I have to say thank you so much for sharing this video with us. My aunt and uncle used to get me a bonsai every yr as a kid and I loved them so much. I'm 35 now and just getting into bonsai again after many many yrs.. I've been a gardener and plant collector for 8 yrs now but not with bonsai. I'm excited to get back into it again! What a great variety to do it with too. I love those pots you have! ❤️ so cute! 🤗
Thank you for this great little video. I found an old Jade plant by the side of the road, last winter (2022) unfortunately it didn't thrive very well, despite the loving care I gave it. It dropped it's leaves, but then they began to grow. I now have several small plants from the mother plant, and am interested in making one or two of them into Bonsai trees. Your clear video is just what I need. You explain so well about the thickness of the trunk, and the leader branch, etc, so I will go and sort my little plants and find you next video for step 2. 😄
Great video! I picked up several portulacaria afra plants from my local Lowe’s at 75% off. Huge 1 gallon planters for $2.50. Hopefully this week I will get a chance to start a few bonsais too. Your timing for this video is perfect. Thanks!!
@@HouseplantHacks Hello Andy. I just repotted about a dozen portulacaria afra 'baby bonsais' today. You suggested that we posted the bonsai pics afterwards and I was going to do so but not sure how. Do we go to your IG page and post somehow or go to my own page and hashtag the pics with #houseplanthacks ? Thanks, Sam.
From the comments below the video I can see that it's been a while since you started the project. I've just seen it and started my own jade bonsai. I have a few candidates and I'm really excited about the results. I just want to know if I can repot and fertilize my plants during the winter months too. My plants are in front of the window and can get sun light for about 4 or 5 hours and their place gets lots of light during the rest of the day.
I think the grower you got them from had rooted them then taken more cuttings off them! They're so easy to propagate. They suit the hot dry Australian summers too, which is a real benefit to me. I've got far too many of these things! Thanks for your video 🙂
My experience has been that the variegated variety of Portulacaria afra is somewhat smaller and less of a vigorous grower than the standard version. I am not sure if it is a genetically created version but it seems so to me. My regular Portulacaria grow almost continuously while the variegated seem stunted at times although they both get the same care.
I will agree with you here. My variegated portulacaria seems to be stunt in growth at time where as my regular seems to never stop growing. I wonder why?
@MyNick1212 I'm brand new to this, but from what I've seen so far, I'm guessing maybe it's related to a difference in efficiency with photosynthesis. I'm just guessing, but since I got a variegated one and was reading about how to care for it, I noticed that multiple sources said they may not like bright sun as much as the non-variegated ones. I'd be curious to know, if someone with more experience ever sees this and wants to chime in!
I have a piece like your middle one, so I tried up 2 branches that were growing out from opposite sides horizontally with some wire, so they became 2 vertical leaders to make the tree bigger.
Personally, I would keep them on as I think it helps with stronger growth and therefore a thicker trunk in time, as long as they aren't taking over and are just side shoots I would leave them.
I’ve been doing cuttings from mine for a year now. Having not seen this video, I have just been taking the cutting and sticking it right in a pot and then placing it on the rack with the mother plant. They are in a south facing window at 6500’. Even in the middle of winter the heat in front of the window is in unbearable. The jade plants are thriving in this environment. Some have been kept constantly moist for the first month or two, some have just gotten watered occasionally like the mature plants, they don’t seem to care. They take quite a bit of abuse with little complaint, if you go too long between watering the leaves will start to wrinkle. But they puff right back up as soon as you water. If you go way too long, the plant will shed some leaves, but they still come right back as soon as they are watered.
Hi ,I am new to growing houseplants ,I was wondering if you could recommend a book on how to identify and care for houseplants please ? I really don't want to kill my new plants lol
Hi Irene, I have not ever used a book, just gained experience from trial and error over the years, I'm sure there are some good ones I just don't know any I'm afraid. I have been asked to make a Houseplant Basics course that will cover everything a new houseplant owner should know, maybe that might be of help.
Thanks for this. A small point... In your video you state it originates from Kwazulu Natal in SA. In fact it is much more common in the drier regions of the Western and Eastern Cape.
Hey Simon, yes I'm sure you are right, just going on where they were originally collected and cataloged by the British botanists but that's not to say they weren't growing throughout S.A. and Southern Africa. It's great to see them in their natural habitat. I would say 70% of our domesticated houseplants originate from South Africa. You live in a beautiful country, I have visited many times. :-) Thanks for your comment. Andy
I have had mine for 3 years and the tips of the leaves are turning light purple and pale instead of that bright Jade green. I'm wonderful what I can do if its not healthy I want to save it.
What kind of soil do you recommend, I’ve seen nurseries recommending John Innes no2 with some gravel for drainage and also using a cactus mix. Do you use a bonsai specific soil? If so what mix? Thanks
Hi Andy! I have been waiting for this!!! Also, funny thing, I was at my local Lowe's earlier this week and found another type of Portulacaria. It actually has hot pink stems. They call it a Portulacaria Kaleidoscope. I can't find any different info. for it online so I'm guessing it will eventually bush out? It was really nice though for about 3 dollars I got about 6 baby plants in one pot about as big as that purple pot in your video.
Oh wow! That's awesome! I've had a look online and I can't find anything under that name either, but I did find some with the pink stems under the name Portulacaria afra 'Medio-Picta' I think this is the one you found, growers tend to make up their own names when selling the plants. Take a look and let me know if that's the one, it certainly looks colourful! I'll see if I can find one this side of the pond. Thanks for sharing. Andy
@@HouseplantHacks Thanks for checking and responding! Good luck with your search. I'm sure you'll find one. If not, I can try sending you a couple of mine. Be happy to do it. Thanks again!
@@HouseplantHacksHey - I’ve been following you ever since finding part 1 of this series. I’m in the UK too and have got to agree with you: these plants grow SO slowly over here! Especially the variegated ones. Looking forward to watching Part 2 for an update. Take care’
Before it can become a bonsai you have to grow on and style it over a number of years, there is no such thing as a bonsai species, they are all plants grown and refined into a bonsai style over time.
Hi Mr Mouse. Hi, hey, aren't these portulacaria elephant bushes? I think so. Are there any of those around? What? Elephants? No Mr. Mouse. Well, I may look like an elephant but look at the size difference! True. So, nothing to worry about? No no. Well there are several of these elephant bushes. Yes. And they eat them. Yes. What are you getting at...(ROAR!... stampeding elephants) Well you noticed I got out of the way, I tried to warn you! Um, ouch!
Hello , I’ve been awaiting for the next step in this series of P A journey and tutorials
I have to say thank you so much for sharing this video with us. My aunt and uncle used to get me a bonsai every yr as a kid and I loved them so much. I'm 35 now and just getting into bonsai again after many many yrs.. I've been a gardener and plant collector for 8 yrs now but not with bonsai. I'm excited to get back into it again! What a great variety to do it with too. I love those pots you have! ❤️ so cute! 🤗
Thank you for this great little video. I found an old Jade plant by the side of the road, last winter (2022) unfortunately it didn't thrive very well, despite the loving care I gave it. It dropped it's leaves, but then they began to grow. I now have several small plants from the mother plant, and am interested in making one or two of them into Bonsai trees. Your clear video is just what I need. You explain so well about the thickness of the trunk, and the leader branch, etc, so I will go and sort my little plants and find you next video for step 2. 😄
Yeah, I'd love to see an update on this series.
Just what I was looking for! I’m new to this art and just potted some cuttings I was gifted. So excited to follow along.
That's great, I hope you enjoy the journey! Just shout if you need any advice. Andy
Great video! I picked up several portulacaria afra plants from my local Lowe’s at 75% off. Huge 1 gallon planters for $2.50. Hopefully this week I will get a chance to start a few bonsais too. Your timing for this video is perfect. Thanks!!
That's awesome Sam! What a great find! Be sure to send some photos on Instagram when you get started. Andy
@@HouseplantHacks Hello Andy. I just repotted about a dozen portulacaria afra 'baby bonsais' today. You suggested that we posted the bonsai pics afterwards and I was going to do so but not sure how. Do we go to your IG page and post somehow or go to my own page and hashtag the pics with #houseplanthacks ? Thanks, Sam.
From the comments below the video I can see that it's been a while since you started the project. I've just seen it and started my own jade bonsai. I have a few candidates and I'm really excited about the results. I just want to know if I can repot and fertilize my plants during the winter months too. My plants are in front of the window and can get sun light for about 4 or 5 hours and their place gets lots of light during the rest of the day.
I think the grower you got them from had rooted them then taken more cuttings off them! They're so easy to propagate.
They suit the hot dry Australian summers too, which is a real benefit to me. I've got far too many of these things!
Thanks for your video 🙂
I think you're right.
Beautiful upload👍👍
Thank you so much 🙂
My experience has been that the variegated variety of Portulacaria afra is somewhat smaller and less of a vigorous grower than the standard version. I am not sure if it is a genetically created version but it seems so to me. My regular Portulacaria grow almost continuously while the variegated seem stunted at times although they both get the same care.
I will agree with you here. My variegated portulacaria seems to be stunt in growth at time where as my regular seems to never stop growing. I wonder why?
@MyNick1212 I'm brand new to this, but from what I've seen so far, I'm guessing maybe it's related to a difference in efficiency with photosynthesis. I'm just guessing, but since I got a variegated one and was reading about how to care for it, I noticed that multiple sources said they may not like bright sun as much as the non-variegated ones. I'd be curious to know, if someone with more experience ever sees this and wants to chime in!
I have a piece like your middle one, so I tried up 2 branches that were growing out from opposite sides horizontally with some wire, so they became 2 vertical leaders to make the tree bigger.
Sounds like a good plan! It's fun to be creative with them! :-)
@@HouseplantHacks Absolutely! So far it looks great! It's a shame you can't share pictures on UA-cam. You should give it a try yourself though.
@@LoulousCorner Send me a photo on my Instagram @houseplanthacks I'll give it a try on one of mine for sure!
@@HouseplantHacks ahh yes! I keep forgetting about Instagram even though I have an account myself 😆 I'll do that now.
What would you do with side branches while growing the main stem? Keep them on as sacrificial branches or take them off for the main stem to develop?
Personally, I would keep them on as I think it helps with stronger growth and therefore a thicker trunk in time, as long as they aren't taking over and are just side shoots I would leave them.
What soil do you recommend to put them in once they callus over?
I see Pafra tree, I hit like!
Nice
Thanks! :-)
I’ve been doing cuttings from mine for a year now. Having not seen this video, I have just been taking the cutting and sticking it right in a pot and then placing it on the rack with the mother plant. They are in a south facing window at 6500’. Even in the middle of winter the heat in front of the window is in unbearable. The jade plants are thriving in this environment. Some have been kept constantly moist for the first month or two, some have just gotten watered occasionally like the mature plants, they don’t seem to care.
They take quite a bit of abuse with little complaint, if you go too long between watering the leaves will start to wrinkle. But they puff right back up as soon as you water. If you go way too long, the plant will shed some leaves, but they still come right back as soon as they are watered.
Hi ,I am new to growing houseplants ,I was wondering if you could recommend a book on how to identify and care for houseplants please ? I really don't want to kill my new plants lol
Hi Irene, I have not ever used a book, just gained experience from trial and error over the years, I'm sure there are some good ones I just don't know any I'm afraid. I have been asked to make a Houseplant Basics course that will cover everything a new houseplant owner should know, maybe that might be of help.
Thanks for this. A small point... In your video you state it originates from Kwazulu Natal in SA. In fact it is much more common in the drier regions of the Western and Eastern Cape.
Hey Simon, yes I'm sure you are right, just going on where they were originally collected and cataloged by the British botanists but that's not to say they weren't growing throughout S.A. and Southern Africa. It's great to see them in their natural habitat. I would say 70% of our domesticated houseplants originate from South Africa. You live in a beautiful country, I have visited many times. :-) Thanks for your comment. Andy
I have had mine for 3 years and the tips of the leaves are turning light purple and pale instead of that bright Jade green. I'm wonderful what I can do if its not healthy I want to save it.
Mine all look identical in size shape. I grew them from cuttings, they are at work around my desk free light
What kind of soil do you recommend, I’ve seen nurseries recommending John Innes no2 with some gravel for drainage and also using a cactus mix. Do you use a bonsai specific soil? If so what mix? Thanks
Anything free draining, they aren't too fussy really.
@@HouseplantHacks Thanks for the reply, much appreciated.
Hi Andy! I have been waiting for this!!! Also, funny thing, I was at my local Lowe's earlier this week and found another type of Portulacaria. It actually has hot pink stems. They call it a Portulacaria Kaleidoscope. I can't find any different info. for it online so I'm guessing it will eventually bush out? It was really nice though for about 3 dollars I got about 6 baby plants in one pot about as big as that purple pot in your video.
Oh wow! That's awesome! I've had a look online and I can't find anything under that name either, but I did find some with the pink stems under the name Portulacaria afra 'Medio-Picta' I think this is the one you found, growers tend to make up their own names when selling the plants. Take a look and let me know if that's the one, it certainly looks colourful! I'll see if I can find one this side of the pond. Thanks for sharing. Andy
@@HouseplantHacks Thanks for checking and responding! Good luck with your search. I'm sure you'll find one. If not, I can try sending you a couple of mine. Be happy to do it. Thanks again!
Would love an update on this!
in the works, sorry for the delay
Where's part 2? I've searched the Playlist and haven't found it.
Sorry, part 2 is coming, my plants dont grow too fast in British summers unfortunatly! :-)
@@HouseplantHacksHey - I’ve been following you ever since finding part 1 of this series. I’m in the UK too and have got to agree with you: these plants grow SO slowly over here! Especially the variegated ones.
Looking forward to watching Part 2 for an update. Take care’
You should grow them in a deeper flower pots. To make fat trunk.
What soil mix should one use in an elephant bush bonsai?
You can use a general houseplant mix, they are quite tolerant.
I've been waiting for a year
Can we get a part 2 update please
Yes sorry I'm slow with these updates, it's on the list!
Saturated with ADS for the love of God
Sorry, UA-cam set the ad volume and duration, I’ve changed it now.
Its not a bonsai,this is a simple plants into bonsai pot!
Before it can become a bonsai you have to grow on and style it over a number of years, there is no such thing as a bonsai species, they are all plants grown and refined into a bonsai style over time.
Hey, who left this lying around?🧀 I'll just take care of that.🐾🐾🐾🐾🐀😋
Hi Mr Mouse. Hi, hey, aren't these portulacaria elephant bushes? I think so. Are there any of those around? What? Elephants? No Mr. Mouse. Well, I may look like an elephant but look at the size difference! True. So, nothing to worry about? No no. Well there are several of these elephant bushes. Yes. And they eat them. Yes. What are you getting at...(ROAR!... stampeding elephants) Well you noticed I got out of the way, I tried to warn you! Um, ouch!