Among the plants that have earned a special place both in decoration and in popular preferences, highlights the tree of abundance (Portulacaria afra).

This small african succulent It surprises with its unique shape: it has reddish stems that contrast with the green, round and fleshy leaves, very similar to small coins.

It is no coincidence that it is attributed the property of promoting prosperity and good fortune. To know it is to discover a species that It combines aesthetics, resistance and symbolism.

Origin and symbolism of the tree of abundance in Africa

The Portulacaria afra is native to southern Africa, where it develops naturally in arid and rocky areas.

There, in addition to serving as food for elephants, giraffes and other herbivores, it is used as medicinal and culinary plant.

Its fresh and slightly acidic leaves They are consumed in salads, as a condiment or even as a remedy to quench thirst on desert walks.

Culturally, it has been seen as a plant that provides strength and stability. Its popular nickname «tree of plenty» reinforces this view, and In modern environments it has been linked to feng shui, the ancient art of creating well-being living spaces, and the belief that there are plants that attract economic prosperity and luck to the home.

elephant food

Your name in English, elephant bush, comes from the key role it plays in the diet of African elephants. These animals consume large amounts of Portulacaria afra and disperse their seeds, which maintains balance in arid ecosystems. In fact, in some environmental restoration projects in South Africa It is planted to regenerate degraded soils and sequester carbon to combat climate change.

This is how this succulent shrub grows

It is a succulent shrub with reddish woody stems and rounded bright green leaves, small like coins, which gives it its unmistakable appearance.

It can reach between 2.5 and 4.5 meters in its natural environment, although in a pot it usually stays more compact.

Flowering, which occurs in hot, dry climates, offers clusters of tiny pink or white flowers that contrast with the green of the leaves. Although its flowers are not its greatest ornamental attraction, they are striking when they appear.

Where to place the tree of abundance

To cultivate your Portulacaria afra at home, the first thing you should keep in mind is that needs plenty of light.

Ideally, you should receive between 4 and 6 hours of direct sun per dayalthough it also tolerates bright filtered light indoors. On balconies and terraces it thrives especially well if it receives the morning sun.

If it is placed indoors, it should be placed near a window facing south or east. Outdoors, it is perfect for xerophytic gardens, that is, those designed with plants adapted to drought conditions, such as cacti, succulents and other species native to arid or Mediterranean climates. It is also ideal for put as a low hedge in hot climates.

Soil, irrigation and drainage

As a succulent, the tree of abundance requires a substrate with excellent drainage. A mixture of universal soil with sand, perlite or gravel is ideal. Excess moisture is its biggest enemy, as it can cause root rot.

He irrigation of this very special little tree must be moderate:

• In spring and summer, every 2–3 weeks, when the substrate is completely dry
• In autumn and winter, once a month or even less

A practical trick to know if it is time to water is bury a finger in the ground until the second joint, if you still feel wet, it is better to wait.

When to prune and fertilize

The Portulacaria afra It is very grateful to pruning. Cut long branches at the beginning of spring It encourages it to grow more compact and branched, something highly valued when presented as a bonsai.

The subscriber is not essential, but can benefit from a liquid fertilizer for succulents every 4–6 weeks in the growing season. Excess nutrients, on the other hand, can weaken the plant.

A very easy succulent to propagate

The tree of abundance multiplies very easily from stem cuttings. Simply cut a branch, let it heal for a day or two and then plant it in dry substrate. In a few weeks it will develop new roots.

This method makes it ideal for give small copies, which also reinforces its symbolism of shared abundance.

Common pests and problems that usually affect you

The tree of abundance is resistant, but can suffer attacks from cottony mealybugs, that leave white spots on leaves and stems.

The mites They can appear in very dry environments and aphids, especially on tender shoots.

The best treatment for these problems is cleaning with 70% alcohol, potassium soap or neem oil.

The most serious problems are usually related to the excess watering: the yellow, soft or drooping leaves They are a sign that the roots are damaged by humidity.

Decorative ideas and uses in the home

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Due to its compact size, the Portulacaria afra fits well to clay pots, ceramics or even hanging containers.

It is also cultivated like bonsai, where its reddish trunk and rounded leaves provide a minimalist and elegant style.

Indoors it combines with modern and minimalist styles, while outdoors it is perfect for Mediterranean, rocky or xerophytic gardens.

His endurance makes it an ally for those who do not have much time to care for demanding plants.

A plant without complications

If you want your tree of abundance to grow strong, remember three keys: lots of light, spaced watering and a well-drained substrate.

That will be enough for this African succulent to provide freshness, vitality and, who knows, maybe also some of the abundance that its name inspires.