Portulacaria afra 'Variegata'
Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal in Phoenix; protect from intense summer sun and reflected heat.
Water: Low water once established; water deeply, then let soil dry between waterings. Containers need more frequent checks during summer. Reduce watering sharply in winter.
Soil: Very well-drained sandy or gravelly soil; use cactus/succulent mix in containers with drainage holes.
Mature size: Typically 3–6 feet tall and wide in protected landscapes; usually smaller in containers.
Bloom: Occasional small flower clusters in late spring or summer on established plants; flowering is uncommon in cultivation.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen; may drop leaves during cold, drought, or other stress.
Growth rate: Slow to moderate; slower than the solid-green form.