The nature of its trunk and branches make it very susceptible to rotting. Do not use cut-paste on Jade trees. If yours is a houseplant, using all a good quality succulent & cactus mix is just fine. This is dependent on a number of environmental factors, as follows: Positive: On Mar 30, 2009, ffeeddee wrote: I have some plants of Portulacaria afra in pots, all from a small twig I took from a big plant 20 years ago. They thrive without problems under the full sun of italian summer (up to 40° C), in winter protect them in a closed patio south facing (min. Water thoroughly and only when the soil is dry. Keep an eye on their leaves, because if they are turning yellow, it means you are not watering properly. You should water lightly once to twice a week. It is also an excellent soil binding plant that prevents soil erosion. Dwarf jade is a succulent with small, thick, glossy leaves and burgundy-red stems. Over watering poinsettias could result in fungal diseases and root rot. As an indoor plant, its fleshy green leaves, red stems and tendency to form a sculptural bush, make Spekboom a visual delight. Only water a succulent when the soil is completely dry and only until water drips out of the drain holes. Remember that it stores water primarily in its trunk, rather than the leaves. temp. Spekboom has a photosynthetic mechanism which allows it to adapt to all weather conditions so it can survive extreme conditions – from drought to frost. When you’re watching for signs the succulent is over- or under-watered, keep an eye on those stems. Reply. Elsa says: November 6, 2018 at … 3°C). As a Houseplant. I now make my own mix but recommend any of the mixes listed right below if you can’t find 1 locally or don’t want to make your own. If allowed to continue, the plant will wrinkle itself dry, turning brown or black. Its drought-tolerant properties make this succulent a hardy home cohabitant. If you sometimes forget to water your houseplants, or you are away from home often, it might be just the right houseplant for you. How often should I water my Spekboom? Giving them a big sip of water … How Often to Water a Succulent. I am looking forward to using it for indoor “flower arrangements”, along with adding it to salads etc etc So excited! So how often can you expect the soil to dry out? If all of this wasn’t enough to inspire your love for Spekboom, it is also a highly water-wise plant, needing up to half the water of other plants to survive, meaning its not only easy to grow but also easy for those living in areas suffering from droughts or water shortages to care for. Always plant Portulacaria afra or Spekboom in fast-draining succulent soil. It stores water in its trunk and leaves so it can survive without regular watering. It can survive well in drought, but it won't grow as much, and the bigger your Spekboom, the more carbon it will absorb. Today I am starting on the rest-of-my-life with Spekboom! Thank you for all the tips on growing this amazing plant. The water retention makes the tree limbs heavy which naturally bends the trunk and branches. Elephant bush, Portulacaria afra, is a perennial succulent shrub from South Africa that is a popular succulent garden plant around the world.It is easily grown as a seasonal accent plant or low maintenance houseplant in our part of the world. When your succulent needs more water, the leaves will shrivel up and the stem will wilt. The soil should be damp, don't get it too wet, or let it go bone dry. Place in bright light to direct sunlight and water … Too much water = root rot. DISCLAIMER. It responds very well to pruning, and you should prune it regularly to force it to grow branches, especially in the lower part of the trunk. How often should you water a Spekboom? The water needs to drain out the bottom so poinsettias won't sit in water. 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