Plants | Shrubs/bushes

Elephant Food Bush, scientifically known as Portulacaria afra, is a hardy and drought-tolerant succulent shrub native to South Africa. It features small, round, fleshy green leaves on reddish-brown stems, which give the plant a beautiful contrast. It’s called Elephant Food because it’s a favorite snack of elephants in its native habitat. This versatile plant can be grown as a ground cover, a low-maintenance hedge, or in containers as a bonsai. Elephant Food Bush is perfect for xeriscaping, as it thrives in dry, sunny conditions and requires minimal care. Its ability to store water in its leaves makes it highly resilient in drought-prone regions.

Type of Light: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Elephant Food Bush thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it ideal for desert landscapes or sunny indoor spots. Outdoors, it performs best with plenty of sunlight, but it can tolerate some shade, especially in hot climates.

Watering: Low Water Requirement
As a drought-tolerant succulent, Elephant Food Bush prefers infrequent watering. Water deeply but allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, typically every 2-3 weeks. In cooler months, reduce watering further, as the plant needs very little water during dormancy.

Companion Planting:
Elephant Food Bush pairs well with other drought-tolerant plants like Agave, Aloe, and Jade Plant. It also works beautifully with Golden Barrel Cactus or Ocotillo in desert gardens, creating a harmonious, low-water landscape. For container gardening, pair it with Crassula or Echeveria for an eye-catching succulent arrangement.