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Bright Direct Light
1 ft./yr Growth
Safe for Pets
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Variegated Elephant Bush Prosperity Plant Information
About The Variegated Elephant Bush Prosperity Plant
The Variegated Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’) is a colorful twist on the classic Elephant Bush, known for its creamy-white and green marbled leaves. This low-maintenance succulent features fleshy, trailing stems and woody branches, making it a beautiful addition to hanging planters or sunny shelves.
- Each plant is unique; size and shape fluctuate by season so all measurements are shown as a range
- Small plant measures 10-12 inches tall from bottom of the grow pot to the top of the foliage
- Medium plant measures 9-11 inches tall from bottom of the grow pot to the top of the foliage
- Arrives in a nursery grow pot nestled into your planter choice, if purchased
Sizing Guide
Small
Approximately 5" in diameter, fits plants in a 4" grow pot or smaller
Medium
Approximately 7" in diameter, fits plants in a 6" grow pot or smaller
Large
Approximately 10-12" in diameter, fits plants in a 10" grow pot or smaller
Massive
Approximately 12-14" in diameter, fits plants in a 12" grow pot or smaller
Watering Requirements
Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light.
Sunlight Requirements
Thrives in bright direct light, but can tolerate bright indirect light.
Humidity Requirements
Succulents prefer low humidity levels, so it's best to keep them in a dry environment. Avoid placing them in a bathroom or other area with high humidity, as this can cause fungal diseases to develop or the soil to remain moist for too long.
Pet-Friendly Plant?
Yes, this plant is safe for homes with pets.
Is Elephant Bush the same plant as a Jade Plant?
The Elephant Bush is completely unrelated to the traditional Jade Plant (Crassula ovata). While they look incredibly similar, the Elephant Bush has thinner woody stems, smaller leaves, and a much faster growth rate.
Why is this succulent called Elephant Bush?
This succulent earned its common name because it serves as a primary food source for wild elephants in its native South African habitat. Elephants consume the entire plant, and their grazing naturally helps propagate the bush in the wild!
Can an Elephant Bush survive freezing winter temperatures?
This species cannot survive freezing conditions because its flesh is filled with stored water. You must bring the plant indoors before nighttime temperatures drop below forty degrees Fahrenheit to protect it from frost damage.
How often should you water an Elephant Bush?
You should water this succulent only when the potting soil has dried out completely from top to bottom. Overwatering quickly suffocates the subterranean root system and causes the lower leaves to turn yellow and drop off.
Our planters are made from the highest quality materials, and designed to complement a range of styles.
Ceramic Planters
No Exterior Planter
Porcelain Planters
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Grant
No drainage hole; use as cache pot or add lava rocks
Hyde
Includes drainage hole & matching saucer
Grow Pot
Plastic container with drainage holes used by our greenhouse
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Isabella
Includes drainage hole and matching saucer
All of our plants ship in premium packaging for zero damage on arrival. Here’s what you can expect in your box on arrival:
Your Variegated Elephant Bush Prosperity Plant
Fully rooted in a nursery pot with soil intact
Custom Protection System
Corner guards, soil stabilizer, and branch sleeves keep it secure
Pre-Watered & Ready
Each plant is watered 24 hours before it is shipped
Care Instructions Card
Includes expert-curated care tips to help your plant thrive far beyond the first 30 days.
Perfect For Gifting
No pricing or packing slips included with gifts! Just the plant and a note.
Additional Resources
- Video: Workshop Tutorial 1
- Video: Workshop Tutorial 2
- Video: Workshop Tutorial 3
- Video: Workshop Tutorial 4
- How to Care for Succulents: Plant Care 101
- How to Pot Your Houseplant Step By Step
- How to Fertilize Your Houseplants
- Understanding Lighting in Your Home and How It Affects Your Plants
- How to Use Grow Lights for Houseplants
How to Care for Succulents: Plant Care 101
In The Sill's plant beginners series, we introduce some of our favorite plant types like succulents, explore where they come from, and share how to care for them.
Read More
How to Pot Your Houseplant Step By Step
Potting your plants from their grow pot into a new planter can feel daunting, but we have a few tips to make it a smooth and easy process. Proper potting...
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How to Fertilize Your Houseplants
You know your houseplants need sunlight and water, but what about fertilizer? Fertilizing houseplants during the growing season provides them with essential nutrients that help them thrive: nitrogen (N), phosphorus...
Read More
How to Use Grow Lights for Houseplants
Houseplants add a touch of nature to your indoor spaces, but they often struggle to thrive in low-light conditions. That's where grow lights come to the rescue! In this blog...
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Why Choose The Sill?
Not all Variegated Elephant Bush Prosperity Plants are created equal
Greenhouse Grown
Not warehouse-held. Hand-picked and cared for by our experts.
Indoor Ready
Pre-conditioned to indoor light conditions.
Hand-Selected
Inspected by experts. Only our best ship out.
30-Day Guarantee
Free replacements if not happy and healthy.