Scientific Name: Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta'

Common Name(s): Midstripe Rainbow Bush, Kaleidoscope. The name 'Medio-picta' translates from Latin as "painted in the middle," referring to the variegation pattern.

Defining Characteristics:

• Small, smooth, paddle-shaped leaves featuring a creamy-white or white center with green margins
• Distinctly bright pink to reddish or burgundy stems, providing high contrast to the leaves
• Excellent for an arid vivarium, bonsai, container gardening, or as a vibrant, colorful, and architectural indoor plant

Recommended Pot Size: Small - Large

Josh’s Frogs offers a wide variety of supplies for all of your indoor gardening needs.

Temperature Requirement (°F): 65° to 85°F

Humidity: 40-50%

Watering Frequency: Infrequent watering, typically every 1–2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Use the "soak and dry" method to avoid root rot, and reduce watering to once a month or less in winter, as they are highly sensitive to overwatering.

Lighting: Bright, indirect light or filtered sun is best to prevent leaf scorch

Soil Type: Use a fast-draining potting mix, such as cactus/succulent soil combined with perlite, pumice, or gravel.

Growth Rate: Slow

Height at Maturity: 3 to 6 feet

Origin: Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta' (Midstripe Rainbow Bush) is a cultivated, variegated succulent originating from the drought-tolerant Portulacaria afra species native to South Africa.

Regional Locality: The base species (P. afra) originates from the Eastern Cape of South Africa, where it thrives in rocky, arid landscapes.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 10-11

Suggested Vivarium/ Animal Terrarium Use:

Care Notes: Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta' requires infrequent watering, typically every 1–2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Pot into a fast-draining potting mix, such as cactus/succulent soil combined with perlite, pumice, or gravel.

Shipping Notes: Generous LIVE ARRIVAL GUARANTEE offered.

As good practice, Josh's Frogs recommends washing all plants thoroughly, removing as much soil as possible with dechlorinated water before placing them in their final home. Live plants may vary in color, size, and appearance.

ALL PLANTS ARE SHIPPED IN POTS WITH SOIL OR OTHER MEDIA UNLESS IT IS DEEMED NECESSARY TO SHIP BARE ROOT.

Standard pot sizes for Josh's Frogs plants typically range from 1.25-3.5 inches.