Portulacaria

Description

Portulacaria afra, or Elephant Bush, is a resilient succulent that forms a small shrub of glossy, round leaves along woody, red-tinged stems. It’s a favorite for beginners and bonsai enthusiasts alike thanks to how readily it grows and how forgiving it is of missed waterings.

Give it lots of bright light — even some direct sun — and water only when the soil is fully dry. It stores water in its leaves, so it tolerates drought far better than overwatering. Non-toxic and quick to propagate from cuttings.