{"product_id":"portulacaria-afra-lemon-elephant-bush","title":"Portulacaria afra ‘Lemon’ – Lemon Elephant Bush","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003ePortulacaria afra ‘Lemon’ is a bright, cheerful variegated succulent with soft yellow-lime and green foliage that glows in good light. Its small, rounded leaves grow densely along reddish stems, creating a compact, shrubby shape that can be pruned and shaped over time. Easy to care for and wonderfully architectural, this drought-tolerant plant is perfect for sunny windowsills and makes an excellent candidate for bonsai styling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003ePortulacaria afra\u003c\/i\u003e ‘Lemon’ (little purslane of Africa)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe genus name \u003ci\u003ePortulacaria\u003c\/i\u003e means “resembling \u003ci\u003ePortulaca\u003c\/i\u003e” (purslane), while \u003ci\u003eafra\u003c\/i\u003e means “from Africa.” It was first described by the botanist Nikolaus Joseph von Jacquin in the 18th century. The cultivar name ‘Lemon’ refers to its distinctive yellow-toned variegation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSometimes sold as \u003ci\u003ePortulacaria afra\u003c\/i\u003e ‘Lemon Variegata’ or incorrectly labelled as \u003ci\u003eCrassula afra\u003c\/i\u003e in older horticultural references.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eLemon Elephant Bush, Variegated Elephant Bush, Dwarf Jade Plant, Porkbush\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eNative to South Africa, where it grows as a shrubby succulent in dry, rocky regions and is an important food source for elephants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eNeeds very bright light to maintain its lemon-yellow variegation. A sunny south- or west-facing windowsill is ideal. In lower light, the plant may revert to greener growth and become more stretched.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eAllow the compost to dry out completely between waterings. During spring and summer, water thoroughly but infrequently. In autumn and winter, reduce watering significantly – often every 3–4 weeks depending on conditions. Always ensure excess water drains away fully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePrefers dry air and does not require additional humidity. Perfect for centrally heated UK homes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eUse a free-draining cactus or succulent compost with added grit or perlite. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eFeed lightly during the growing season (spring to early autumn) with a diluted cactus fertiliser every 3–4 waters. Do not feed in winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperature\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eHappy in typical indoor temperatures between 15–25°C. Protect from cold drafts and temperatures below 10°C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eGenerally considered non-toxic to pets, but ingestion may cause mild stomach upset. Best kept out of reach of curious animals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eIf new growth starts turning solid green, your plant likely needs more light – gradually move it to a brighter spot to restore that signature lemon colouring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eExtras\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThis plant responds beautifully to pruning and can be shaped into miniature tree forms. In its natural habitat, mature plants can grow into large shrubs several metres tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDid You Know?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eIn South Africa, \u003ci\u003ePortulacaria afra\u003c\/i\u003e is used in ecological restoration projects because it is\u003cbr\u003ehighly efficient at absorbing carbon and stabilising soil in arid environments.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"8.5cm","offer_id":57824344408445,"sku":"2642753421771","price":8.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0490\/2774\/3905\/files\/portulacaria-afra-lemon-lemon-elephant-bush-sprouts-of-bristol-sprouts-of-bristol-2336072.jpg?v=1771279901","url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.pro\/products\/portulacaria-afra-lemon-elephant-bush","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}