Origin: Native to South Africa, particularly the Eastern Cape, the Spekboom can be found growing on rocky, or sandy terrain in shrub-like form. Height: up to 0.8 metre height / 0.5 metre spread indoors or kept in a container. Outdoors in its natural habitat it is pretty prolific and can grow up to 6 metres tall!

Is spekboom fast growing?

This succulent plant grows fairly quickly and maybe closely planted to form a hedge, used as an ornamental succulent tree for a rockery, or planted to check soil erosion. More impressive still is the spekboom’s fantastic growth rate and its drought-resistance, making it an ideal plant for arid areas.

Are spekboom roots invasive?

This tree normally attains a height of 1.5 – 2m in a garden setting and has a small non-invasive root system which makes it ideal for poolside planting. It is very easy to grow and can tolerate both drought and wetter conditions. Also known as ‘Elephant’s Food’ or ‘Spekboom’, it is indigenous to southern Africa.

Will a spekboom grow in bathroom?

Succulents and other cacti do best outdoors, as many of them etiolate and distort without sufficient direct sunlight. However, with it’s purifying properties, Spekboom is a popular choice for bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and work spaces.

How do you make a spekboom hedge?

Simply break a piece off and stick it in the ground in an area that gets lots of sun. Spekboom also responds well to pruning and grows densely, making it an excellent, hardy hedge.

How often should I water my spekboom?

As an indoor plant, its fleshy green leaves, red stems and tendency to form a sculptural bush, make Spekboom a visual delight. Its drought-tolerant properties make this succulent a hardy home cohabitant. Place in bright light to direct sunlight and water once every two weeks.

How long does it take for a spekboom to flower?

The plant requires full sun, and slightly acidic, well drained soil. Plants should reach flowering size within 3-4 years. The spekboom mistletoe (Viscum crassulae ) is a hemiparasite on the spekboom (Portulacaria afra ) in the Eastern Cape.

Can spekboom grow in shade?

Outdoors in its natural habitat it is pretty prolific and can grow up to 6 metres tall! Light: When grown outdoors the plant is quite tolerant of bright, direct light. But as a houseplant bright, indirect light is best – a location that gets a few hours morning sun would be the perfect spot.

Can spekboom grow in water?

No time to water your garden? Spekboom is a water-wise plant that’s ideal for low-maintenance gardens. This drought-resistant plant can survive on just 250-350mm of water a year!

Can spekboom grow in full sun?

It is an easy to grow succulent that is heat, drought and fire resistant, and can be grown in full sun or semi-shade.

What does a spekboom do?

Spekboom (aka Portulacaria afra) is a succulent that helps fight air pollution. It has the ability to ‘sequester’ or capture four to ten tons of carbon per hectare! Essentially, it acts as a carbon sponge, absorbing carbon from the atmosphere and turning it into plant matter.

Are flapjack plants poisonous to dogs?

All parts of the flapjack are toxic to humans, cats, and dogs. That includes the leaves, roots, but especially the flowers. If your Kalanchoe thyrsiflora flowers, take extra caution to keep it away from small children and pets.

How do you eat spekboom?

Eat the spekboom

Spekboom is high in Vitamin-C and has a zesty taste, making it a perfect addition to salads or juices. All you need to do is pick some leaves and use as garnish. Alternatively, if you enjoy making your own juices at home, pop some in the extractor and voila!

Where is the best place to plant a spekboom?

It is found predominantly in the Eastern Cape, and especially in the semi-arid Karoo region, where growing conditions are ideal for this resilient plant. It favours North-facing slopes where it is exposed to maximum sunlight. Thriving in poor soils, it tolerates both drought and frost.

Can you grow spekboom from a cutting?

Best of all is the fact that spekboom is easy to propagate: simply cut or break off a piece, stick it in your garden bed or rockery, water every few days and soon enough you’ll have another one of these versatile carbon-munchers happily growing in your garden. Enjoy!

Are there different types of spekboom?

There are also several variegated forms with white- or yellow-striped leaves. If regularly clipped, the spekboom forms an outstanding, impenetrable and long-lived hedge. All the cultivars can be grown in containers and are ideal subjects for bonsai, and ‘Prostrata’ is also suited to large hanging baskets.

Is spekboom jade plant?

Jade Plant

Native to the Klein Karoo and Eastern Cape, Spekboom is ideal for rock gardens, coastal gardens, and frost-free areas.