Care and maintenance of the Portulacaria afra variegata – Variegated Elephant Plant

The Portulacaria afra variegata , or variegated elephant plant, is a special variety of the well-known Portulacaria afra . This succulent is characterized by its colorful, variegated leaves, which have an elegant mix of green, white and sometimes pink tones. Just like its regular variety, the variegated elephant plant is easy to care for and very suitable for indoors and outdoors. Moreover, it is ideal for lovers of unique plants with an elegant and striking appearance.

For optimal growth, the Portulacaria afra variegata prefers a sunny location. Indoors, it is best placed on a windowsill that gets a lot of direct light, such as a south- or west-facing window. Outdoors, it does well in a sunny garden or on a terrace, but make sure it is not exposed to temperatures below 5 °C, as it is not frost-resistant. During the winter months, you can bring the plant indoors to protect it from the cold.

In terms of water requirements, this colorful elephant plant behaves like a typical succulent. It needs little water and likes to be dry between waterings. Only water when the soil has completely dried out. Even less water is needed in the winter, because the plant grows less actively during this period. Preferably use a well-draining potting soil, such as a cactus or succulent mix, to prevent root rot.

Fertilization is simple; a light dose of cactus fertilizer in the growing season (spring and summer) is sufficient. The Portulacaria afra variegata grows slowly, but with the right care it can still form a nice compact shrub. If it gets too big, you can easily prune it. The cut parts can be used to propagate new plants.