The low-maintenance plant can survive on as little as 250 – 350mm of water per year! Spekboom has a photosynthetic mechanism which allows it to adapt to all weather conditions so it can survive extreme conditions – from drought to frost. It is also an excellent soil binding plant that prevents soil erosion.

Does spekboom grow in winter?

Plant has stopped growing: Over winter, if temperatures are cold enough, the Spekboom can go dormant; or have a winter rest. This is normal and growth will resume when temperatures increase.

Why is my spekboom dying?

If the plant is dying, that means it's starting to rot or shrivel and look really sick, or a combination of both. You can still save the plant by saving the viable parts of the plant. Remove or cut off any visible rot, let the cuttings dry for a few days to about a week or so, then stick them in the soil to root.

How do you plant spekboom in the garden?

Spekboom is easily propagated, which is great news for budget gardeners. Simply cut or break off a piece of a spekboom, let it dry out for one or two days and then stick it in the ground. Give it a little water every few days and you'll soon have a new spekboom plant of your own.

Is spekboom an indoor plant?

As an indoor plant, its fleshy green leaves, red stems and tendency to form a sculptural bush, make Spekboom a visual delight. Its drought-tolerant properties make this succulent a hardy home cohabitant. Place in bright light to direct sunlight and water once every two weeks.

7 Common Problems With Elephant Bush and Quick Fixes

22 related questions found

Can spekboom survive frost?

Portulacaria afra (spekboom) is a keystone species in Arid Thicket. Spekboom can only survive in frosty areas under a nurse-shrub canopy. ... Frost is probably a major determinant of the Arid Thicket/Nama-Karoo biome boundaries.

Why is spekboom called a miracle plant?

“Planted in the correct area, spekboom is indeed a miracle plant. It can root from cuttings even in degraded soils which reach 70°C in summer and which receive no rain for several months on end. These rooted cuttings can then grow into mature plants over 10 to 20 years, allowing the spekboom thicket to regenerate.”

How do you get spekboom to flower?

It is more likely to flower when it rains as flowering consumes a large amount of the plant's energy. During a severe drought, the plant will reserve its energy to increase its chance of survival. Spekboom is beautiful when it is in full bloom; the noticeable rosy flowers cover the succulent in a sea of pink.

How long does spekboom take to grow?

The plant requires full sun, and slightly acidic, well drained soil. Plants should reach flowering size within 3-4 years. The spekboom mistletoe (Viscum crassulae ) is a hemiparasite on the spekboom (Portulacaria afra ) in the Eastern Cape.

Are spekboom roots invasive?

This tree normally attains a height of 1.5 – 2m in a garden setting and has a small non-invasive root system which makes it ideal for poolside planting. It is very easy to grow and can tolerate both drought and wetter conditions. Also known as 'Elephant's Food' or 'Spekboom', it is indigenous to southern Africa.

How do you revive a Spekboom?

Simply cut or break off a piece of a spekboom, let it dry out for one or two days and then stick it in the ground. Give it a little water every few days and you'll soon have a new spekboom plant of your own. Make sure you don't give it too much water or it will rot.

Does Elephant Bush like full sun?

Like most succulents, elephant bush thrives on neglect. Just plant it in full sun in sandy soil so it dries quickly and the roots don't rot.

How do you save a bush?

Water your shrub thoroughly to help with the growth process, and then prune out any lingering dead stems that didn't sprout new leaves. Saturated soil surrounding your brown shrubs is a sign of overwatering. Let up on the hydration until the soil dries out.

Does Spekboom contain vitamin C?

– Spekboom leaves are edible and rich in manganese, cobalt and especially magnesium and it contains micro elements, rich in Vitamin C, iodine and selenium. – Leaves can be used to treat exhaustion, dehydration and heatstroke. – Crushed leaves can be rubbed on blisters and corns on the feet to provide relief.

How do you take care of a rainbow Bush?

Rainbow Bush Care

The plant should be warm and protected from drafts. Be sure the container has adequate drain holes. Overwatering and poorly drained soil are the most common causes of death for rainbow portulacaria plants. An unglazed pot is preferable because it allows excess moisture to evaporate.

Can spekboom grow in shade?

This succulent will thrive indoors if placed in a warm room with bright light. The spekboom is an attractive evergreen succulent with its small round emerald-green leaves, borne on startling-red stems. ... It is an easy to grow succulent that is heat, drought and fire resistant, and can be grown in full sun or semi-shade.

How can I make spekboom grow faster?

In order to grow spekboom successfully, the soil must be well-drained. Even tough it has no special requirements to grow, compost and fertiliser will encourage quicker growth. Cuttings are easily rooted in spring though autumn.

Are flapjack plants poisonous to dogs?

All parts of the flapjack are toxic to humans, cats, and dogs. That includes the leaves, roots, but especially the flowers. If your Kalanchoe thyrsiflora flowers, take extra caution to keep it away from small children and pets. The flowers are the most toxic part of the plant.

Can you eat a Spekboom?

Spekboom is edible, with a very high nutritional value. It is a favoured food of black rhinos, elephants and kudus. The good news is that we can eat it too. With a slightly lemony taste, Spekboom leaves are juicy and full of moisture, making them the perfect 'pick-me-up' during a long day's hiking in the arid Karoo.

Is Spekboom a jade?

Jade Plant

Native to the Klein Karoo and Eastern Cape, Spekboom is ideal for rock gardens, coastal gardens, and frost-free areas.

How do you grow a Spekboom bonsai tree?

Spekboom is easily propagated from cuttings or truncheons. Cuttings can be allowed to dry out for at least a week in a cool place and then planted in washed river sand. It will root easily and can even then be planted directly into the ground, but do not water them straight away.

How do you eat Spekboom?

Eat the spekboom

Spekboom is high in Vitamin-C and has a zesty taste, making it a perfect addition to salads or juices. All you need to do is pick some leaves and use as garnish. Alternatively, if you enjoy making your own juices at home, pop some in the extractor and voila!