Popular Elephant Bush Varieties to Grow at Home

The Elephant Bush, Portulacaria afra, is a resilient succulent popular with both new and experienced gardeners. It adapts well to indoor environments and comes in more than just the standard green version. These diverse cultivars offer a range of colors, sizes, and growth habits to suit different tastes and spaces.

The Standard Elephant Bush

The standard Portulacaria afra is an evergreen shrub from South Africa with pliable, reddish-brown stems. Its leaves are small, obovate (egg-shaped), and a vibrant, glossy green. While it can become a small tree in its native habitat, it remains a manageable shrub indoors.

The standard Elephant Bush grows upright and sprawls, with branches that become woody with age. This growth pattern and its small leaves make it a common bonsai subject. Its appearance serves as a foundational reference point for appreciating the distinct characteristics of its cultivated varieties.

Popular Elephant Bush Varieties

‘Variegata’ (Rainbow Bush)

‘Variegata’, or Rainbow Bush, has striking foliage with green centers and creamy white or pale yellow margins. The plant’s reddish-brown stems complement this variegation. When exposed to bright sunlight, the edges of the cream-colored sections can develop a pink tinge.

‘Variegata’ has a more compact and slower growth habit compared to the standard species. Its shrubby stems can become interwoven as the plant matures, forming a dense appearance. This variety’s colorful nature makes it a popular choice for container gardening.

‘Medio-picta’ (Mid-Stripe)

Contrasting with ‘Variegata’, the ‘Medio-picta’ variety features variegation in the center of its leaves. Each small leaf has a wide white or cream-colored stripe down the middle, framed by green edges. This variety is noted for its bright reddish-pink stems, which provide a vivid contrast to the bicolored leaves.

The growth of ‘Medio-picta’ is notably slow, even more so than other variegated types. Some leaves may emerge entirely white and can be trimmed to encourage more vigorous growth in the rest of the plant. Its unique reverse variegation makes it a distinct specimen for succulent collectors.

‘Minima’ / ‘Lilliput’ (Dwarf Elephant Bush)

For those with limited space or an interest in bonsai, the ‘Minima’ or ‘Lilliput’ variety is an excellent option. This cultivar is a true miniature, featuring significantly smaller leaves and a much more compact form. The leaves are shiny and emerald green, growing on reddish stems with tight internodes, which are the spaces between leaf nodes.

This dwarf variety has a naturally dense and branching habit, making it well-suited for shaping and pruning. While some sources use ‘Minima’ to describe a low-growing plant, others use ‘Lilliput’ for a tiny, upright version. Its petite stature is perfect for small containers and detailed bonsai work.

‘Aurea’ (Golden Elephant Bush)

The ‘Aurea’ cultivar introduces a different color palette with its bright, golden-yellow new leaves. These fleshy, round leaves are similar in shape to the standard variety and contrast nicely with the plant’s reddish-brown stems.

The intensity of the yellow foliage depends on light exposure. In full, bright sun, the color is a striking chartreuse or gold, while in lower light, the leaves fade to lime green. ‘Aurea’ has a bushy, sprawling growth habit and is a robust grower, adding lasting color to succulent arrangements.

‘Prostrata’ (Trailing Elephant Bush)

As its name suggests, the ‘Prostrata’ variety has a low-growing, sprawling habit. Instead of growing upright, its stems arch and trail, forming a dense mat of emerald green leaves. This growth pattern makes it an ideal choice for ground cover in frost-free climates or as a “spiller” plant in hanging baskets.

The leaves of ‘Prostrata’ are similar in size to the standard species. It is a hardy and drought-tolerant plant that can thrive in various light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. Its cascading form offers a different structural element compared to its upright relatives.

‘Macrophylla’ (Large Leaf Elephant Bush)

At the other end of the size spectrum is ‘Macrophylla’, a variety that stands out for its larger leaves. The leaves of this cultivar can be up to an inch long, roughly twice the size of the standard species, giving the plant a fuller appearance. The foliage is a consistent emerald green and is more widely spaced along the thick stems.

‘Macrophylla’ has an upright growth habit and can become a substantial shrub. This larger form originates from the northern part of the plant’s native range in South Africa. Its bigger leaves and robust stature make it a good choice for landscape use as a screen or background plant.

Care Differences Between Varieties

While the fundamental care for all Portulacaria afra varieties is similar, some nuances exist based on foliage color and size. These variations affect the plant’s light requirements and, to a lesser extent, its need for water and nutrients.

Variegated cultivars like ‘Variegata’ and ‘Medio-picta’, along with ‘Aurea’, require more light than their solid green counterparts. Bright, indirect sunlight is needed to maintain their distinct colors. Without sufficient light, variegation can fade, and ‘Aurea’ may revert to lime green. These varieties can also be more susceptible to sunburn in intense, direct sun.

Slower-growing varieties, including ‘Medio-picta’ and ‘Minima’, have less demanding needs for water and fertilizer. Their reduced growth rate means they use nutrients in their soil more slowly and require less frequent repotting. Conversely, the more robust ‘Macrophylla’ and the standard species may benefit from more regular feeding during the growing season.

Choosing the Right Variety

Selecting the ideal Elephant Bush depends on your available space and aesthetic goals. For hanging baskets or a cascading element in a container, ‘Prostrata’ is the natural choice with its trailing stems. The compact ‘Minima’ or ‘Lilliput’ is perfectly suited for bonsai or small pots.

If your goal is to add color, ‘Aurea’ provides a golden-yellow hue, while ‘Variegata’ offers a classic green and cream look that can gain pink highlights. For a more dramatic pattern, the ‘Medio-picta’ is a standout choice, though it requires patience. For a lush, full-bodied shrub with a classic green look, the large-leaved ‘Macrophylla’ makes a strong statement.