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The portulacaria afra is perfect for beginning gardeners, because it is one of the easiest types of succulents to grow due to its resistance.
See_also: Flowers for the garden: 100 most common species to beautify your homeWhat is the afra portulacaria
The portulacaria afra is a plant from the succulent family, native to South Africa. Also known as elephant bush and mini-jade, the species is ideal for those who want to start in the world of gardening. According to the agricultural engineer, "the succulent is not poisonous and, in some cultures, its leaves are used in cooking.
Another option is to cultivate this plant as a bonsai. According to Figueiredo, the species tolerates pruning sometimes throughout the year, being one of the most appropriate varieties for the practice. The specialist points out that the succulent is often confused with the jade plant. However, he explains that "they are different because they belong to different plant families. The jade is a cryssalecea and portulacaria is a little plant of the family didiereaceae .
How to care for the afra portulacaria
Many Feng Shui practitioners explain that the afra is ideal for harmonizing the house, for it brings prosperity and good luck to the environments. But, despite its resistance, it is still important to take some care when growing it. Check out the tips from the agricultural engineer:
1. irrigation
The portulacaria afra belongs to the succulent family, so irrigation should be spaced and not waterlogged. According to the specialist, "the tip is to water it once every three days or when the soil is completely dry. To prevent the leaves from falling, it is also necessary to water the area with moderation and ensure a well-drained soil.
2. luminosity
The succulent thrives easily in full sun. To grow indoors, Figueiredo recommends an environment that receives a good intensity of sunlight. "For this type of location, the ideal is to leave the succulent on balconies or near the window," he recommends.
Fertilization
"To ensure good absorption of the nutrients, the engineer also recommends watering soon after fertilizing.
4. ideal substrate
The soil for the portulacaria afra must be well drained, the same as most succulents. Figueiredo recommends a mixture of vegetal soil, pebbles, and small pieces of charcoal for planting. This way, the soil doesn't risk retaining too much water.
5. seedlings
According to the specialist, the plant generates new seedlings by means of branches that can be planted in a vase with vegetal earth: "In the first days after planting, the watering must be frequent and the plant needs to stay in the middle shade", he recommends.
6. pests
To combat aphids, you can use a solution of water and detergent; for mealybugs, use a mixture of 10 ml of mineral oil in 1 liter of water; and for fungus, the ideal is to perform a preventive treatment, based on Bordeaux mixture.
7. pruning
Finally, the portulacaria afra is a very resistant succulent, so it can be pruned a few times during the year. Pruning guarantees more vitality to new sprouts and also controls growth. The tip is to use adequate and sterilized equipment to avoid fungus and diseases.
Did you know that the species also has flowers? Although rare, the blooming can happen in springtime and brings even more charm to the decoration!
Learn more about the afra portulacaria
After checking professional growing tips, watch how to care for this little plant by watching the selected videos:
See_also: Indigo blue: how to use this color in environments and highlight the decorationMore growing tips for portulacaria afra
In this video, Henrique Figueiredo himself brings more information that will help you in the cultivation of portulacaria afra. In the vlog, you learn a little more about irrigation, environment, and how to make seedlings of the species in a practical way.
Curiosities about the portulacaria afra
It's always good to know as much information as possible about your new plant, isn't it? Here you can find out more about the portulacaria afra, as well as tips on how to grow it. Did you know that the species can live up to 200 years? Watch the video and find out more reasons to have this beautiful succulent at home.
Learn about the varieties of the portulacaria afra
Besides the common species, the portulacaria afra can be found in the tricolor and variegata varieties. In this video, you can see the main differences between them and how the development of each species occurs. It is worth watching, because the gardener also brings some tips to keep the varieties always beautiful.
How to prune and seed a succulent
The portulacaria afra grows fast and can produce seedlings throughout the year. In this video, you learn how to prune and seed in a practical way. The vlog also includes a golden tip to prevent common succulent diseases. Definitely worth watching and checking out the guidelines!
Another succulent that is easy to grow is the echeveria and can add to your decor.
