Portulacaria afra, commonly known as the Elephant Bush, is a succulent shrub native to South Africa, popular for both indoor and outdoor cultivation. This plant is valued for its drought tolerance and ease of care. The ‘Snowfall’ cultivar features striking, patterned foliage. This variegated form offers the same resilience as the standard species but requires specific environmental adjustments to maintain its colorful appearance.
Identifying the ‘Snowfall’ Variety
The ‘Snowfall’ variety is a variegated form of Portulacaria afra. It is distinguished by its fleshy, rounded leaves, which contrast emerald green centers with broad, creamy white or pale yellow margins. These small, glossy leaves grow on brittle, reddish-brown stems that mature to gray. The variegated foliage gives the plant a lighter, speckled appearance compared to the solid green standard Elephant Bush, often growing in a dense, branched shrub form.
Optimizing Light for Variegation
Maintaining the white and green patterning of ‘Snowfall’ requires sufficient light intensity. The white portions lack chlorophyll, meaning the plant relies entirely on the green sections for photosynthesis. Bright, indirect light throughout the day is necessary for balancing color retention and health. Without adequate light, the plant produces more chlorophyll, causing the variegated sections to revert to solid green.
While the species tolerates full sun, the variegated leaves are susceptible to damage. Direct, intense afternoon sun, especially during extreme heat, can cause scorching or leaf drop, appearing as yellowing or brown patches on the pale sections. If grown indoors, a south-facing window provides the necessary intensity. Temperatures between 65–80°F (18–27°C) are preferred. Protection from frost is necessary, as the plant is not cold-hardy and sustains damage below 30°F (-1°C).
Hydration and Potting Medium
Hydration for the ‘Snowfall’ cultivar follows the “soak and dry” method common for desert succulents, which prevents root rot. During the active growing season (spring and summer), water thoroughly until it drains, then allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. This prevents the roots from sitting in saturated conditions, which is the most common cause of failure. In cooler winter months, growth slows, and the plant requires less water, needing only enough to prevent the leaves from shriveling.
The potting medium must facilitate rapid drainage and aeration to support the drought-adapted root system. Use a specialized cactus or succulent mix, often amended with non-porous materials like perlite, pumice, or coarse grit to enhance porosity. Avoid standard moisture-retentive potting soil, as it compacts easily and traps excess water around the roots. Repotting is typically needed every two to three years, or when the plant becomes top-heavy, since it tolerates being somewhat root-bound.
How to Propagate and Shape
The ‘Snowfall’ variety is propagated through stem cuttings, which is the fastest method compared to using seeds or leaves. To propagate, cleanly cut a healthy stem segment using a sharp, sterile tool. Allow the cut end to dry out and form a protective callus barrier, a process that takes between 24 hours and several days, depending on the cutting’s thickness.
Once the wound has healed, the cutting can be planted directly into dry, well-draining succulent soil where it will develop roots within a few weeks. Pruning serves two purposes: shaping the form and encouraging denser, bushier growth, as the species responds well to trimming. Regular, strategic pruning helps maintain a compact shape, which is popular when growing the Elephant Bush in a bonsai style.