Sun: full sun
Water: Typical water needs for a succulent
Temperature: Zone 10a from 30° F to 35° F (-1.1 ° C to 1.7° C) to Zone 11b from 45° F to 50° F (7.2° C to 10° C)
Winter Survival: Not cold hardy
Propagation: stem cuttings, seeds
Flower: mid to late summer
Flower Type: Yellow
Toxic: Generally non-toxic to humans but can be toxic to animals.
Dormant: winter
Space Requirement: Outdoors
Common Problems: Plants may rot if overwatered, pests
Where to buy Portulaca oleracea?
Basc Care for Portulaca oleracea
Watering
You can water your succulent more than often in extreme conditions but make sure that the soil is completely dry before watering your succulent again.
One simple tip for you is that you can use some online apps to check the soil status before you go water your succulents. I would recommend the ThePlantsCheck app, it has some nice features there.
Fertilizing
Only feed this succulent during its active growing seasons which means winter. Use the right fertilizer applied in the right amounts. Applying half-strength balanced fertilizer every month or so is recommended for optimal results.
Do not fertilize during winter as the plant is dormant.
Sun & Location Requirements for "duckweed, little hogweed, or pursley"
Portulaca oleracea requires full sun in order to thrive. When choosing a spot for your succulent, make sure it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If the leaves start to look pale or weak, this could be an indication that the succulent isn't getting enough light.
When temperatures drop below freezing, it is important to take precautions to protect Portulaca oleracea from the cold. Insulating and providing adequate drainage for the plant are key elements in helping it survive winter weather. Wind and sun exposure should also be minimized to prevent frost damage.
Propagation
Propagating Portulaca oleracea by stem cuttings is an easy and fun way to increase your collection of these unique houseplants. When propagating, it’s important to choose healthy stems from existing plants that are at least two inches long and have several leaves attached.
Growing Portulaca oleracea from seeds is an easy and economical way to produce more plants. Identify a healthy seed by its plumpness, dark color and slightly sticky texture. Once the potting mix has been pre-mixed with well-draining soil, sow the seeds evenly and press lightly into the surface. To ensure germination, keep the container in bright but indirect light and mist the soil gently with a spray bottle.
Toxicity
Although Portulaca oleracea is generally not toxic to humans, the saponins found in its leaves can be dangerous for animals if ingested. For this reason, it’s best to keep pets away from these plants and make sure they are out of reach.
Pests and Diseases
Portulaca oleracea can be affected common pests and diseases like most of the other succulents such as snails and aphids.
If you do spot any of pest signs, you can treat your succulent using below methods.
- Snails: clean infected plants, soapy water.
- Aphids: quarantine, clean infected plants, soapy water.
Besides that, to prevent serious health issues from happening, keep your succulent in a well-ventilated area and check it regularly for any signs of pests or health problems.
