The Portulacaria afra, commonly known as Elephant Food Plant or Spekboom, is a resilient, woody succulent highly suited for arid climates like Arizona. This small-leaved, evergreen shrub is a popular choice for xeriscaping due to its exceptional drought tolerance, storing water in its fleshy leaves and stems. Its naturally bushy habit and reddish stems make it an attractive ornamental plant. Successfully cultivating this South African native in the Sonoran Desert requires specific considerations for its sun exposure and soil composition.
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Selecting the proper planting site is the first step toward a healthy, established Elephant Food Plant. The plant thrives in full sun but benefits from afternoon shade protection when temperatures consistently exceed 110°F, which prevents leaf burn. Providing morning sun and dappled afternoon shade is recommended for all varieties.
The most critical factor for Portulacaria afra is excellent soil drainage, as root rot is its primary vulnerability. Native Arizona desert soil, often composed of heavy clay or caliche, must be amended before planting in-ground. Incorporate materials like perlite, pumice, or coarse horticultural sand into the planting hole to ensure a fast-draining medium. Avoid using fine construction sand, as it can compact the soil and impede drainage.
Container planting is an excellent alternative, especially for training the plant as a bonsai or for ease of winter protection. Use a commercial cactus and succulent potting mix for necessary porosity and drainage. Ensure the pot has large drainage holes to allow excess water to escape immediately after irrigation.
Managing Water and Temperature Extremes
Water management in Arizona must follow a deep-soak, infrequent schedule. Use the “soak and dry” method: water thoroughly until it drains, then allow the soil to dry completely before the next application. During summer heat, established in-ground plants may require deep watering every one to two weeks, while container plants need more frequent checks due to faster evaporation.
The plant conserves water efficiently, which is a major advantage in the desert environment. In the cooler winter months, the plant enters a period of semi-dormancy. Watering frequency must be significantly reduced, often to once a month or less, to prevent cold, wet soil from encouraging fungal infections and root rot.
Temperature is a major challenge, especially the threat of winter frost. Portulacaria afra is sensitive to freezing and can suffer damage below 30°F. While root systems may survive temperatures as low as 25°F, exposed leaves and branches will suffer freeze damage. Container plants should be moved to a sheltered area, such as a covered patio or garage, when a hard frost is forecast. In-ground plants can be protected by covering them with frost cloth or a blanket overnight.
Fertilization requirements are minimal, particularly for plants grown in-ground, as rich soil can discourage flowering. For potted plants, apply a light, diluted liquid fertilizer once at the start of the spring growing season. Healthy growth is primarily dictated by appropriate water and sunlight levels.
Pruning and Propagation Techniques
Pruning is an effective tool for maintaining the Elephant Food Plant’s shape, managing its size, or encouraging denser foliage. Because the plant responds well to cutting, it is often used for hedges or trained into artistic bonsai forms. When shaping, use clean, sharp shears and make cuts just above a leaf node.
Propagation is simple and highly successful using stem cuttings. Select a healthy, pencil-thick stem section three to six inches long, and remove the leaves from the lower two-thirds. In the dry Arizona climate, allow the cut end to dry out and form a protective callus, which takes approximately two to five days. This callousing prevents rot when the cutting is planted.
Once the cut end has dried, plant the stem directly into a well-draining succulent mix, keeping the soil barely moist. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, and the new plant can be treated like an established specimen. Portulacaria afra is resilient against most pests, but mealybugs can occasionally appear. Manage these pests by isolating the plant and treating affected areas with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.