Jade plant (Crassula ovata) vs Elephant bush (Portulacaria afra)
Side-by-side comparison: mature size, growth habit, colour, light, watering and hardiness.
Jade plant and elephant bush look alike at a glance — both are woody succulent shrubs with small green leaves — but the differences are clear up close. Crassula ovata has thick, glossy, oval leaves and a chunky trunk, while Portulacaria afra has smaller, softer leaves, reddish stems and a graceful arching habit that makes it the favourite for bonsai. Elephant bush also drinks slightly more often and resents going bone-dry for long stretches.
| Feature | Jade plant (Crassula ovata) | Elephant bush (Portulacaria afra) |
|---|---|---|
| Mature size | 30 cm–1.5 m tall over years; thick trunk with age | 0.3–2 m tall; fine arching branches |
| Growth habit | Slow, tree-like succulent shrub with stubby branch tips | Faster, fine-branched shrub that bonsais easily |
| Leaf colour | Glossy jade-green oval leaves, red-edged in sun | Small rounded lime-green leaves on reddish stems |
| Light needs | Bright light with several hours of direct sun | Bright light; appreciates some afternoon shade in hot climates |
| Watering | Every 2 weeks; reduce heavily in winter | Slightly more frequent than jade; drops leaves if bone dry too long |
| Hardiness | USDA 10–11; brief dry cold to about -2 °C for established plants | USDA 10–11; protect below ~4 °C |
Jade plant (Crassula ovata) profile →
Full identification, care and common problems.
Elephant bush (Portulacaria afra) profile →
Full identification, care and common problems.