The Succulent Source Portulacaria afra Elephant Bush

Yes, Portulacaria afra is completely non-toxic to both cats and dogs. It is an excellent choice if you have curious pets that like to nibble on your houseplants.

This succulent prefers bright, direct light to maintain its compact growth habit. If it doesn't get enough sun, the stems may become leggy and stretch out, so a south-facing window is usually your best bet.

While it can reach impressive heights in the right conditions, it is very easy to manage. You can prune it regularly to maintain a specific size or shape, which also encourages fuller, bushier growth.

The best rule of thumb is to let the soil dry out completely between waterings. If the leaves start to look slightly shriveled or wrinkled, that is a clear sign the plant is thirsty and ready for a drink.

Not at all. It is one of the easiest succulents to propagate; simply take a stem cutting, let the end callous over for a day or two, and place it in well-draining soil. It will typically root and begin growing on its own within a few weeks.

You can do both. Because of its versatile growth habit, it works beautifully as a bushy floor plant or as a trailing plant in a hanging basket. Just keep in mind that trailing stems may need occasional trimming to keep the plant looking tidy.