Botanical Name:

Portulacaria afra

Common Name:

Rainbow bush, Elephant bush

Genus:

Portulacaria

Will it survive Kuwait’s summer or is it just seasonal?

Will survive Kuwait’s summer

Description:

Elephant bush’s leaf margins will turn pretty pinkish-purple with plenty of light. This drought tolerant plant is easy to propagate; just cut a small segment and plant it into moist soil. This segment will take about 10 days to grow roots and turn into a new plant.

Tips for Planting and Watering Needs:

Plant in partial to full sun during the mid to late September when the highest temperature reaches 35 °C. Water once daily during early winter. During the colder days of winter, you could water once every two to three days. Make sure not to water when there is rain. During early summer water once a day, while during the hotter days of summer water twice daily in the early morning, preferably before sun rise, and after sun set. Allow soil to completely dry between watering.

Characteristics

Plant Type: Succulent

Lifespan: Perennial

Bloom Time: Summer, Spring

Plant Height: 3 m

Spread: 1.5 m

Difficulty Rating: Easy, as long as you give them what they need

Sunlight: Full sun

Care Guide

Fertilization: Once in September, once in December, and once in March

Pruning: Remove withered flowers after flowering.

Planting Time: September to January (the closer to September the better)

Will it Live in a Pot: Yes, needs excellent drainage and growing medium