Cork Bark Dwarf Jade (Portulacaria afra ‘Cork Bark’) Bonsai
A compact dwarf jade bonsai with a thickening trunk and developing corky bark texture that becomes more pronounced with age. The small, rounded leaves remain proportional as the tree matures, supporting a clean, balanced silhouette that’s easy to refine. At this stage, structure emphasizes a sturdy trunk line and early branch placement, providing a solid foundation for continued development. Photos are representative of size and stage of growth; individual trees will vary slightly in trunk movement, branching, and pot style.
 
Species / Cultivar Description
Cork bark dwarf jade is a selected form of Portulacaria afra valued for developing rough, fissured bark earlier than standard dwarf jade as the trunk thickens. It features small, fleshy leaves, strong backbudding, and excellent tolerance of pruning, making it forgiving and adaptable for bonsai cultivation. With consistent growth and refinement, it can convey the look of age at a relatively small size.
 
Care Notes
Light: Full sun
Water: Moderate; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
Fertilizer: Moderate
Bonsai Development: Responds well to pruning and clip-and-grow techniques; branches are flexible when young but should be wired with care as they thicken
Drought Tolerance: Highly drought tolerant once established, making it well suited for growers who travel or prefer a forgiving watering schedule
Winter Care: Bring indoors when night temperatures drop below ~50°F; protect from frost