{"product_id":"rainbow-bush-portulacaria-afra-variegata","title":"Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’ – Variegated Elephant Bush","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWith its creamy-white and green oval leaves, reddish stems, and gently trailing habit, \u003ci\u003ePortulacaria afra\u003c\/i\u003e ‘Variegata’ is a much-loved succulent that brings brightness and structure to any indoor collection. Also known as Rainbow Bush, this variegated form of the Elephant Bush is drought-tolerant, fast-growing, and ideal for sunny windowsills or even bonsai projects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003ePortulacaria afra\u003c\/i\u003e ‘Variegata’ (also known in some classifications as \u003ci\u003eCrassula afra\u003c\/i\u003e ‘Variegata’)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSynonyms\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eCrassula afra\u003c\/i\u003e ‘Variegata’, Rainbow Bush, Mini Jade (not to be confused with \u003ci\u003eCrassula ovata\u003c\/i\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eVariegated Elephant Bush, Rainbow Bush, Miniature Jade Plant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eNative to South Africa, Eswatini, and Mozambique – typically found in arid scrublands\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThrives in bright light with at least a few hours of direct sun. South- or west-facing windowsills are ideal. Insufficient light can lead to dull colouring and leggy growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eWater thoroughly only when the soil has completely dried out. In spring and summer, this may be every 1–2 weeks. In winter, water once a month or less. Overwatering is the main risk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePrefers dry indoor air. Avoid high humidity or over-misting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eUse a sharply-draining succulent or cactus mix. Add extra perlite, pumice, or sand to improve drainage if needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eFeed every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted cactus or succulent fertiliser. Do not feed in winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperature\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eIdeal range is 18–26°C. Can tolerate down to 5°C if kept dry. Not frost-hardy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eYes – non-toxic to pets and children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThis plant responds well to pruning – pinch out the tips to encourage bushier growth and keep it compact. Can be trained as a miniature tree or left to trail naturally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eExtras\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eStems may become woody over time, giving the plant a mini-tree appearance – great for bonsai styling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDid You Know?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eIn its native habitat, this plant plays an important role in carbon sequestration and is often used in reforestation projects in South Africa.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"5.5cm","offer_id":43964608119037,"sku":"1685227194171","price":5.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"8.5cm","offer_id":57589079015805,"sku":"1825963795671","price":7.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"10.5cm","offer_id":57701460443517,"sku":"6127595948671","price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0490\/2774\/3905\/products\/rainbow-bush-portulacaria-afra-variegata-242501.jpg?v=1687397678","url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.pro\/products\/rainbow-bush-portulacaria-afra-variegata","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}