Portulacaria afra 'medio picta' - MIDSTRIPE RAINBOW BUSH
Portulacaria afra is a small-leaved succulent plant found in South Africa. This variegated form has a reddish stem and small, green leaves with a white stripe down the center. It is simple to care for and makes a great houseplant for a sunny location. In frost-free regions, it may be used in outdoor landscaping. This plant is also suitable for bonsai. In the wild, this plant is a source of food for multiple large herbivores, such as the black rhinoceros and the African elephant.
Details
Common Names: Midstripe Rainbow Bush, Kaleidoscope Rainbow Bush, Elephant Bush, Porkbush, Dwarf Jade, and Spekboom (Afrikaans)
Botanical Name: Portulacaria afra 'medio picta'
Name Meaning:
- Portulacaria: Latin portula, "a small door," referring to the fruits of these plants having a small lid that opens.
- afra: Latin "from Africa".
- medio picta: Latin "half-painted" or "partially painted".
Native Range: South Africa (rocky outcrops, slopes, and dry river valleys of the Eastern Cape)
Grow Zone (Hardiness): 9 - 11 (25°F) Find my zone
Bloom: From late spring to early summer, small lavender-pink flowers appear, giving way to tiny, pink, translucent, berry-like seed capsules. (1)
Light: Full sun to partial shade/Bright, indirect sunlight
Soil: Well-draining
Water: Low
Growth Rate/Habit: Slow/Upright, multi-stemmed, shrublike
Mature Size: 1-6 ft. tall x 1--4 ft. wide
SOLD AS A BARE ROOT SPECIMEN, APPROX. 3 INCHES TALL.
We recommend planting this in our Cactus/Succulent Soil.
- While Portulacaria afra can produce seeds in its native habitat, it is extremely rare for the variegated cultivar P. afra 'Medio-picta' to develop flowers or seed pods in cultivation. The plant's high level of variegation often reduces its vigor, making flowering an infrequent event.