margin when exposed to sufficient sunlight. Elephant Bush leaves are noticeably smaller, rounder, and puffier, giving them a compact, bead-like appearance on the stems.
The stems also offer a reliable means of identification. New growth on the Elephant Bush frequently features a reddish or purplish color on younger, more flexible branches. While the Jade Plant’s stems start green, they mature into a thicker, woody brown bark, but they generally lack the distinct reddish hue found on the Elephant Bush.
Differences in their overall structure and growth rate become more evident as the plants mature. The Jade Plant tends to grow slower, forming a rigid, upright, and tree-like structure. The Elephant Bush is generally a faster grower with a more sprawling, shrub-like habit, and its branches are often more flexible, sometimes exhibiting a trailing tendency.
Shared Care Requirements
The confusion between the two succulents is largely due to their nearly identical cultivation needs. Both the Elephant Bush and the Jade Plant are native to the arid regions of South Africa and require conditions that mimic their natural environment. They both thrive in bright light, tolerating several hours of direct sun daily, though they should be slowly acclimated to prevent leaf scorching.
A well-draining soil mix, typically designed for cacti and succulents, is necessary for both species to prevent root issues. Their watering requirements are the same, following the “soak and dry” method where the soil must dry out completely between thorough waterings. These similar maintenance needs make both Portulacaria afra and Crassula ovata popular choices for low-maintenance houseplants and bonsai specimens.