9 Best Elephant Bush Types | Portulacaria Afra Varieties

Ralph Astley is a retired gardener from Philadelphia who specializes in outdoor plants and trees. With years of hands-on experience, Ralph not only cares for a diverse range of outdoor flora but also shares his extensive knowledge through well-written articles and social media posts. A trusted authority in arboriculture, he's committed to helping the community grow healthier, more robust gardens.
Learn About Our Editorial Policy

2-Minute Read

If you want to include a good luck plant in your home that stays compact, then here are the Best Elephant Bush Types for you!

Portulacaria afra is an easy-going succulent with a striking appearance. Given the right growing conditions, it will also bloom flowers in pink hues! If you too want to have it, then here are the Best Elephant Bush Types to grow!

Have a look at the best types of Jade Plants here


Best Elephant Bush Types

Portulacaria afra is one of the most common types and comes in green color. We have included the ones that offer different shades on the foliage. 

1. Trailing Elephant Bush

pinterest

Botanical Name: Portulacaria afra prostrata

A groundcover, the thick stems and bushy leaves of this plant trail beautifully, which makes the plant look amazing in hanging baskets and pots.

2. Cork Bark Elephant Bush

Botanical Name: Portulacaria afra ‘Cork Bark’

This miniature jade has a bushy trunk and resembles a bonsai. Alike most of its cousins, ‘Cork Bark’ has red-brown stems with half-inch-long emerald-green leaves.

3. Aurea Baby Jade Plant

flowerdekho

Botanical Name: Portulacaria afra ‘Aurea’

Commonly known as ‘Yellow Rainbow Bush’, this variant grows green-yellow leaves, which go vibrant in full sun. This succulent blooms tiny pink flowers during the spring.

4. Variegata Baby Elephant Bush

horticult

Botanical Name: Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’

This variegated succulent, also known as the Rainbow Bush, has a shrubby appearance, striking red-brown stems with tiny light green leaves variegated in white.

5. Medio Picta Baby Jade Plant

pinterest

Botanical Name: Portulacaria afra ‘Medio-picta’

‘Medio-Picta’ has a showy look that displays tiny ovate green leaves with white stripes in the middle on red-pink stems. Some leaves are white in color and give a striking contrast.

6. Minima Baby Jade Plant

worldofsucculents

Botanical Name: Portulacaria afra ‘Minima’

Also popular as Elephant Mat, this plant has very tiny leaves that form a beautiful cluster of green. The foliage contrasts well with the ruby red stems.

7. Elephant Bush

ezycaresucculents

Botanical Name: Portulacaria afra macrophylla

This evergreen succulent looks a lot like the regular Jade plant albeit with a smaller and compact size. Given the right growing conditions, it also grows pale lavender flowers in summer.

8. Manny Baby Jade Plant

ebay

Botanical Name: Portulacaria afra ‘Manny’

Manny displays green leaves with bits of white streaks. The plant stays compact, which makes it one of the best baby jades for coffee tables!

9. Skyscraper Baby Jade Plant

r/succulents

Botanical Name: Portulacaria afra ‘Skyscraper’

An easy-going succulent with tiny green leaves on red-brown stems. The plant also grows white or pink blossoms from summer through spring.

Fan of Tall Houseplants? Check this out!

Recent Posts

Join our 3 Million Followers:

[easy-followers hide_title="yes" new_window="yes" nofollow="yes" show_total="no" total_type="text_before" columns="3" template="roundcolor" nospace="no" hide_value="no" hide_text="no"]

Related Articles

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here