About
A well-branched, succulent shrub that can reach 3m tall but is usually grown as a houseplant. Very small, pale pink flowers are produced in clusters at the ends of stems in summer. The small, rounded, fleshy leaves are pale silvery-green with wide cream margins, carried on dark red stems.
About the genus
Portulacaria are shrubby succulents with fleshy stems, branches and leaves. Inconspicuous flowers are produced in small clusters
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent, Houseplants
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Care notes
CultivationGrow in very well-drained compost, such as cactus compost, in bright but indirect light. Water well between mid-spring and mid-autumn; barely at all at other times. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationRoot sections of stem in spring with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free