Also known as Akulikuli-Kula · Common Purselane · Duckweed
Common Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is a succulent annual herb with edible leaves and stems, often grown as a ground cover or for culinary use.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering.
Prefers to dry out between waterings
25% intensity
Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry before watering.
Well-drained soil, sandy soil, loamy soil, clay soil
50% intensity
Warm temperatures
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 20-30°C; sensitive to frost.
Low feeding needs
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly with a balanced, diluted fertilizer only if growth appears stunted.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Portulaca oleracea thoroughly when the soil surface feels dry to the touch. This succulent prefers to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially in poorly draining soil.
Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Pruning is generally not required for Portulaca oleracea, as it is a low-growing, spreading plant. However, you can trim it back to maintain a desired shape or to encourage bushier growth.
Pruning can also be done to harvest leaves for culinary use.
Propagation is extremely easy with Portulaca oleracea. Stem cuttings readily root when placed in moist soil or even directly in water.
Seeds can also be sown directly in the garden after the last frost, as they require warmth to germinate.
Repotting is rarely necessary for Portulaca oleracea, as it is often grown as an annual or a groundcover. If grown in containers, repot only when the plant becomes significantly root-bound, typically every 1-2 years, into a slightly larger pot with well-draining soil.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Common Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)
Where Common Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Portulacaceae |
| Genus | Portulaca |
| Species | Portulaca oleracea |
Similar in genus Portulaca
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
