Sea purslane
halimione portulacoides
Also known as: ["Sea purslane","Ink weed","Glasswort"]
Overview
A succulent-like perennial shrub native to coastal regions, known for its fleshy, succulent leaves and tolerance to saline conditions.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","salt tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus: | Halimione |
| Botanical Name: | Halimione portulacoides |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: coastal gardens, rockeries, or xeriscapes
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, as it is adapted to arid conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Sandy, gritty, or saline-tolerant soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically annually or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day). Tolerates coastal and saline conditions.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to full sun. Avoid sudden exposure to intense midday sun. Suitable for coastal gardens or rockeries.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Full sun lover; coastal tolerant; avoid deep shade.
Watering
every 10–14 days, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogged soil; prioritize drought tolerance.
Soil
sandy, well-draining, often saline or alkaline soils
pH: Slightly alkaline (pH 7.0–8.0).
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay; tolerate saline soil.
Temperature
Thrives in warm to hot climates (20–30°C). Tolerates mild frosts but prefers stable warmth.
Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation; avoid sudden temperature swings.
Fertilizing
rarely required, if at all, due to its tolerance of poor soils
Avoid over-fertilizing; fertilize only if necessary; use sparingly in spring.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings.
- Apply hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Wait for roots.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid, and bright but indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix like sand and perlite.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success.
Timeline
Roots in 4–6 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy stems; keep consistently moist; provide warmth.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Trim back dead growth; shape as desired.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed. Remove dead or damaged stems to maintain shape.
Tools
Pruners, gloves.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; remove dead growth; shape plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth.
Pot Size
One size up if repotting; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Use fast-draining soil; minimal root disturbance; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Only repot if severely root-bound. Prefers being slightly pot-bound.
Checklist
Check root boundness; use fresh soil; ensure drainage; minimal disturbance.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until soil is moist but not saturated. Ensure excess water drains away completely. Water in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to once every 3–4 weeks.
Soil Improvement
Add sand or perlite to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter sparingly.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting in extreme heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Growth slows; may suffer root damage in prolonged freezing conditions.
Solution: Provide winter protection in colder zones; mulch heavily; avoid overwatering.
Hot Stress
Leaves may curl or drop; growth may stall in excessive heat without water.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; ensure adequate water if not fully drought-tolerant.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth needs; use diluted fertilizer; apply in spring only.
Fertilizing Method
Minimal fertilization needed. Use a low-nitrogen, balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength in spring if growth is poor.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicHalimione portulacoides is not considered toxic to cats. The plant lacks compounds that are known to be harmful to felines, and ingestion is not expected to result in toxicity.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicHalimione portulacoides is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain known compounds that are harmful to canines, and ingestion is unlikely to cause adverse effects.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicHalimione portulacoides, commonly known as saltwort, is not considered toxic to humans. It has been used traditionally in some regions as a food source due to its succulent leaves, which are rich in minerals. There are no known toxic effects associated with its consumption.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Halimione portulacoides toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How much maintenance does Sea purslane require?
A: It requires very low maintenance due to its drought and salt tolerance.
Q: Where is Sea purslane commonly found?
A: It is native to coastal regions and thrives in saline environments.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaranthaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 10–14 days, allowing s |
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