Portulacaria afra 'Mediopicta' (v)
elephant bush 'Mediopicta'
A slow-growing, evergreen succulent shrub with small, rounded fleshy green leaves with a creamy-white stripe in the middle, carried on upright reddish-pink stems. The foliage can become almost white all over. Small clusters of star-shaped pale pink flowers appear at the end of the stems in summer. Makes an attractive houseplant and will perform well in a bright, warm room
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Cream White | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green Cream White | ||
| Autumn | Green Cream White | |||
| Winter | Green Cream White |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Didiereaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Portulacaria are shrubby succulents with fleshy stems, branches and leaves. Inconspicuous flowers are produced in small clusters
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow 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
Propagation
Root sections of stem in spring with bottom heat
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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