Jorielle's Blog

There are at least three green varieties ("macrophylla" has larger leaves, 2.5+ cm long and 1.7+ cm wide, while "microphylla" has smaller ones, .6 cm long and wide), and three named variegateds.  Another form, "Gold," has its new leaves emerging completely golden ochre, before fading to bright lime.

"Aurea" is a form (new by the early-1960s) having a reddish stem, small light green leaves featuring a yellow center, flushed with pink beneath. 

"Foliis Variegatis" is a form (dating at least from the early-1950s) with leaves variegated or mottled yellow.  It has been sold under the name "Rainbow Bush."

"Variegata" 
(from at least the early-1960s, it has also been sold under the name "Rainbow Bush" and is also known as "Tricolor") has leaves with distinct tiny carmine-red or purplish-pink margins or edges on pale whitish-green or milky-green leaves with pale green centers and margined creamy-white.  There is more green on the undersides of the leaves, often with an appearance of the color having been brushed onto the leaf.  The red margin is most distinct on new buds, making up almost all of its coloring.  (New buds on the green varieties have much less red margin.)  The red might fade a bit with maturity, or deepen red on the same plant.  During the cool of winter the red on the margins intensifies and appears to enlargen slightly.  During the growing season, branch tips which are pale greenish-red turn to reddish-brown sooner than they would on the green varieties.  Old age, insufficient watering, or longterm full sun exposure on this variety shows itself with browned withering of part of the leaf edges and fading of the green in the center as the leaves turn yellowish-white.  The leaves curl lengthwise slightly before darkening.  Such leaves when dropped might still show a slight red margin and a hint of green although semi-opaque.

Both "Foliis Variegatis" and "Variegata" are slower growing and smaller than the green varieties of the species.

It is not known where, when or by whom the varieties were first discovered.  It is not known where the largest stand of any of the varieties can be found, either growing in the ground or containerized.

Port
ulacaria afra, or Elephant Bush, is native to South Africa. In nature they will reach 12 feet (4 m) in height with an equal spread. In containers, they will stay much smaller and their size is easily controlled with selective pruning and pot size. The attractive reddish-brown stems with dark green ¾ inch (2 cm) leaves make a great bonsai plant with very little care involved. They are hardy in USDA zones 10-11 where they are used as hedges.

Blooming Time: In the spring, they have clusters of small, inconspicuous pink flowers.

Culture: 
Portulacaria afra do best in full sun with a well-drained soil mix.

Propagation: 
Portulacaria afra is easily propagated by cuttings in April- May.

Portulacaria afra 'foliis variegatis', or Rainbow Bush, is a strikingly beautiful variegated form of Portulacaria afra. The cream and light green leaves really stand out against the purplish red stems. The leaves will reach up to 0.75 inches (2 cm) long, but they are usually smaller. This form is a slow grower and its size is easily controlled by container size, making it a wonderful indoor bonsai subject. The plants are hardy in the landscape in USDA zones 9-11.

Blooming: Most Portulacarias do not bloom in captivity. In nature they have small pinkish blooms. 

Culture: 
Portulacaria afra 'foliis variegatis' need full sun to partial shade or very high interior lighting with a well drained soil mix.

Propagation: 
Portulacaria afra 'foliis variegatis' is easily propagated from cuttings. 

Portulacaria afra 'Variegata' (Rainbow Bush) - A native of South Africa. Sprawling, slow growing succulent with attractive reddish-brown stems and a variegated cream and green ¾ inch leaves. A very easy to grow succulent that works as a great bonsai plant, hanging basket or even a hedge in frost free climates. In nature they will reach 12 feet in height with an equal spread. In containers, they will stay much smaller and their size is easily controlled with selective pruning and pot size. The stems of this scandent shrub will thicken very fast giving the plant an old appearance at a young age. The pink flowers are seldom seen outside the wild. The knobbed tan-reddish stems makes a nice foil in the landscape. Well suited for a xeriscape garden where it is drought tolerant once established. Cold hardy in USDA zones 10-11 or Sunset 8,9, 12-27.