Portulacaria afra - bonsai purslane (Square pot 7x7x8 cm)

Genus of 1-3 species of perennial, bushy succulent shrubs of the semi-arid low hills of Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique. Portulacaria afra is a succulent and evergreen shrub belonging to the Didiereaceae family. In the ground, with favorable conditions, it can reach a height of 2-3 m, while in pots it remains below 50-120 cm, in both cases it has very rapid growth. The stem is fleshy, reddish-brown in color and the foliage is rounded, compact and very branched. The leaves are small succulent, oval, 2-5 cm long and light green in colour. If grown in the ground it produces small pink star-shaped flowers, very ornamental.

Pedoclimatic needs

Grow in mineral soils that are not too rich, sandy or grainy, well drained. Watering in winter must be sporadic, carried out when the soil is completely dry, watering must be regular from March to October. It prefers full sun exposure and in winter cannot tolerate temperatures below +7°/+10°C. For this reason it is recommended to keep the plant sheltered during the coldest periods to ensure its survival. It can be grown in the ground in Mediterranean gardens, where temperatures do not fall below freezing.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Portulacaria afra

Family: Didiereaceae