Purslane

Purslane Care

Portulaca oleracea

What is the plant

Purslane is a versatile herb used in a variety of ways. Gardeners use it to decorate flowerbeds; cooks are happy to add it to various dishes, fry it, or marinate it for the winter. The plant is also widely used in medicine.

Purslane is an annual plant from the genus Portulacaceae. It is fleshy stems covered with spade-shaped sheets. It reaches up to 12 inches (30 cm) in height. Portulaca flowers in June-September. Under natural conditions, the plant grows almost everywhere, and many gardeners consider it a weed, underestimating its beneficial properties.

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Humidity

Dry

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

15°C - 18°C

Hardiness zone

5a - 10

Difficulty

Easy

Toxicity

Poisonous

Invasive

Weed

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Purslane can reserve the necessary amount of moisture thanks to the fleshy stems and leaves. Therefore, it is not afraid of drought. If it does not have enough liquid, it drops the leaves and exposes the stems. However, over-watering can harm your plant.
Pruning
After the Purslane has survived wintering, you should cut the plant. Even if you do not intend to propagate the plant, it is better to prune it. This process stimulates the growth of new shoots.
Fertilizer
During the summertime, you can fertilize Purslane once a month for more lush blooms. It will be enough. With an excess of a fertilizer, the plant does not bloom and often dies from fungal diseases.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
Purslane needs full sunlight and grows best in warm, sun-drenched balconies. In winter, this plant also needs a lot of light.
Soil
This plant is not demanding on the soil. Purslane in the wild chooses dry, sandy soil and rocky slopes. The soil should pass water easily.
Propagation
Purslane allows propagation by cuttings and seeds. You need to cut plant stalks and put them in water for about 30 days. Once the cuttings have roots, you can place them in a container. If you prefer to use seeds to propagate Purslane, you will need to cover the container with plastic wrap after planting the seeds in the soil. It will give you a small greenhouse where you need to keep the temperature about 71-86 degrees Fahrenheit (22-30 Celsius).

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Temperature
Purslane loves warmth, so it thrives in hot climates in direct sunlight. At the same time, for the winter, it is better to hide the plant in a bright and cool room with a temperature of about 59-64 degrees Fahrenheit (15-18 Celsius).
Container
You can choose any pot that suits you best for growing Portulaca at home. Its roots are small and do not require much space. In the presence of bright lighting, the plant can take root anywhere. The Purslane feels comfortable outdoors, in the garden.
Fun fact
Purslane seeds are used as an antidote for snake bites in medicine, as they are good at detoxifying.