Portulacaria afra, popularly known as coin plant, tree of abundance o elephant bushPortulacaria afra is a succulent of extraordinary resilience and beauty. Its fame is due both to its ease of cultivation and its ability to add an exotic and elegant touch to any space. Native to southwest Africa, this plant has conquered homes and gardens around the world, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced collectors. In this extensive article, you'll discover everything you need to recognize, grow, care for, and multiply Portulacaria afra, as well as detailed explanations of its benefits, varieties, and practical tips endorsed by experts and the experience of gardeners around the world.
General information and origin of Portulacaria afra
Portulacaria afra belongs to the family Portulacaceae, although in some modern classifications it is also attributed to the Didiereaceae. It is native mainly to South Africa, where it grows wild in arid and semi-arid environments, supporting both extreme heat , the cold nights.
In its natural environment, the coin plant It can grow to several meters in height and is a fundamental food for animals such as Elephants, goats y RinocerontesFor this reason, it is also known as elephant bush or even Elephant's food (elephant food) in English. Its name in Afrikaans, Spekboom, literally means “bacon bush” due to the fleshy texture of its leaves.
It is a perennial species that stands out for its dense foliage and vibrant green color, together with reddish stems that become woody over time. It is commonly seen in cactus and succulent collections, botanical gardens, residential patios, and increasingly, as an elegant bonsai, thanks to its branching capacity and positive response to pruning.
Main botanical and morphological characteristics
- Stems: They start out green and flexible, but become woody, acquiring a reddish-brown hue as they age. Their branches can form a compact, branched structure, ideal for topiary o bonsai.
- Sheets: Oval, fleshy, smooth and opposite, with dimensions of 1 to 2 cm in length. light green color a intense green, some varieties show cream or yellow margins.
- Growth form: Shrubby and very branched, with a tendency to grow in height if not pruned (up to 4-6 meters in optimal conditions), but generally managed smaller sizes for domestic spaces.
- Flowering: It produces small pink flowers grouped in terminal clusters. flowering in cultivation It is rare and usually requires mature specimens and optimal light conditions.
- Longevity: It can survive several decades in cultivation, even up to 50 years or more under suitable conditions.
Most popular varieties of Portulacaria afra
- Portulacaria afra 'Variegata': Green leaves with yellow or cream margins, very attractive to collectors.
- Portulacaria afra 'Prostrata': Creeping or decumbent growth, ideal for groundcovers or hanging arrangements.
- Portulacaria afra 'Macrophylla': It has larger leaves, twice as large as the type species.
- Portulacaria afra 'Aurea': Washed yellow looking foliage.
- Portulacaria afra 'Medio-Picta': With pink stem and yellow spots.
Difference between Portulacaria afra and Crassula ovata (jade tree)
Portulacaria afra is often confused with the Crassula ovata, another succulent native to South Africa. However, Crassula leaves are thicker, larger, and its stem is rarely reddish. In contrast, Portulacaria has smaller leaves and distinctly reddish stems. reddish, sometimes known as "dwarf jade."
Ecological, medicinal and nutritional benefits
One of the outstanding aspects of Portulacaria afra is its great positive impact on the environment:
- Carbon capture: Studies have shown that this species is extremely efficient at sequestering carbon dioxide, even surpassing some tropical tree species. One hectare can capture up to 15 tons of CO2 per year, making a significant contribution to the fight against climate change.
- Natural air filters: Due to its dense foliage, it helps filter indoor air in the home.
- Feeding: the leaves are groceries, fresh and slightly acidic in taste, often used in salads and as a garnish in South African cuisine.
- Medicinal use: Traditionally, the crushed leaves are used as a soothing and moisturizing agent for minor burns.
- Restoration and reforestation: In Africa, Portulacaria is used to restore degraded soils, prevent erosion and repopulate arid areas thanks to its tolerance y fast growth.
How is the flower of the Portulacaria afra?
The flowers are small, about 5-8 mm in diameter, with five pale pink or mauve petals, grouped in terminal clusters. They usually appear only on well-established specimens with plenty of daylight hours. Outdoors they bloom mainly in late summer or autumn. Although the flowering It is not common indoors or in young specimens, it is an ornamental spectacle when it occurs.
To stimulate flowering, it is crucial to provide plenty of sunlight and slightly limit watering during dormancy.
How to Grow and Care for Portulacaria afra: A Complete Guide
Portulacaria afra is one of the easiest plants to care for. However, to enjoy a vigorous and attractive plant for many years, it's important to pay attention to certain key details:
1. Location and exposure
- Exterior: Choose a location with full sun or very bright light. In Mediterranean or subtropical environments, it can be grown outdoors year-round without problems.
- Interior: Place the plant near a south-facing window or where it receives bright light throughout the day. Avoid shady locations or those far from the window, as a lack of light will cause weak growth and leaf drop.
- Frost protection: Although it can withstand temperatures down to approximately 0°C, it is best to protect it if temperatures below zero are expected.
2. Ambient temperature and humidity
- Ideal temperatures: Between 15°C and 35°C for optimal growth. It's resistant to extreme heat and occasional drops in temperature, but if you have it in a pot and the nights are cold, protect it indoors.
- Dry environment: It prefers low-humidity environments. If you live in a humid area, ensure good ventilation to avoid fungal problems.
3. Substrate and soil type
- Ideal substrate: Use a specific potting mix for cacti or succulents, rich in sand and with excellent drainage. You can also mix a universal potting mix with 30% coarse sand, perlite, or gravel.
- Best in unglazed pot: In clay pots, moisture is better absorbed, helping to prevent excess moisture.
- Avoid waterlogged soils: Portulacaria tolerates poor soils, but does not tolerate excess water in the roots.
4. Irrigation
- Frequency: Water moderately, allowing the substrate to dry completely between waterings. Generally, once every 10-15 days in warm weather and once every 3-4 weeks in winter is sufficient.
- Excess risk: The most common problem is excess water, which can cause root and stem rot and leaf drop.
- Signs of dehydration: If the leaves wrinkle, you're not watering them. If they turn black or translucent, you're overwatering.
- Avoid wetting the leaves: Sprays can cause stains and fungus.
5. Fertilization and manure
- Frequency: Fertilize once a month during the growing season (late winter-spring to early fall).
- Recommended type: Use special liquid fertilizers for cacti or succulents, preferably rich in nitrogen and microelements.
- Low doses: Do not overuse fertilizer, Portulacaria grows perfectly in poor soil.
6. Pruning and training
- Maintenance pruning: Trim long branches to maintain the desired shape and encourage branching.
- Heavy pruning: You can prune intensively in spring to rejuvenate the plant or adapt it to a bonsai or low hedge design.
- Pinching: Recommended to obtain a denser and more compact silhouette.
7. Transplantation
- Frequency: Repot every 2-3 years, preferably in spring. If using a pot, take this opportunity to renew the potting soil and remove damaged roots.
8. Reproduction: How to propagate Portulacaria afra
- By cuttings: This is the fastest and most reliable method. Cut a 10 cm piece of stem, let it dry for a day, and plant it in moist, well-drained soil. New roots will sprout within a few weeks.
- By seeds: It is possible but uncommon due to the lack of flowering and pollination in cultivation.
- Caring for cuttings: Keep the substrate slightly moist and in a bright area without direct sunlight for the first few weeks.
9. Pests and diseases
- Common pests: Mealybugs (white and cottony cushion scales), aphids, whiteflies, and mites. Remove them manually or with a damp cloth, or use a specific insecticide if the infestation is severe.
- Fungi: Problem caused by excess moisture. Make sure to avoid flooding and ensure proper ventilation.
- Low susceptibility: Under optimal conditions, it is a very hardy plant, rarely affected by serious diseases.
Common problems and how to fix them
- Falling leaves: Usually by excess irrigation o lack of lightReduce watering and move the plant to a brighter location.
- Wrinkled leaves: Lack of irrigation (extreme dryness). Increase irrigation frequency moderately.
- Leaves with black spots: Excess water or constant humidity, check roots and adjust watering frequency.
- Weak growth: Lack of sunlight or depleted soil. Provide more light and fertilize in spring/summer.
Ornamental and decorative uses
- As a shrub in gardens: Perfect for flowerbeds, borders, rockeries and low hedges, especially in hot and arid climates.
- In large pots: Gives an exotic touch to patios, terraces and balconies.
- Bonsai: Very popular in the bonsai world for its positive response to pruning and compact appearance.
- Rockeries and xeriscaping: Excellent for areas with low water requirements.
- Coastal gardens: Very resistant to salinity and sea winds.
Curiosities and interesting facts about Portulacaria afra
- Hermaphrodite and long-lived: It can live for decades, and centenarian specimens have been documented in Africa.
- CAM Photosynthesis: It opens its stomata at night to reduce water loss, adapting to very dry conditions.
- Animal feed: It is a crucial part of the diet of several species, especially elephants, which aid their natural dispersal.
- Historical cultivation: Before extensive agricultural development in South Africa, there were dense "forests" of Portulacaria where it was possible to walk through their canopy due to their density.
- Cultural significance: It is traditionally associated with fortune and prosperity. It is believed to bring luck and money if kept in a healthy state in the home.
Thanks to its unparalleled qualities and ease of care, Portulacaria afra is positioned as one of the best options for both beginners and low-maintenance organic succulent gardeners. Its positive response to pruning, rapid growth, air-filtering ability, and ornamental beauty make it an ideal companion for both indoor and outdoor use. Owning a Portulacaria afra means enjoying a healthy, resilient, and very rewarding plant, capable of filling any space with life and color for many years.