
The tree of abundance, scientific name Portulacaria afra, is a very popular shrub-like succulent for its striking appearance, as well as for its use on slopes and delimiting gardens. This plant is also commonly called elephant bush due to the predilection that these animals feel for her, or also coin plant or dwarf jade plant. However, we should not confuse it with the money tree, which commonly refers to the Pachira aquatica.
If you want to learn more about how to take care of a tree of abundancejoin us in this EcologíaVerde article.
Characteristics of the tree of abundance
These are the main Characteristics of the Tree of Plenty or Elephant Bush:
- It is a shrub that stands out for its fleshy-looking leaves and shiny surface, as is usual in many succulent plants.
- Outdoors and under optimal circumstances a big tree of plenty it can reach heights of up to 5 or 6 meters, although it can be grown indoors and in a pot without any problems, in which case it rarely exceeds 2 meters in height.
- In fact, it is possible to grow a tree from the bonsai abundance with proper care, and is quite popular among fans of this technique.
- Its nickname of tree of abundance comes from its small, coin-like leaves that grow in large numbers from its brownish stems.
- The bush blooms after the cold months have passed, producing small flowers and a pink color very striking, which are grouped in inflorescences at the end of the branches.

Light and location for the tree of abundance
This plant can be grown both indoors and outdoors, but it will grow bigger and better the more light it receives. If we want our tree of abundance to grow big and strong, the best we can do is place it in full sun.
If we are going to have it inside the house, we recommend looking for a very well lit room, but watch out for the windows. The sun through the glass can magnify and burn the leaves of the plant, especially in hot climates. If it doesn’t get enough light, the plant will grow more slowly.

Watering the tree of abundance
As with many succulents, irrigation is vital to keeping this plant in optimal condition. And it is very drought resistantbut even so, if we want our tree of abundance to look healthy and large, it will be necessary to refine the irrigation.
- To begin with, the most important thing is do not overwatersince we could cause rotting of the roots.
- In warm months, water your elephant bush approx. biweeklypaying attention that if its leaves seem to wrinkle, it is that it needs more water.
- As winter approaches, it will be necessary to space out the waterings, until the substrate is allowed to dry completely before watering during the cold months.
- If some leaves start to turn blackish, you’re probably overwatering.
Here you will see more tips on When to water the plants.
Substrate and fertilizer for the tree of abundance
This shrub will respond well to a substrate or universal soil for succulents, or failing that, some mixture made with sand, vermiculite and pumice stone, for example. At this point, the most important thing is that it is a light mix that offers a drain the best possible.
Regarding the fertilizer, the plant will appreciate a periodic contribution of some fertilizer rich in nitrogen, such as worm castingsespecially at the beginning of spring, when its growth period begins.
How to prune a tree of abundance
This plant does not need pruning to develop well, but it is common to practice it to limit its size or favor greater leafiness. doWhat is the correct way to prune the tree of abundance? We give you these tips:
- The most aggressive training pruning should be done in mid-spring.
- The clamps, on the other hand, can be carried out constantly.
- When we transplant the tree, every 2 or 3 years if it is in a pot, it is advisable to lightly prune its roots.
- Pruning tools should always be disinfected before and after use.
- Cut off shriveled, weak, or diseased parts of the plant.
- Cut the branches that you see too long and give the desired shape to the plant.

How to reproduce the tree of abundance
This succulent is very easy to reproduce by cuttings, especially stem. To do this, follow these steps
- Sterilize your pruning tools.
- Cut the cutting to be propagated above a node.
- Let the cut stem dry overnight.
- Plant it later in a specific substrate for succulents.
- Water the first time spraying the water, always without flooding, and repeat when the substrate dries completely.
We recommend you read this other guide where you will see more details on How to reproduce succulent plants.

The tree of abundance according to Feng Shui
This plant is especially popular among lovers of Feng Shui, precisely because of the meaning of the tree of abundanceis especially sought after when it comes to attracting both material and affective abundance.
Where is the tree of abundance placed? Ideally, place it in the house wealth zone. If you stand at the entrance of it, this area will be located at the bottom left. To enhance its Feng Shui effect, place it near water fountains or salt lampsbut without abusing them or crowding them.
After knowing all this about the care of the tree of abundance, its characteristics and its relationship with Feng Shui, here we show you another guide dedicated to the care of succulent plants, like this tree. Also, if you like this Asian technique to harmonize the elements of the home, here are several Feng Shui tips for the garden.
If you want to read more articles similar to How to take care of a tree of abundancewe recommend that you enter our category .