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Products > Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta'
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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Didiereaceae |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Yellow/Chartreuse Foliage: Yes |
| Variegated Foliage: Yes |
| Flower Color: Lavender |
| Bloomtime: Infrequent |
| Synonyms: [P. 'Roulant'] |
| Height: 1-2 feet |
| Width: 1-2 feet |
| Exposure: Cool Sun/Light Shade |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
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Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta' (Midstripe Rainbow Bush) - A very slow growing succulent shrub with attractive bright reddish pink stems holding small 1/2 inch long ovate green leaves that have wide white stripes down their middle, sometimes with leaves having little or no green. Plant in full coastal sun to light shade and irrigate sparingly to not at all. We have not tested this cultivar's cold hardiness much below 31° F but it will likely be as hardy as other forms, tolerating temperatures to around 25° F and useful in USDA zones 10-11 or Sunset 8,9, 12-27. This very showy plant is slower growing than other forms of Portulacaria afra but culture is similar in all respects making this an easy to grow succulent that works as a great bonsai plant, hanging basket or a small shrub in frost free climates. The lavender pink flowers are seldom seen on the species and likely even rarer on this highly variegated form. The solid white leaves, while particularly attractive on the red stems, are best removed to increase vigor, and all green leaves should be similarly trimmed. Our thanks go out to Tony Krock, who first gave us this cute little plant in 2012. Another cultivar name that may have been applied to this plant is 'Roulant', likely named for French succulent grower Roaul Raoulant. For more information on the species see our listing for Portulacaria afra. We also grow the variegated form, Portulacaria afra 'Variegata', Portulacaria afra 'Aurea', a semi-prostrate plant with yellow new growth, Portulacaria afra 'Low Form' another prostrate form with green leaves, Portulacaria afra 'Skyscraper' a narrow upright form, Portulacaria afra 'Cork Bark', a corky bark form great for bonsai use and Portulacaria afra forma macrophylla , a large leafed form. All are great drought tolerant plants useful in the landscape or as container specimens.
Information displayed on this page about Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta' is based on the research conducted about it in our library and from reliable online resources. We also note those observations we have made of this plant as it grows in the nursery's garden and in other gardens, as well how crops have performed in our nursery field. We will incorporate comments we receive from others, and welcome to hear from anyone who may have additional information, particularly if they share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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