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elephant plant succulent propagation

elephant plant succulent propagation Trailing Elephant Bush

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Description

elephant plant succulent propagation Trailing Elephant BushIntroducing the marvelous Trailing Elephant Bush, known as Portulacaria afra 'Prostrata', a stunning variety of the Portulacaria afra! This extraordinary succulent groundcover, also known as Spekboom or elephant food plant, is a true showstopper, boasting undeniable hardiness and enchanting beauty. Wherever it grows, its outstanding glossy leaves, which are perfectly rounded and glisten with a hint of elegance, will captivate them with an allure that

Introducing the marvelous Trailing Elephant Bush, known as Portulacaria afra 'Prostrata', a stunning variety of the Portulacaria afra! This extraordinary succulent groundcover, also known as Spekboom or elephant food plant, is a true showstopper, boasting undeniable hardiness and enchanting beauty.

Wherever it grows, its outstanding glossy leaves, which are perfectly rounded and glisten with a hint of elegance, will captivate them with an allure that is impossible to resist. Portulacaria afra 'Prostrata' is a small, low-growing succulent that typically reaches a mature size of 6–12 inches in height and spreads up to 3–4 feet wide. Its compact and trailing growth habit makes it an excellent choice for ground cover or cascading over walls or containers.

The flowers of the trailing Portulacaria afra prostrata are typically pink or pale purple and add a delightful touch to the plant's overall appearance. However, it's important to note that flowering is not as common in Portulacaria afra prostrata compared to other succulents. So, while the focus is mostly on its trailing growth and vibrant leaves, the occasional burst of blooms can be a pleasant surprise!

When it comes to propagating elephant bush Portulacaria afra prostrata, it can be done through stem cuttings and leaf cuttings. With time and proper care, the cutting will develop roots and grow into a new plant. Both methods can be successful in propagating this lovely succulent.

Additionally, the Portulacaria afra prostrata variety is generally considered safe for both humans and pets. This means you can enjoy the beauty of this plant without worrying about any harmful effects if accidentally ingested.

Watering Needs

This variety of dwarf jade is a succulent plant that doesn't need too much water. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Water your elephant food plant when the soil is dry to the touch, but not bone dry. During the summer months, you may need to water your elephant plant more frequently than in the winter (dormant).  

When watering your trailing elephant bush, make sure to give it a thorough soak. Water the soil around this dwarf jade bonsai until it starts to drain out of the bottom of the pot. Empty any excess water from the saucer underneath the pot to prevent the roots from sitting in standing water. With proper watering, your trailing Portulacaria afra prostrata will thrive and grow beautiful trailing stems! 

Light Requirements

When grown indoors, the Portulacaria afra prostrata prefers bright, indirect sunlight.  Place your trailing plant in a location that receives bright light for most of the day. If you notice that the leaves are turning yellow or brown, it may be a sign that this succulent elephant bush is getting too much light. 

If you are growing your trailing elephant bush outdoors, it can tolerate some full sunlight for at least 4-6 hours a day, but too much can scorch the leaves. 

If you don't have a bright spot in your home, you can still grow a trailing elephant bush! These elephant bushes can tolerate lower light conditions, but they may not grow as quickly or produce as many leaves.  

You can also supplement your Portulacaria afra prostrata light with a grow light. Place the grow light a few inches above the Portulacaria afra prostrata and keep it on for 12-14 hours a day.  

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs

The trailing elephant bush Portulacaria afra prostrata prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. You can use a succulent soil mix or make your own by combining regular potting soil with sand or perlite. Here at Planet Desert, we have a specialty-formulated succulent potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates and organic mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your succulent to thrive. Make sure the pot has a drainage hole to allow excess water to escape.  

When it comes to fertilizing your Portulacaria afra prostrata, less is more. It doesn't need a lot of fertilizer to thrive. You can fertilize your succulent plant once a year during the growing season (spring) with a balanced fertilizer of NPK (5-10-5). Don't fertilize your  plant during the winter months, when it's not actively growing. With proper soil and fertilizer, your trailing elephant bush will thrive and grow beautiful trailing stems! 

Hardiness Zone & More

The ideal temperature for indoor trailing Portulacaria afra prostrata is 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit, they can survive moderate winter temperatures as long as the soil is not wet, and the temperature does not drop below 45 F. They ought to be overwintered indoors to prevent harm from freezing weather. 

The Portulacaria species can't stand frost or too much humidity, therefore it needs warm, dry conditions. A well-draining potting mix and drainage holes in the potting container will help you maintain temperatures and prevent too much moisture. They can therefore be cultivated outside in USDA zone 9.  

Final Thoughts

Whether you're looking for an eye-catching addition to your rockery or envisioning cascading elegance down slopes and embankments, this Trailing Elephant Bush is here to make all your green dreams come true! Be sure to add Portulacaria afra prostrata - Trailing elephant bush to your collection today and elevate the beauty of your home or garden, with this stunning-looking plant. 

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4.0 ★★★★★
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Stephanie McCall
New York, US
★★★★★ 4
A Remarkable Book--I Want More Like It!
Format: Kindle
I stumbled on Remarkably Bright Creatures among my recommendations. As often happens, the premise intrigued me enough to read it even though I didn't know the author. Well, if Shelby Van Pelt often writes like this, I definitely want more of her books. The friendship between Tova the aquarium cleaning lady and Marcellus the giant Pacific octopus is a definite selling point in this book. It's a great twist on the "A Kid and Their X" trope (the kind of thing you see in stuff like Where the Red Fern Grows, Old Yeller, Free Willy, and so forth). This one, I am pleased to report, is far less cheesy and saccharine. Tova is a multifaceted character whose life may seem small in her estimation, and probably is if we go by what is a "normal" life in a small seaside town. Yet that life has been stuffed with complex emotions, unanswered questions, and a longing for "more" that I think everybody can relate to. At least, I certainly could. As for Marcellus, he's multifaceted, too. A part of me did stick with his point of view, and story, because it is a story of a "remarkably bright," underestimated creature trapped and controlled in a world he doesn't understand. I have cerebral palsy and was diagnosed as level 1 autistic this spring; I'm still looking back and trying to heal from a lot of the latter's implications. So in a visceral way, yeah. I'm not a captive animal or mistreated, but I understood how Marcellus felt. What I liked even better about his story though, is that Marcellus' story doesn't stop there. Marcellus actually has a life and a history that Shelby Van Pelt, Tova, Cameron, and other characters dig into. He's not just a captive yearning for freedom and mourning lost opportunities, as often happens with similar stories. He makes wry, witty, yet quiet, non-snarky observations about humans. He cares deeply for Tova because she took time to know him as a "person," but also because she's the only human who has ever stopped long enough for Marcellus to know as a real "person." Marcellus gets to be the conduit of real revelation and change for people inside and outside his world. That's amazing, and frankly, it's a lot more than many human characters get. Remarkably Bright Creatures couldn't succeed with just Tova or Marcellus though, or at least not as well as it did, I think. The other characters pop off the page as well. Cameron is my favorite, precisely because I didn't expect to like him at first. By his own admission, he comes off as a burnout and a loser, and I admit, that's how I saw him to begin with. But as with Tova and Marcellus, Cameron is hiding a lot of layers, a lot of depth. He's got a great heart, but he's still a typical, kinda clueless 30-year-old guy (and I'm still a 30-something so I say that tongue in cheek). He's vulnerable but not pitiful; he plays the victim sometimes, but then he gets mad at being called out on that and wants to do better. He struggles and is a burnout, but he's got good, solid friends and some real interests and potential. In other words, I got really into his arc, especially once Tova, Marcellus, and even Ethan got involved. As for Ethan, he's unexpectedly cool, as well. I admit some brownie points with him, as I love all things Scottish or Irish and he is of Scottish descent. But I also didn't expect a shopkeeper in his '70s with a gruff edge to be a Grateful Dead fan or to get along so well with a neat and tidy, tiny Swedish aquarium cleaner, so brownie points on plot and character there. In fact, Ethan's role in the story, in particular, went all kinds of unexpected places, so without spoiling anything, I'll tell you to keep an eye on it. Finally, Shelby wins some extra brownie points for a lot of the "little" things that "pop" out at me when reading a book like this one. For instance, I love cats and love the reluctant yet affectionate relationship Tova develops with a stray cat. I love Marcellus' Collection and the pride and care he takes in it. I love and felt some heartbreak over Tova's reminiscing about the attic playroom that never got to be a playroom. But I think the thing I loved most about Remarkably Bright Creatures is how remarkable Shelby showed readers humans--and creatures--can be, without getting heavy-handed or cheesy. There are some romances here, so to speak, but this is a relationship novel, and those are, have been for the past several years, some of my favorite ones. There is some language here, so caveat emptor if that's not your thing. From a writer's perspective, I also wondered how much some threads or characters were actually needed. For instance, looking back, I understand why Tova had a brother, but I'm unsure how much he furthered the plot. Similarly, I understand the roles of Avery and Marco but again, am unsure how much they furthered the plot. Also, I almost hate to say it, and I could be wrong about this. After all, I know about as much concerning octopi as the average person who watches Jeopardy (which I do). But while Marcellus' plot thread is great, and while I definitely understand suspension of disbelief, I did wonder along with Cameron how much those boundaries were pushed. I mean, I buy Marcellus getting out of his tank, and with the right Collection items, I guess Tova and Cameron could've figured out whatever they needed to know. But...there's a logical shard of me that isn't quite sure she buys how everything lined up, I guess. All that aside though, Remarkably Bright Creatures is still a remarkable book. As often happens, I'm now eager to find more like it. And yes, it does get a hearty recommendation. At the very least, I'll want to take closer looks next time I go to an aquarium.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2025
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Kindle Customer
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
Beautiful!
Format: Kindle
I heard about this book in a conversation at a craft party and ordered it the same night. I was not disappointed. I fell in love with Marcellus and Tova and their delightful relationship, and with all the ancillary characters that made this book so special. The ending was so very sweet and satisfying as well. Great 1st book!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2026
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Verified Purchase
Carolyn Ellis
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 5
It was as good as I'd hoped.
Format: Kindle
Marcellus McSquiddles, the giant Pacific Octopus who has lived at the Sowell Bay Aquarium for going on four years, is often exasperated with the humans who stare at him all day. But there is one human who is different. She speaks to him and more importantly, she keeps his nocturnal escapes from his tank, a secret. Tova is a gentle woman, a widower and still dealing with the loss of her son, more than thirty years ago. When someone new strolls into town, Cameron Cassmore, looking for his dead beat father, he and Tova's lives will become inextricably linked, if they're not already. And Marcellus sees all of this and does his best to assist, where he can, since for the most part, he notices that haumans can be rather dull. But though, sometimes, especially in the case of Tova, there a a few who are remarkably bright. This was a sweet, genuine, heartfelt and beautifully written, fun read. Van Pelt has created a delightfully jaded and long-suffering, sighing character in the form of Marcellus and he and Tova's story is told in such a unique and imaginative way. I'd been meaning to read this for so long and I'm so glad I finally did.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2026
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Verified Purchase
T. Sparks
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
A remarkable story
Format: Hardcover
What a wonderful surprise this was! I thought Remarkably Bright Creatures was a story about a woman and an octopus, but it turned out to be so much more than that. This is Shelby Van Pelt’s first book, and I don’t think a debut has affected me like this since I read Hollow Kingdom, another story that unfolds through the eyes of an animal. The story has a bit of magical realism to it, in the sense that parts of it are told from the octopus’s point of view, but otherwise it’s simply a delightful tale about family and connections that had me ugly crying by the end of the book. In the first chapter we meet Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus on display in the Sowell Bay Aquarium near Puget Sound. Marcellus has been in captivity for 1,299 days, and based on his life expectancy of about four years, he believes he only has a handful of days left to live. His dreary days in a small glass enclosure are broken up by secret nighttime excursions, as Marcellus is extremely smart and has found a way out of his tank. Tova Sullivan is a seventy-year-old woman who has been working nights at the aquarium as a cleaning lady for the past two years. Tova knows how to remove the hundreds of fingerprints on the tank walls and can polish the floors to a brilliant shine. She’s also quite fond of the sea creatures she encounters each night, especially Marcellus, and the two have formed an unusual bond since Tova saved Marcellus one night after he escaped and became entangled in a bunch of electrical cords. Next, we meet Cameron Cassmore, a thirty-year-old man who is drifting through life with no real purpose. Cameron lives in California, and one day his aunt gives him a box of his estranged mother’s things. Inside the box he finds a photo and an old class ring, clues that could lead to the identity of his father, a man he never knew. Cameron hops on a plane to Washington state, convinced the man he thinks is his father—a rich real estate tycoon—will be so distraught over abandoning his son, he’ll shower Cam with money. At least that’s the plan. Finally, Ethan Mack is the owner of Sowell Bay’s Shop-Way, the local grocery store. Ethan has known Tova for years and secretly has a crush on her, but Tova is much too distant to notice his interest. When Cameron shows up at the Shop-Way looking for a job, Ethan directs him to his friend who manages the aquarium, which is how Cameron and Tova meet. Tying all these characters together is Marcellus, a remarkably bright octopus with a penchant for stealing and hoarding the treasures he finds after hours on the aquarium floor, and who just might be able to bring two people together who need each other—but don’t yet realize it. Van Pelt’s chapters alternate among all these characters and introduce a slew of side characters as well, each one vitally important to the story. At first, we don’t realize how each character is connected to the next, but slowly the author reveals her secrets until the stunned reader begins to understand the depth of these connections. Each character is given a detailed backstory that becomes very important to the plot. Tova’s story in particular was heart wrenching, as she has experienced quite a bit of loss in her life and finds herself mostly alone in her twilight years. Luckily she belongs to a group of women who call themselves the Knit-Wits, and the four of them meet weekly to eat, drink, gossip and support each other. Tova came to America from Sweden as a little girl, so the story is filled with details about growing up with her Swedish mother and father. Even the Dala horses her mother collected play a part in the story, and I found these little details added so much richness. At first I couldn’t figure out how Cameron fit it, but once he arrives in Sowell Bay and meets Ethan and Tova, his story takes on new meaning. Cameron meets a woman named Avery who also plays a vital part in filling in some of the missing pieces about Cameron’s father, and I loved the way the author gave even the most insignificant side characters meaning and purpose. Van Pelt infuses her story with so many emotional moments and themes. We see how the Knit-Wits are going through the aging process, as their numbers have dwindled over the last few years. Tova is facing being alone in her old age, with no children or husband to take care of her, and so she makes the rash decision to sell her beloved house and move into a retirement community. I don’t want to give too many details about Tova’s past and her losses, because I think it’s better to discover those revelations for yourself. Let’s just say that I felt Tova’s pain and wanted nothing more than for her to be happy. And Van Pelt includes so many funny moments in her story that kept the tone light, despite some of the more heavy themes. There’s an ongoing bit about Cameron’s lost luggage that was hysterically funny, and Tova inherits a stray cat at one point, which was a delightful side plot. I also loved the story about the t-shirt that Tova uses to clean Ethan’s kitchen—you’ll just have to read the book so you can experience the hilarity too! And of course, I can’t forget the star of the story, Marcellus the octopus. As the days tick by—each of his chapters starts with a marker (“Day 1,299 of my captivity”, etc)---the tension builds as Marcellus gets closer to his impending death (at least that’s what he thinks). Marcellus understands human nature more than most humans, and I loved the way he wisely intuits each character’s needs. Ultimately, this is a story about creatures—both human and animal—saving each other. The way Marcellus’s story plays out was absolutely perfect—heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. This is a very special book, and I’m so glad I was able to finally read it. Highly recommended!
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Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2024
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Verified Purchase
Kristie
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 4
loved it!
Format: Kindle
Really enjoyed this book! My coworker begged me to read it for years but I didn't think I'd like it. I thought it would be a fantasy with talking creatures - if you're not into that, don't worry, it's not. Very good storyline that moved along quickly. Hallmark, feel-good book, but wasn't cheesy or overdone. Would definitely recommend (just like my coworker said)
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Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2026

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