Portulacaria afra prostrata is a low growing form of Portulacria afra. Whereas P. afra is a large upright shrub, this form is decumbent and quite different from its relative. Planted in sun or shade it makes an extremely drought tolerant ground cover and even an interesting hanging basket or low water balcony container plant. It can be planted as a full ground cover on slopes where it will protect the soil from rainfall. However it is used, once established it is one of the most robust of plants.

It will tolerate normal maintenance access over its foliage, i.e. you can walk over it, but it is not suitable for regular foot traffic. Portulacraia's will regrow if damaged, the broken and scarred branches will root if in contact with the soil. This is a plant that will hang over the edge of vases or over walls and would be a useful addition to roof gardens, as an infill plant under other succulents or shrubs, or simply used to carpet areas of exposed soil. It will tolerate frost (hardy to -4 °C), but even if damaged will often regrow the following summer.