All Species > Portulacaria afra

Dwarf Jade

A succulent species ideal for beginners, with compact foliage, forgiving structure, and vigorous growth under warm conditions.

Seasonal Care Guide

Placement & Seasonal Notes

  • Placement: Full sun to partial shade
  • Notes: Thrives in bright light; protect from intense midday sun in hot, dry climates.
  • Winter: Keep above 40°F (5°C); susceptible to frost damage—bring indoors if needed.
  • Summer: Very drought-tolerant; reduce watering during heatwaves to prevent leggy growth.

Leaf Traits

  • Persistence: Evergreen
  • Form: Broadleaf

Watering & Fertilization

  • Watering: Low
  • Notes: Allow soil to dry between waterings; overwatering is a common issue.
  • Season: Spring → Autumn
  • Fertilization: Low-nitrogen
  • Notes: Feed lightly with balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer; reduce during dormancy.

Training Techniques

  • Wiring: Spring to early summer
  • Notes: Use caution—branches snap easily; clip-and-grow is often preferred.
  • Pruning: Any time during active growth
  • Notes: Backbuds freely; prune regularly to maintain shape and compact internodes.
  • Repotting: Every 2–4 years
  • Notes: Repot in warm weather; avoid watering for a few days after repotting to prevent root rot.

Propagation

  • Method: Cuttings
  • Notes: Extremely easy from cuttings; allow to callous before planting.

Zone 8b Considerations

Overwinter indoors or in a greenhouse; avoid frost and cold wet soil