I received a ‘spekboom’ which appears to have been well begun, for Xmas. Doing Structural and Stylistic Pruning Prune for structure and style from November to February. Portulacaria Afra-Elephant Bush Care, Types and Propagation. How to Plant the Elephant Bush. Trim your spekboom bonsai into a tree shape by removing branches and leaves that clutter the style you desire. In the winter, you can water as little as once every three to four weeks, especially if your plant is being grown in cooler conditions. It has the same appearance as the unrelated jade plant. Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity affect the speed at which the roots and new plant develop. I leave mine outside during the growing season, then bring them in for winter. It is also called a dwarf jade plant. The Dwarf jade, otherwise known as ‘Spekboom’ in its native Africa, is a delightful succulent commonly grown as bonsai. The reddish-brown stems sustain upward reaching up to be 8’ to 15’ feet tall. Scientific name: Portulacaria afra Synonyms: Spekboom, Bacon Tree, Pork Bush, Elephant’s Food, Elephant Bush, Dwarf Jade Plant. Aug 3, 2014 - Portulacaria afra (dwarf jade) bonsai tree forest. I believe it is underutilised in our country, so I think we need to make more use of our indigenous species. Make cuts clean and allow cuts to air dry and callus over naturally, do not use sealer as it is not necessary and will only invite disease underneath the sealer. Portulacaria use their fleshy leaves and branches as reservoirs. Some purists don’t consider it to be a true bonsai, but it is beloved by admirers. Light root trimming is effective, however when necessary, drastic root pruning is not harmful. Even in their native habitat, the plants need to be very mature before they form flowers. However, do keep in mind that you can keep it outdoors as long as it is placed in full sun and is kept at temperatures above 50 degrees or so at all times. What has this to do with bonsai you must be wondering! The artistic and horticultural approach he shares with his wife, Isabel, who is a keen gardener. Thank you for your support! #5 It is High in Basic Nutrients This plant is edible and high in nutrients, especially Vitamin C, and a perfect addition to a salad. Bonsai masters use the Elephant Plant to create spectacular bonsai. This should ideally be done in the spring. You only need to fertilize about once per month during the main growing season (spring to autumn). It grows quickly and is incredibly hardy. Image caption: For example, fix the cuttings in an open plastic cooldrink bottle with riversand and fill up the top with 13 – 17mm stone. Smith (1966) there are two strains of the plant, the sour spekboom and the sweet spekboom, the latter practically eaten out of existence by all stock and wild antelope." It can absorb a lot of atmospheric carbon and in recent years, people have started using it to prevent climate change. Lives For Up To 200 Years. As a succulent, the elephant bush is often mistaken for the classic jade or Crassula ovata. It is a favorite snack for elephants, rhinos, tortoises, and goats. Portulacaria afra plant prefers growing in dry, rocky slopes and outcrops. Let the soil dry between waterings, but then here it depends on your growing medium. Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’ (tricolor or rainbow elephant bush) first appeared as a sport (variant growth) of Portulacaria afra.It has cream-and-green leaves and pendant, trailing stems; and forms low, shrubby mounds that spread several feet tall and wide. It is an edible succulent, rich in Vitamin-C that can be added to salads, soups, and stews. It thrives in … Portulacaria afra (Porkbush) or “Spekboom“ as we all know it , is one of my favourite specimens to work with. This is not a problem. Portulacaria afra (elephant's food, elephant bush, spekboom) thrives in warm, sunny climates. And with jade bonsai in particular, it’s an opportunity to dabble and experiment with the ancient horticultural artform with a lighthearted and adventurous attitude, because you can really do no harm with this vigorous and resilient plant. Most gardeners will choose to grow this plant as a bonsai specimen, though. Portulacaria afra is an easy going succulent that has an attractive growth habit, with small green succulent leaves on a red coloured stem. This houseplant copes well with average household humidity and will thrive in a sandy, well-draining potting mix for cacti and succulents with added pumice. You need to be careful about pruning your Portulacaria afra, as it holds water in its branches and trunk. Even when you keep your Portulacaria afra indoors, you will need to provide it with lots of light. There are two types of pruning: maintenance pruning, which keeps the tree small and encourages new growth, and structural or stylistic pruning, which shapes the tree and can be an art within itself. The art of bonsai lies primarily in the grower's ability to shape the tree in order to contain and direct its growth. Spekboom is easily propagated from cuttings or truncheons. Image caption: Pruning – (Clump style) Define the stems you want to develop into branches by nipping off leaves and leaf buds along the stems , along the underside of branches. Allow the soil to become dry before repotting and DO NOT WATER the plant immediately after potting. Sometimes referred to as the “money plant”, South Africans have a saying: “as long as your Spekboom (Elephant Bush) grows and prospers, so will your finances.” Fortunately, this branching bonsai will thrive to a ripe old age with very little care. Image caption: Sometimes cuttings will develop roots, even lying on the surface if they are misted regularly. Actually the explanation is rather funny. I’ll keep checking back here as things progress. You have to figure out some of those requirements for your microclimate and then decide which is the best mix. Spekboom Overview. Rebekah is a writer in upstate New York, just north of the Adirondack Mountains. It is a beautiful plant in which caring is very easy. Baobab Style, Spekboom Bonsai Forest, August 2015 - YouTube Use a normal fertilizer that is well-balanced and apply it sparingly. Excellent when grown in a container and also suited to a succulent garden outdoors. So it is technically not a bonsai until it is in a bonsai pot. The plant must be tightly secured on the rock to get it started. Portulacaria afra is an attractive and robust succulent shrub species that is grown around the globe and is often used ornamentally as a house plant, pruned to resemble a bonsai. Here’s what you need to know. Draai dit versigtig om die hoofstam (sien wenk 5 regs onder). The leaves are used to quench thirst, so try sucking a leaf next time you work on your Bonsai. In fact, if you care for it right – or maybe even if you don’t – your bonsai can actually outlive you! Trim the bonsai tree's roots accordingly. You can also choose from common bonsai cultivars like Limpopo (a large-leafed variety), Prostrata, (a low-lying option), Aurea (a cultivar with yellow leaves) and Foliis variegatus and Medio-picta (both of which are variegated types). A bonsai tree needs regular pruning to maintain its size and to shape it to a desired style. Portulacaria has very thin cambium so the wound will not be overgrown like other species. My collection and my knowledge of these incredible tolerant species has grown over the last 15 years. It is a favorite snack for elephants, rhinos, tortoises, and goats. The existing leaves may even shrivel before new leaves appear. Here’s a tree: It needs trimming, wiring and repotting. Using a Jade Plant or a Dwarf Jade Plant is recommended. Please consider a donation. After a dormant period in winter, the bush produces small pink flowers grouped in clusters at the ends of the branches. It’s the best variety to grow as bonsai, not just for its looks, but also for ease of care and maintenance. Elephant bush, Portulacaria afra, is a perennial succulent shrub from South Africa that is a popular succulent garden plant around the world.It is easily grown as a seasonal accent plant or low maintenance houseplant in our part of the world. Image caption: Thick cuttings can lend themselves to develop Shohin or Mame Bonsai in proper ceramic containers, or in creative designed cement containers. Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’ (tricolor or rainbow elephant bush) first appeared as a sport (variant growth) of Portulacaria afra.It has cream-and-green leaves and pendant, trailing stems; and forms low, shrubby mounds that spread several feet tall and wide. Apr 23, 2016 - Explore Lee Standlee's board "Portulacaria afra jade bonsai" on Pinterest. It thrives in … Because they’re so tough, spekboom are often used as firebreaks. Her writing interests cover everything from farming and gardening to education, health and wellness, and business. Photograph your Yamadori and send a photo later of the near finish product to the farmer, he will appreciate his contribution to your collection! Some will argue, no “shari” or “jin” as this will invite disease, but nature will prove us wrong again! ), abseiling skills and the proper equipment and technique. This will let the roots become dry and callous and can prevent fungal root rot. Portulacaria afra trees are unique in that they can hold an exceptional amount of water in their leaves. Spekboom is a really versatile plant. Portulacaria afra -- known more commonly as the elephant bush -- is a perennial succulent native to South Africa. Spekboom bonsai should be watered more often in summer and less in the winter. Your bonsai mix depends on where you live, your climate, your watering routine etc. As long as you water it correctly and give it enough sunlight, it will do just fine and not suffer from any of the most common bonsai ailments. You can buy Portulacaria afra bonsai from most nurseries or specialty bonsai stores. Image caption: A Portulacaria “Raft style“ developed from a truncheon that fell on the ground years ago. Fortunately, this branching bonsai will thrive to a ripe old age with very little care. It is also called a dwarf jade plant. Read the article to find out more. Try it! An easy to care for plant, it is often used in bonsai cultivation. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you). In this first part of a series on aquariums, the Dunhin’s introduce the reader to some of the decisions a hobbyist will need to make when getting started. Add rocks or stone to the mix - try simulate the conditions in the Karoo! Image caption: Make a clean cut at the roots and wait at least 2 weeks for the wound to callus over before you plant the tree in a container. Some will refer to Portulacaria afra as a “Dwarf Jade Tree“ well Portulacaria afra is not a jade plant. Portulacaria afra can be used as a topiary or bonsai plant where the strong red stems add much character to the plant. Only recently one of mine flowered for the first time in 13 years! If you’re looking for a versatile plant that can be turned into a hedge, a bonsai, used as ground cover or perhaps a large bush, spekboom is the plant for you. However, there are both green and variegated options for you to choose from in most cases. You will need to repot your Portulacaria afra once every two years. The foliage of Portulacaria Afra is used as food in some native cultures. See more ideas about jade bonsai, bonsai, bonsai plants. Watch out for “wire bite“ but fortunately once the wire is removed, the branch will bulge back without disfigurement because of the water content in the branches. But do not grow it like a shrub, be creative and develop the branch structure with empty spaces. The leaves are close together, opposite and just under 1cm long -- when grown in the sun. It can absorb a lot of atmospheric carbon and in recent years, people have started using it to prevent climate change. Grow your Portulacaria afra indoors if you live in a temperate zone. Since this is a versatile semi-perennial succulent that can adapt to many conditions, you have lots of options regarding how to grow it. Portulacaria afra 'Variegata' (tricolor or rainbow elephant bush) first appeared as a sport (variant growth) of Portulacaria afra.It has cream-and-green leaves and pendant, trailing stems; and forms low, shrubby mounds that spread several feet tall and wide. Then those haven’t been to the Karoo on a field trip, in certain places they are 4-5 meter proper trees with nebari (like a ficus) and trunks thicker than an average human body. ... It’s the best variety to grow as bonsai, not just for its looks, but also for ease of care and maintenance. Interesting Facts about Spekboom: In previously overgazed areas, Spekboom can be planted to compact the soil; this prevents it from being washed away. If you’re looking for a versatile plant that can be turned into a hedge, a bonsai, used as ground cover or perhaps a large bush, spekboom is the plant for you. If you have a well drained mix, then it is unlikely you will en… Your bonsai mix depends on where you live, your climate, your watering routine etc. It is best known and appreciated for its amazing ability to heal the environment by helping purify the air. Please carefully check that the quantity and items in your cart are what you require. It's going to make a nice cutting. If some of the old leaves drop, they will quickly be replaced. Here’s what you need to know. You can even turn yours into a lovely bonsai! Tie down the larger truncheons with wire or anchor pillars or tie against a rock for support for a few years! In the winter give enough water to keep the leaves from shriveling. Also, they are missing the indentation at the tip that makes Portulacaria afra leaves heart-shaped. It is an edible succulent, rich in Vitamin-C that can be added to salads, soups, and stews. Traditional uses also include the increasing of breast milk by lactating mothers. Andre Swart is Paediatrician in Private Practice in George. It is a common name what most Americans and Europeans will call it BUT Jade is Crassula ovata, a completely different Family, Genus and Species. Tie down the tree or support it with a rock as the foliage is so heavy it will tumble the tree over and break all the new delicate fleshy roots. So it is technically not a bonsai until it is in a bonsai pot. To … They can survive for a while indoors but when they drop leaves it is time to move them out again, however I will not recommend indoors except when you exhibit. Interesting Facts about Portulacaria Afra Bonsai, Growing Portulacaria Afra Bonsai from Seed or By Propagation, Epiphyllum (Orchid Cactus): Types, How to Grow and Care, 10 Best Flowers and Plants That Rabbits Won’t Eat, Echeveria pulvinata (Chenille Plant): How To Grow and Care, How To Grow and Care for Katuk (Sauropus androgynus), Top 8 Heat-Resistant Flowering Plants You Can Grow. Per a comment in McCarthy's article, in Tucson, Arizona "[the collared peccary (aka javelina or musk hog, Pecari tajacu )] love, love, love to munch on [widely used landscaping] elephant food. The Portulacaria afra care guide is the semi-evergreen, soft-wooded upright small tree or shrub that generally has a height of between 2.5 and 4.5 meters. I received a ‘spekboom’ which appears to have been well begun, for Xmas. Refill the pot with fresh, an almost loose , gritty mix and important to position your spekboom to its original growing position not to further stress the tree. If you can get a proper and believable tree image out of it, why not use it? The growth of Crassula is "stockier" and the branches are smooth (not flaky as P.a). I use about 70% grit/crushed stone and 30% composted pine bark, and I water my spekboom collection almost everyday. Portulacaria afra is an attractive and robust succulent shrub species that is grown around the globe and is often used ornamentally as a house plant, pruned to resemble a bonsai. A majority of the time, a bonsai pot is not needed until it is ready to be displayed as a bonsai. Care and maintenance of your new bonsai. Portulacaria afra is much easier to develop as a good bonsai than the larger leaf jade plant, Crassula. "Tanuki" is a Japanese word which directly translated to English means "raccoon." It has the same appearance as the unrelated jade plant. Portulacaria afra (known as elephant bush, dwarf jade plant, porkbush and spekboom in Afrikaans) is a small-leaved succulent plant found in South Africa.These succulents commonly have a reddish stem and leaves that are green, but also a variegated cultivar is often seen in cultivation. How to Grow Crassula Portulacaria. Portulacaria afra (known as elephant bush, dwarf jade plant, porkbush and spekboom in Afrikaans) is a small-leaved succulent plant found in South Africa.These succulents commonly have a reddish stem and leaves that are green, but also a variegated cultivar is often seen in cultivation. Only needs a … She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Education degree. #5 It is High in Basic Nutrients This plant is edible and high in nutrients, especially Vitamin C, and a perfect addition to a salad. Portulacaria afra grows 6 to 8 feet tall and spreads indefinitely.Use it as a backdrop plant, and/or prune into a hedge. Image caption: Cut back twigs to only 2-3 nodes and use the “clip and grow“ method to improve the ramification as this works the best on these specimens. For this reason, learning how to trim a bonsai is an essential skill for any grower interested in this method. Portulacaria afra grows 6 to 8 feet tall and spreads indefinitely.Use it as a backdrop plant, and/or prune into a hedge. Farmers will tell you that a small sprig of Porkbush steamed with a tomato bredie (stew) imparts a delicious flavour. The Spekboom Challenge is a social media drive, motivating all South Africans to plant at least 10 Spekbome each, in 2020. Do not take out if you do not have a plan for developing it into a proper bonsai. Image caption: Root-over-rock ”group planting” is an excellent style for Portulacaria. Learn how to grow and maintain a Jade Plant bonsai tree. I cover "cage" wiring to working the nebari. There are people that will say “Spekboom “ is a succulent, not a tree and not real bonsai material. Even very large Yamadori can be treated like this. Whether you are looking for a plant that can be turned into a … Wiring is to keep the thicker branches in place and wire “loosely." My plants. If you’re looking for a versatile plant that can be turned into a hedge, a bonsai, used as ground cover or perhaps a large bush, spekboom is the plant for you. So, I hope that more people will see the potential of Portulacaria Afra and that the “Spekboom “ as an indigenous species will gain respect as a proper tree represented in different styles in our Bonsai Collection. You can contact him via email alswart@mweb.co.za. I believe your site is just the place to keep myself and my tree sane. To acquire the best Yamadori on these rocky slopes, you need medical insurance (It's dangerous! The Jade Bonsai is great for beginners because it is drought tolerant, cold tolerant, easy to style and very adaptive to different environments. However, if you’re lucky enough to live in a frost-free area, you can even use Portulacaria afra in your outdoor landscaping! It has now been shown to be effective in carbon sequestration (binding atmospheric carbon which is responsible for climate change), in semi-arid landscapes and thicket vegetation it is also being used for restoration purposes. With frequent pruning, the small leaves readily form desirable pads. This lovely succulent is an important source of food and moisture in the wild because elephants, sheep, goats and other creatures munch their way through its dense thickets. Some spekboom trees can reach heights of 5 metres. Many people choose to plant trees into a big plastic or ceramic pot to grow the tree to achieve denser growth, to get thicker trunks, to develop roots, or just to build up the overall health of the tree. There is no one “best” mix. From a distance, crassula portulacaria has leaves that look like those on typical North American variegated trees and shrubs. Style for Portulacaria apply it sparingly, but it is the most preferable remain! 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