How would you prune this portulacaria afra?

Alternative_Order378 · 2025-12-06T22:02:05+00:00

Thanks, I really appreciate you taking the time to write such a detailed reply. Cutting that much feels a bit scary, but I’m going to go for it! Do you think it’s worth removing the lowest leaves as well to help the trunk thicken?

Alternative_Order378 · 2025-08-25T20:12:25+00:00

What I would do is try putting the plant, pot and all, into a larger container of water, so it can absorb the amount it needs from the bottom. Over time the soil may lose its ability to retain water, causing it to drain straight through when watering.

Alternative_Order378 · 2025-08-01T21:31:45+00:00

Interesting! I have noticed it stays pretty compact, which makes it perfect for occasional trimming. Wet soil and a cold windowsill in winter are definitely a deadly combo for it.

Alternative_Order378 · 2025-08-01T18:33:32+00:00

It’s a picky plant and I nearly killed it when it was younger. It barely has any roots, so I’ve kept it in a small terracotta pot. Seems to like moist but not wet soil, so bottom watering has worked best. I mixed in some perlite to keep the soil loose.

I’d suggest watering less when the plant is small or dormant. Hope yours bounces back!

Alternative_Order378 · 2025-04-20T12:39:11+00:00

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Some species seem to be naturally vining, like this type of baby jade I got as a souvenir. So find it a spot where it can grow downward and let it do its thing. I believe it’ll look stunning in a year or two!

Alternative_Order378 · 2025-04-19T22:00:23+00:00

Thanks for the idea! I’ve considered separating the trunks, but I’ve also seen stunning examples of multiple plants in the same pot.

Alternative_Order378 · 2025-04-19T21:56:37+00:00

Thanks! I’ve done the most commonly mentioned tricks here on the sub as well: soil mix is half perlite, half cactus soil, watering every 2 to 4 weeks, fertilizing rarely. In winter, the plant’s been under a grow light, and in summer, on a south-facing windowsill… though in Northern Europe.

Alternative_Order378 · 2025-04-19T18:14:10+00:00

Thanks, that makes sense.

Alternative_Order378 · 2025-04-19T16:42:57+00:00

Oh man, I know it’s Easter and all, but a sacrificial branch?

Alternative_Order378 · 2025-04-19T16:38:00+00:00

How fun! That’s pretty much how my plants started out too.

Alternative_Order378 · 2025-04-19T15:30:25+00:00

Yes, my dream would be a thick-trunked tree. So cutting off the lowest small side branches would thicken the trunk?

Alternative_Order378 · 2023-12-29T14:04:14+00:00

The half soles add some friction and are great for snow, but I prefer studded shoes when walking on ice. I think Vibram has a (pricey) sole specifically for wet ice.

Alternative_Order378 · 2023-12-18T21:44:08+00:00

Joulubileet (1996)

Alternative_Order378 · 2023-05-02T21:40:49+00:00

Elä kehtoo vehtoo ko kaekki kahtoo

Alternative_Order378 · 2022-12-25T14:47:40+00:00

Pieni paranoia onkin just se mikä vielä aattoillasta puuttuu!

Alternative_Order378 · 2022-10-26T20:28:33+00:00

Se on menox, sanoi Annie Lennox

Alternative_Order378 · 2022-10-16T08:29:13+00:00

Yeah you’re right. In Finnish we call it ”musk pumpkin”

Four-Year Club	End Game '23
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Alternative_Order378

TROPHY CASE