Grow Lights for Portulacaria: Portulacaria Afra Indoors
Grow lights for portulacaria help elephant bush hold dense branches and full leaves indoors. The University of Wisconsin Extension says Portulacaria afra needs bright light and very well drained soil. It looks like jade plant but has smaller leaves on thinner stems, and it is not related to jade plant.
The short answer
Set a cool white fluorescent or full spectrum LED 6 to 12 inches above the plant and run it 14 to 16 hours a day. Restrict water in winter, and raise the light or move the pot if leaf tips turn red or yellow.
How much light does portulacaria need?
Wisconsin Extension calls for bright light and warns that too much direct sun can turn leaf tips yellow or red, or even burn the leaves. The University of Minnesota Extension says succulents need abundant light and a bright, sunny window. The University of Missouri Extension notes that cacti and succulents need high light and that lights can carry them through periods when they cannot get bright sun, as long as the plants sit close to the source.
Which grow light suits portulacaria?
Minnesota suggests cool white fluorescent tubes, or a mix of daylight and natural white tubes, 6 to 12 inches above the plants for 14 to 16 hours a day. Missouri says high light plants need at least 1,000 foot candles, or about 20 watts of fluorescent light per square foot. See grow lights for cannabis for fixture types and led light distance cannabis for spacing. Pair the light with grow light timers.
Why does elephant bush drop leaves indoors?
Wisconsin notes that the plant may lose some leaves when it moves to its winter home if it gets less light there than outdoors. Bright supplemental light narrows that gap. Wisconsin also says to move the plant indoors when nights drop below 40°F and to acclimate it gradually when it goes back out, since sudden full sun can scorch leaves.
Portulacaria light basics
| Factor | Target | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright | Wisconsin Extension |
| Light level | At least 1,000 foot candles | Missouri Extension |
| Distance | 6 to 12 inches | Minnesota Extension |
| Hours | 14 to 16 | Minnesota Extension |
| Bring indoors | Nights below 40°F | Wisconsin Extension |
Sources: University of Wisconsin Extension, University of Minnesota Extension, University of Missouri Extension.
How to: step by step
- Pot the plant in very well drained mix.
- Hang the light 6 to 12 inches above the top branches.
- Run it 14 to 16 hours on a timer.
- Water less in winter, per Wisconsin.
- Prune or wire branches if you are shaping a bonsai.
- Acclimate the plant slowly before moving it outdoors.
Troubleshooting
Red or yellow leaf tips: too much direct light, per Wisconsin. Some growers like the color, but raise the light if leaves scorch.
Leaf drop after moving indoors: less light than before, so add hours or lower the fixture.
Soft stems and wet mix: Wisconsin warns of root rot in constantly moist soil, so let the mix dry.
Give elephant bush bright days
Close, bright light lets portulacaria grow full and branching indoors. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds for growers who want the same lights on another crop.
Sources
- Elephant bush, Portulacaria afra, University of Wisconsin Extension Horticulture
- Cacti and succulents (houseplants), University of Minnesota Extension
- Lighting indoor houseplants (G6515), University of Missouri Extension
FAQ
Is portulacaria the same as jade plant?
No. Wisconsin Extension says it looks similar but has smaller leaves on thinner stems and is not related to jade plant.
How many hours of light does it need?
Minnesota Extension suggests 14 to 16 hours a day for cacti and succulents.
Can portulacaria be trained as bonsai?
Yes. Wisconsin Extension says elephant bush responds well to bonsai training.
Why is my elephant bush dropping leaves?
Wisconsin Extension says it may lose some leaves when it gets less light in its winter home.
How far should the light be?
Minnesota Extension suggests 6 to 12 inches above the plants.
