What is this plant?

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Help! I don't know what to do with this little guy. I got him in February and I was afraid he wouldn't make it but he has been growing steadily now. It said it was a jade. So perhaps a jade tree? A dwarf? An elephant bush? I have no idea. Should I treat it like a bonsai and report in a shallow pot and groom up the branches? Cactus soil ? Any information would be helpful I love the look of this little tree but I don't know how to care for it. The leaves never get really plump they are alessy pretty thin. Thanks!

Featured Answer

Karen S. (7b, NYC)

8 years ago

Hi Jessica,

Hi, not sure if you realize you've made different 2 posts about the same thing. Neither has a pic which we need to answer your care questions.

Since Jade plants (Crassula ovata usually) & Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra) are completely different, unrelated plants (tho' they require similar care), we really DO need a pic to say for sure.

Pls try to attach a pic using the Houzz Photo icon below. You should be able to get it to post now, if you couldn't before (you'll be at Comments, no longer an Original post).

Pls answer here & don't make any additional OTHER posts about this (it's confusing) & we'll try to help.

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Comments (14)

bragu_DSM 5
8 years ago
a picture would help
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SpanishFly - (Mediterranean)
8 years ago
We need a pic to answer.
Jessica Lauver
Original Author
8 years ago
I'veI'ver tried plepletimespleplethis

Doesn't
Jessica Lauver
Original Author
8 years ago
Sorry for some reason this site wasn't working with my phone... I tried to upload it and even post it in the comments.. let me get it to my computer and get it posted! I honestly didn't think I would even get a response :) It even messed with my comments typing that crazy jumble up there
Jessica Lauver
Original Author
8 years ago
Jessica Lauver
Original Author
8 years ago
Jessica Lauver
Original Author
8 years ago
Kara 9b SF Bay Area CA
8 years ago
Portulacaria afra:)
Jessica Lauver
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you! I think I am going to repot it into a bit larger of a pot. Should I let it go how it is? It seems a bit keggy...I'm not sure if I prone it back if it will fill in more or if I should wait since it's so young yet? Also potting mix recommendation? I currently have cactus soil perlite and peat moss on hand and some aquarium sand to top some of my other succulents with..
Rob Blomquist
8 years ago
We lot pretty much everything in potting soil and permits in a 50-50 mix. It's a good looking tree so it isn't something I would hesitate pruning.
Karen S. (7b, NYC)
8 years ago
No peat moss, no sand, those are positively the wrong things for succulents. I wouldn't pot it larger unless the root size requires it, especially if you're going to prune it.

Pls search this site here for Portulacaria afra & read some of the related posts for care info, along w/ soil suggestion as above. 50/50 C&S mix w/ Perlite or Pumice is commonly suggested around here.
stupidlazydog CT zone 5b/6a
8 years ago
I agree with Karen... no peat moss, no sand... doesn't need a larger pot and a mix with lots more perlite/pumice. Does the pot it's in have a drainage hole? If not, pot it into one that does.
Matt Barnett
8 years ago
Ditto on that. Make sure the container has a drainage hole (because it looks like common indoor decorative pots that dont have drainage holes), and use loose, well draining soil like the ones recommended above or Al's gritty mix. Skip the peat and sand.