Portulaca oleracea care

caring for portulaca oleracea

The Portulaca plant is little known but it has a great beauty since they are tremendously attractive plants. One of these species that are used for decoration is the Portulaca oleracea. It is also known by the name of silk flower and it is quite colorful, a cheerful plant and does not require too much care. The care of the Portulaca oleracea they are necessary in order to maintain its attractiveness. However, they are not complicated.

Therefore, we are going to dedicate this article to tell you about all the care of the Portulaca oleracea, its characteristics and some curiosities.

Key features

purslane flowers

Although this plant is easy to care for, there are some things it cannot live with. These things are: sun, sandy soil and little irrigation. It can be said that these are the keys to the care and maintenance of this plant. In some places it grows so fast that it is considered a weed. And it is a manufacturing plant capable of expanding rapidly.

They are annual herbs with creeping bearings and red stems, up to 40 cm tall. The leaves are juicy and roughly spoon-shaped. The diameter of the decorative flowers can be up to 2,5 cm, and they can be red, yellow, orange, pink or white. They bloom in summer. The flowers open from morning to afternoon on hot, sunny days. The fruit is a small capsule that opens to release the seeds.

They are used as annual plants in hanging rockery pots, borders, mixed borders and terraces, terraces and balconies. The leaves and stems can be eaten in salads and soups.

It can be grown in pots. You only need about 25 cm in diameter and 20 cm deep. Also, it is necessary to fill it with an ordinary matrix and add compost or solidified fertilizer. In temperate climates it can be planted all year round, it is an easy and fast-spreading species, so if you plant it in the garden you should control this aspect.

Harvest and reproduction

purslane leaves

It can be propagated through seeds and can be sown directly in the seedbed. At first, the light is good for them, so that they can sprout. It takes 15-20 days from the start of sowing. Now, if they are planted in a seedbed, we will have to wait until they reach 5 cm in height before we can transplant them to their final location. The soil should be slightly damp, and then put in a sunny place.

The leaves can be harvested 60 days after sowing. Collect the leaves 2 cm from the ground and rinse them with plenty of water. The flowers can also be collected and eaten. It is a very disease resistant plant and is not affected by diseases or pests.

It is a species that provides vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and E. In addition, it is a source of Omega-3 fatty acids and minerals (manganese, iron, potassium, magnesium and calcium). Therefore, this plant helps reduce and prevent joint problems such as arthritis and osteoporosis. Even in traditional medicine, it is used to treat diseases of the digestive tract and urinary tract.

Caring for the Portulaca oleracea

care of portulaca oleracea in the garden

Gardeners recommend the Portulaca oleracea to less professional people because it is a plant that grows easily and does not require professional care, so it is worth encouraging to most beginners. If you are looking for time to garden, this is a good option and you will find yourself dedicated to caring for the benefits of plants and flowers.

By providing your plant with the three basic elements mentioned above, it will respond to you with very fast growth and bright flowers.

We are going to analyze in depth the 3 cares of the Portulaca oleracea:

  • SOL: The Portulaca oleracea it needs direct, strong and long-lasting sunlight. Therefore, it is not suitable for the interior of the house, nor does it support low temperatures or shady areas. If you plan to put it in the garden, consider this place to choose a place to plant it, if you plan to enjoy it in a pot you should also provide it with a sunny place and other species that also like the sun.
  • Limited irrigation: Many experts assure that the enemy of the Portulaca oleracea is the water. It must be remembered that its leaves are succulent, so its nature is to live and survive with very little water, such as a dry climate and an environment with little or no humidity. In summer you have to water in a controlled way, and in winter you will almost certainly forget about this task. Too much water can be deadly or, at the very least, will affect the plants to provide you with fewer flowers.
  • Sandy ground: Sandy soil, and gravel if possible, is ideal for this plant because it can properly drain to the roots. Note that it is also a nutrient-rich soil. If necessary, add additional fertilizers to provide a rich food for maximum bloom for purslane, especially in spring and summer, to ensure that each new season can bloom and bear fruit.

Caring for the Portulaca oleracea in bloom

La Portulaca oleracea It is one of those plants that appreciates the care you give them the most, which means that it will grow very quickly and you will give many flowers in summer.

It is a creeping plant, so it will never be more than 25 cm from the ground or the pot in which it is grown. However, it will spread rapidly, covering all the surrounding terrain, spreading uncontrollably. its 5 petal flower opens during the day to receive the sunlight they love so much, and closes at night for protection.

The flowers come in many colors, from white to the brightest shades such as yellow, orange or deep pink. In general, a flower combines the different intensities of its color, which gives them a very showy and striking beauty. The flowers are long-lasting, especially if you carefully remove the faded flowers and they will soon be replaced with new ones. From spring to summer it blooms season after season without the need for pruning or other special care.

I hope that with this information you can learn more about the care of the Portulaca oleracea.


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