Technical Sheet - Portulacaria

Common Name: Portulacaria

Scientific Name: Portulacaria Afra

Description: Originating from South Africa, it belongs to the Portulacaceae family.

It is a succulent bonsai, with rounded green leaves about 1.5 cm in size. Although it does not allow the application of some shaping techniques, it is highly appreciated for its hardiness.

Location: Indoors near a window (maximum distance 50 cm), without curtains or blinds, where it receives 2 to 3 hours of direct sunlight per day, rotated 180° weekly, away from heat sources or air conditioning.

Watering: Water the soil abundantly until plenty of water flows out of the drainage holes, to evenly moisten the soil, always from above never by immersion, using a watering can with fine holes.

For watering tips, see the watering technical sheet.

Allow the surface layer of soil to dry well between waterings (to check if the plant needs water, touch the soil with your fingers). It does not have a high water consumption.

If you have a tray under the Bonsai, never leave any water in it (to prevent root rot).

There is no advantage to spraying the leaves; only do so on days you fertilize and if the fertilizer is specifically for foliar application, but ensure the leaves dry by night to avoid fungi.

Nutrition: From February to October/November, with a basic plan consisting of a complete fertilizer (Fertil Bonsai Humic, or Green & Gold Bonsai Organic or Biogold), and a biostimulant throughout the year (Bio Bonsai Activ), which can also be combined with other products from our range.

Detailed information on how to combine these products with others from our range, or for a more specific nutrition plan,  please see the complete nutrition plan technical sheet.

Pruning: Prune by allowing 6 to 8 leaves to grow and then cutting back to the first leaves.

For pruning tips, see the pruning and defoliation technical sheet.

Repotting: In March with Conifer Bonsai Soil as it needs to dry well, always with heavy pruning.

Details about repotting, post-repotting care and specific fortifiers you can use, please see the repotting technical sheet.

Wiring: It is not usually wired, as its branches are fleshy and break or mark easily with wire. It can be easily shaped through pruning and the placement of pulls and tensioners.

For wiring guidelines, see the wiring technical sheet.