Purslane
portulaca oleracea
Also known as: ["verdolaga","pursley","little hogweed","pigweed"]
Overview
A succulent annual plant with fleshy stems and leaves, often considered a weed but valued for its edible leaves and stems.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Portulacaceae |
| Genus: | Portulaca |
| Botanical Name: | Portulaca oleracea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed or container in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–11"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very high
- Pruning Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks during growing season; as needed to remove dead or overgrown stems.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight if moved from shade; protect from harsh midday sun in extreme heat; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plants for even growth; use reflective surfaces to boost light in shaded areas; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days, or when soil is dry to the touch
Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting foliage; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for better structure.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F / 18–29°C); thrives in heat but may struggle below 50°F (10°C).
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; ensure adequate ventilation in hot conditions.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth
Fertilize lightly to prevent leggy growth; stop fertilizing in cooler months; apply to moist soil to avoid root burn.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 3–4 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep warm and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when temperatures are warm and growth is active.
Environment
Warm (70–80°F / 21–27°C), humid, and bright indirect light; protect from direct sun.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix (e.g., cactus mix with perlite) or perlite/vermiculite for cuttings.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up root development.
Timeline
Cuttings root in 1–2 weeks; plants establish in 4–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors or knife, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems or use clean shears to cut just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Light pruning to encourage bushier growth and remove leggy stems; remove spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune in early morning; remove dead or diseased growth; encourage bushier growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot if roots are crowded or soil is depleted; typically every 1–2 years for potted plants.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early morning; avoid wetting leaves; ensure drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water deeply at the root zone until soil is moist but not waterlogged; ensure excess water drains away; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water lightly and frequently during hot, dry periods; reduce watering in cooler months or rainy conditions to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in cold; leaf scorch or bleaching in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Growth slows or halts; leaves may turn yellow or brown; risk of frost damage in freezing temperatures.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide frost protection if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C); avoid overwatering in cold.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt or scorch; growth may slow; flowers may drop prematurely.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding; water after fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPortulaca oleracea is not considered toxic to cats. It is not known to cause adverse effects when ingested in small quantities. However, large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to its high fiber content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicPortulaca oleracea is not considered toxic to dogs. It is not known to cause adverse effects when ingested in small quantities. However, large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to its high fiber content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicPortulaca oleracea, commonly known as purslane, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It is a nutritious leafy vegetable rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. No significant toxic effects have been documented under normal consumption conditions.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is purslane edible?
A: Yes, purslane is edible and is often used in salads and other dishes for its mild, tangy flavor.
Q: Does purslane require much water?
A: No, purslane is highly drought-tolerant and thrives in dry conditions.
Q: Is purslane a weed?
A: Yes, purslane is often considered a weed due to its rapid growth and ability to spread easily, but it is also cultivated for culinary use.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Portulacaceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, or when soi |
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