Portulaca (Moss Rose) is a bright flowering plant and easy to care for, small in size, suitable for gardens and pots. Included as an annual plant, or its life span is from several months to a year. The following are its main characteristics.
General Information
1. Scientific Name: Portulaca grandiflora
2. Common Names: Moss Rose, Rose Moss, Devil's Flower, Purslane
3. Family: Portulacaceae
4. Original Origin: South America, especially Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay
5. In Indonesia it is known as: krokot, office closing flower, Bombay silk, nine o'clock flower.
Plant Characteristics
1. Growth Habit: Spreading, succulent perennial herb
2. Stems: Thin, branched, up to 30 cm (12 in) long
3. Leaves: Small, fleshy, cylindrical, 1-2.5 cm (0.4-1 in) long
4. Flowers: Showy, cup-shaped, 2.5-5 cm (1-2 in) diameter, various colors (pink, red, orange, yellow, white, bicolor). Flowers almost daily. Begins blooming around 7-9 am, wilts in the afternoon
5. Seeds: Small, numerous, dispersed by wind or water
6. Very low aroma
Cultivation
1. Light: Full sun to partial shade, especially in the morning
2. Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy
3. Temperature: 15°C-30°C (59°F-86°F).
4. Watering: Infrequent, drought tolerant, water in the morning
5. Propagation: Seeds or stem cuttings
Uses
1. Ornamental: Garden beds, containers, hanging baskets
2. Edible: Leaves and stems are edible, used in salads, soups, and stir-fries
3. Medicinal: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial
4. Erosion control: Roots help stabilize soil
Care Tips
1. Water sparingly to avoid root rot, in the morning
2. Fertilize lightly
3. Prune to maintain shape
4. Protect from extreme temperatures
5. Monitor for pests (aphids, whiteflies)
6. Grass, moss, and other weeds growing around it should be removed and cleared to prevent competition
Varieties
1. Portulaca grandiflora (Moss Rose)
2. Portulaca oleracea (Purslane)
3. Portulaca umbraticola (Winged Purslane)
4. Portulaca pilosa (Kiss-me-quick)
Watch a video of purslane as a ground cover in the home garden.
Fun Facts
1. Portulaca is also known as "Moss Rose" because of its soft, rose-like flowers
2. The succulent leaves of the plant store water, making it drought-resistant
3. Portulaca has been used in traditional medicine for centuries
4. The plant attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies
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