Rainbow Elephant Bush

Rainbow Elephant Bush

1 Gallon
$19.00
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Rainbow Elephant Bush

Rainbow Elephant Bush

Portulacaria ‘afra variegata’

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

$19.00
Size

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

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.

Knowing how we measure the size?

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

  • A larger gallon size generally means:

    • A more established root system

    • A sturdier plant

    • Faster visual impact after planting

  • Example:

    • 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity

    • 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.


🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

  • Commonly used for:

    • Ornamental trees

    • Feature plants

    • Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.

  • Why choose Multi:

    • Fuller, more sculptural appearance

    • Strong visual presence even at younger ages

    • Popular for design-focused landscapes


🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

  • Commonly used for:

    • Shade trees

    • Street trees

    • Orchard and structural plantings

  • Why choose Stand:

    • Clean, classic tree form

    • Easier clearance for walkways and lawns

    • Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity


🌿 Choosing the Right Size

  • If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form

  • If you want long-term structure → Stand form

  • If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Quick facts
  • 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.

Browse online or get recommendations

Shop by collection, or message us with photos and measurements of your space for tailored suggestions.

Place your order & schedule delivery

Choose your trees and preferred delivery window. Most Bay Area orders are delivered within about 10 business days, depending on routing and weather.

We deliver carefully to your property

Our drivers are trained to handle living plants, not just boxes. For many trees, we can set them in place near the planting site.

Grow with our ongoing support

You’ll receive basic care guidelines, and you can always reach out if you’re unsure about watering, fertilizing, or pruning.

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