Elephant Bush
Photo: Frank Vincentz · CC BY-SA 3.0
succulentbeginnerstem cuttingleaf cutting

How to Propagate Elephant Bush

Portulacaria afra · Also called Dwarf Jade

Methods Stem cutting, leaf cutting
Difficulty Beginner
Best season Spring–summer
Time to root 2–3 weeks
Group Succulent

Despite its common name, this isn’t a true jade plant, but it propagates the same easy way. Stem cuttings root readily and quickly, even faster than true jade in many cases.

Stem cutting

  1. Cut a 3–4 inch section.
  2. Let dry and callus 2–3 days.
  3. Insert an inch into dry succulent mix.
  4. Water sparingly until roots establish.

When to propagate

Spring and summer.

Common problems

Cutting rotted. Not enough callusing time, or overwatered.

Questions people ask

Is it the same as jade plant? No, different genus, but visually similar and cared for almost identically.

Succulents & cacti hub · Similar plants: Jade Plant, Sedum