Found a Portulacaria

BrianBay9

Daytonabonsai was talking about a Portulacaria he has recently acquired, and got me looking at this genus. So I read most of the threads here, and decided I wanted one. Turns out, I had one (four?) all along, hidden in a rock garden behind a bunch of jades. At least I think I do (and Jean confirms ID). Below are four views of what I pulled out. Biggest trunk is a couple of inches diameter. Portulacaria? Yes?

Suggestions on styling are always welcomed. I would assume I will remove at least one of the trunks. Can't wait to try the weird rooting methods for cuttings recommended for these.

But I'm confused about care of this plant. Judging from what I've read, this plant is probably lucky to be alive. It was right under one of the drip irrigation emitters, so the soil was regularly damp, and sometimes wet. I've read they won't survive temps below 50 F. This has been here at least 5 years in the ground, and we regularly get low temps in the high 30's in winter, in the 40's almost all winter. Granted, it was protected by rocks and the larger jade plants, even so, should be too cold here. So, should I continue the regular (excessive?) watering that this plant has become used to? Or wean it back to the normal recommendations for ports? I think from now on I won't temp fate by leaving it out when its cold.

Brian

Attached Images

	portulacaria-3.jpg (55.9 KB, 47 views)
	portulacaria-4.jpg (57.6 KB, 30 views)
	portulacaria-5.jpg (57.1 KB, 33 views)
	portulacaria-6.jpg (56.1 KB, 26 views)

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Ashbarns9999

Nice find Brian and yes quite right they don't like too much water.They also do not like concave cutters used on them causes die back, flush cuts only. That was only what i read when checking port. out. Good luck. Ash

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Repotter

Brian, Ports are so easy. I aquired one while in Florida, its been with me now for over 5 years here in Mich. as well. I winter it under lights in the basement. It's 19" tall and has a 3 1/2 nebari with a 2 1/4 inch trunk. I've just let it grow wild with minimal pruning for the last year. It's in bonsai soil, about 5 hours of sun and it gets watered every day.in the hot summer.

Hector

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BrianBay9

Thanks guys. I'm surprised it survived planted outside here. Can they really take less than 50 F ?

Brian

Attila

The average temperature here in Los Angeles in January is 41F, February is 44F, March 45F.

These are averages, sometime it gets to the low 30s.

My portulacarias live outside year round (some in pots, others in the ground) and they are thriving.

Don't worry Brian, in your area they love it outdoors.

Attila

midwestbonsai

Nice Ports Brian, I love 'em.

I hve kept mice outside only until it gets to freezing then I bring them in. And they are thriving.

-Paul

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BrianBay9

I always try to keep the mice outside, even when it's freezing. The wife hates the furry little beasts running around in the house.

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EarthgirlOK

Couple of things;

First, nice healthy looking plants! (::::envious::

They have probably been living in a semi-micro climate being in a rock garden (?). Normally, I would say that these don't like too much water, or cold temps. But they doo look healthy, sooo.... something as right...

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agraham

brian....they can take down to freezing temps....they may not like it and they may sulk a bit,but once it warms up they bounce right back.

andy