Portulaca suffrutescens
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Portulaca suffrutescens

Shrubby purslane

Tier 1 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
20–37 °C
0
Hardiness
Zone 9–11
Click count
43
Observations
17

Description

Source: leafsnap

Portulaca suffrutescens, the shrubby purslane, is a plant species native to the southwestern United States and northern and central Mexico. It has been found in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Sonora, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Durango, Querétaro and Guerrero.Portulaca suffrutescens is a perennial with tuberous roots. Stems are stiff, erect, up to 30 cm (12 inches) tall. Leaves are needle-like, round in cross-section, up to 3 cm (1.2 inches) long. Flowers are orange, copper or bronze, up to 25 mm (1 inch) across. Seeds are black with a row of small bumps along one side.

Care Guide

💧 Water
☀️ Light Full sun

Native to arid regions, Shrubby purslane grows best in full sun, as its native habitat is marked by strong sunlight and limited shade. It also tolerates partial sun, offering some flexibility in its growth.

Ideal: Full sun
FAQ
What are the sun requirements for Shrubby Purslane (Portulaca suffrutescens)?

Shrubby Purslane (Portulaca suffrutescens) thrives under specific sunlight conditions. For full sun exposure, it requires above 6 hours of sunlight per day. For partial sun exposure, it needs about 3-6 hours of sunlight daily. It's essential to observe the way sunlight moves through your garden throughout the day. Choosing the right spots that provide a perfect balance of light and shade is crucial for the happiness and health of your Shrubby Purslane.

🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

Shrubby purslane performs best in warm settings and needs relatively high temperatures during the growing season to encourage growth and metabolic activity. It likes plenty of sunlight, suitable moisture, and good air circulation. It is vulnerable to harm from very low temperatures and from overwatering. It is important to maintain balance and avoid both excessively high temperatures and overly dry conditions.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 0-0
Soil pH: 0-0
🌱 Fertilizer

For Shrubby purslane, small amounts of fertilizer applied once or twice a year during the growing season are enough. Do not fertilize in winter or summer when the plant is dormant. Cut back on feeding for plants that have been repotted and wait a couple of months after repotting before you fertilize. Fertilizing helps maintain healthy growth and promotes flowering.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

Shrubby purslane showcases vibrant flowers and succulent stems. Pruning in early spring is crucial for maintaining its shape and promoting healthy growth. By removing leggy stems and dead parts, you encourage new shoots, improve airflow, and reduce the risk of pests. This process helps ensure the plant remains visually appealing and robust throughout the growing season.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb, Succulent
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Portulaca
Family
Portulacaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
10 cm to 20 cm
Mature Spread
20 cm to 30 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Pink, Red, Yellow
Flower Size
2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Summer, Early fall
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Fall
Native Area
Mexico

Tags (5)

Common Names (1)

en Shrubby purslane