Rainbow Elephant Bush

Rainbow Elephant Bush

1 Gallon
$21.90
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Rainbow Elephant Bush
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Rainbow Elephant Bush

Portulacaria ‘afra variegata’

A colorful, easy-care succulent with variegated leaves and red stems, perfect for bonsai.

$21.90
Container sizeSize guide

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 Living Plants

Size, shape and branching naturally vary

Description

Rainbow Elephant Bush is a vibrant and sculptural succulent that adds a splash of unexpected color to both indoor and outdoor gardens. Its small, rounded, fleshy leaves are beautifully variegated in creamy white, mint green, and pink, creating a confetti-like effect along its contrasting red stems. This easy-going plant grows with an elegant, branching habit, making it exceptionally versatile as a compact container specimen, a unique bonsai subject, or a colorful, drought-tolerant accent in warm-climate landscapes.

Stunning Variegated Foliage: Features tiny, plump, rounded leaves in a captivating mix of mint green, cream, and soft pink, dramatically set against reddish-brown stems.
Architectural Red-Stemmed Form: Develops thick, woody stems with an attractive, branching structure that becomes more pronounced with age, perfect for creating miniature tree forms.
Incredibly Drought-Tolerant and Easy-Care: A true succulent that thrives on neglect, storing water in its leaves and stems, making it perfect for forgetful gardeners.
Versatile Indoor and Outdoor Plant: An excellent, low-light tolerant houseplant that can also be grown outdoors in frost-free climates as a small shrub or ground cover.
Ideal for Bonsai and Containers: Its naturally compact growth, small leaves, and willingness to be shaped make it one of the best and easiest succulents for bonsai cultivation.

Quick Facts

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  • Features:Foliage: Broad oval, fleshy leaves in mint-green with creamy variegation, contrasting against deep red stems,Flowers: Tiny star-shaped pink blooms in terminal clusters (rare in cultivation),Stems: Distinct segmented stems transitioning from green to reddish-brown with prominent leaf scars,Growth Habit: Upright, branching succulent shrub
  • Mature Height: 8-12 ft (in ground); typically 2-3 ft (containers)
  • Mature Width: 4-6 ft (in ground); 1-3 ft (containers)
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Light Needs: Bright indirect light to full sun
  • Key Advantages:Striking variegated foliage,Exceptional drought tolerance,Ideal for bonsai training,Air-purifying qualities,Low maintenance
  • Preferred Environment:Outdoor: Xeriscapes, succulent gardens (frost-free areas),Indoor: Bright windowsills, terrariums

Faqs

Q: Why are leaves dropping off my Rainbow Elephant Bush?
A: Sudden leaf drop is most often caused by overwatering or a sudden change in environment (light, temperature). Ensure the soil dries out completely between waterings and acclimate the plant slowly to new conditions.

Q: Can I keep it small indoors?
A: Absolutely. It is a slow grower indoors and responds very well to pruning. Regular pinching or trimming of the stem tips will encourage a bushier, more compact shape and help maintain its desired size.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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1 Gallon

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3 Gallon

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A versatile size for shrubs, grasses, perennials and young landscape plants. It offers a more established look while remaining easy to move, plant and use in groups.

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Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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