Moss rose (Portulaca grandiflora)

Also known as: Eleven O'Clock, Moss-Rose Purslane, Sun rose, Vietnam rose

Moss rose (Portulaca grandiflora) is a decorative, semi-succulent plant originating from South America. This low-maintenance plant is perfect for various garden settings such as annual flowerbeds, containers, and hanging baskets due to its trailing growth habit. Numerous cultivars are available, offering a wide range of vibrant colors, shapes, and petal counts in the flowers.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Moss rose

Lifespan

Annual, Perennial

Plant Type

Succulent, Herb

Plant Height

7 cm to 30 cm

Spread

25 cm to 37 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm to 6 cm

Flower Color

White Yellow Red Pink Orange Purple

Images of Moss rose

Quickly Identify Moss rose

Dense, matting growth habit up to 8 inches (20 cm) in height and 1 foot (30 cm) in width.

Distinctive, fleshy, narrow leaves with reddish tinge in direct sunlight, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long.

Vibrantly colored flowers in red, orange, yellow, and white, displaying various forms.

Ruffled, rose-like flowers with heart-shaped petals in groups of five, closing at night.

Unique, iridescent blue-grey seeds in quaint, rounded capsules that split upon maturity.

Scientific Classification of Moss rose

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Pinks, cacti, and allies

Family

Purslane

Genus

Purslanes

Species

Moss rose

Planting and Growing of Moss rose

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

70-85℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

5.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Moss rose?

For Portulaca grandiflora, it is crucial to water deeply but infrequently. Ensure the soil dries out almost completely between waterings. Apply about 100 ml water, enough to moisten the roots but avoid waterlogging.

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Moss rose?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Duration of light: Six to eight hours

Portulaca grandiflora prefers full sun exposure, ideally receiving six to eight hours of direct sunlight. The abundant light promotes lush blooms and a vibrant plant appearance, enhancing the garden's aesthetics.

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Moss rose?

Ideal Temperature: 70 ~ 85℉

The ideal temperature range for Portulaca grandiflora is between 70°F and 85°F. This range allows the plant to thrive and develop vibrant flowers. Within this temperature zone, the plant's metabolic activities, including photosynthesis and respiration, function optimally. This environment supports healthy growth, flower production, and overall vitality.

What Soil is Best for Moss rose?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam

Soil PH: 5.5 ~ 7.5

Portulaca grandiflora thrives in well-draining soils, which prevent water from pooling around the roots, reducing the risk of root rot. This characteristic ensures that the plant remains healthy and vibrant, especially in high humidity. This hardy plant is adapted to grow in nutrient-poor soil, which means it doesn’t compete heavily for nutrients. This makes it low maintenance in terms of fertilization, an excellent choice for beginner gardeners. Portulaca grandiflora performs well in soils with low organic content, allowing air to circulate through the roots. This encourages stronger root development and enhances the plant's drought resistance. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Moss rose?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

When fertilizing Portulaca grandiflora, it's essential to use half the strength of a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Over-fertilizing can lead to lush foliage but few flowers, so moderation is key. For slow-release fertilizers, apply it sparingly; about a teaspoon per plant is sufficient for an entire season.

How to Prune Moss rose?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Begin with sterilizing your pruning shears to prevent disease transmission. Identify any leggy or overly long stems that detract from the plant's compact form. Cut these stems back to the main branch junctions to maintain a tidy appearance. Additionally, trimming spent flowers encourages the growth of more blooms.

How to Propagate Moss rose plant?

Propagate Time: Late spring, Early summer

Start by filling seed starter trays with a well-draining potting mix, sowing the seeds on the surface, and gently pressing them into the mix without fully covering them.

Select healthy, non-flowering stems and use sharp pruners to cut a 4-inch section from the parent plant, remove the lower leaves to prepare for planting.

Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in a small container filled with a moistened potting mix, ensuring high humidity around the cutting.

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How to Repot Moss rose plant?

Repotting frequency: every 1-2 years

Signs that it's time to repot Portulaca grandiflora include roots growing out of the drainage holes or soil that remains waterlogged for too long. Spring or early summer is ideal for repotting as the plant starts its active growth phase, allowing it to quickly acclimate to new soil and conditions.

Select a pot slightly larger than the current one with good drainage. This ensures ample space for root expansion and prevents water from stagnating, which is crucial for Portulaca as they thrive in aerated conditions. A pot that breathes, like a terracotta pot, supports the plant's preference for drier conditions.

Opt for a well-draining sandy soil mix to mimic the plant's natural habitat. This type of soil prevents root rot by allowing excess water to escape easily, keeping the roots healthy and supported. Incorporate perlite or coarse sand into the soil to enhance drainage and aeration.

Toxicity of Moss rose

Is Moss rose toxic to cat?

Moss rose presents a moderate level of toxicity risk for cats. If a cat consumes any portion of the plant, since all parts are harmful, it may suffer adverse effects. Such exposure usually takes place when the plant is ingested, potentially resulting in general signs of distress in felines. These symptoms could manifest as alterations in behavior, discomfort, or various indications of illness, although specific symptoms are not specified. Cat owners should remain vigilant for any behavioral changes in their pets and should seek veterinary assistance immediately if they believe their cat has ingested moss rose, in order to safeguard the health and well-being of their animal.

Is Moss rose toxic to dog?

Moss rose presents a moderate risk of toxicity to dogs. All parts of this plant are toxic, meaning that canines can be poisoned by consuming any portion of it. Signs of poisoning may manifest as gastrointestinal disturbances, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or more serious symptoms, which can vary based on the quantity ingested. It's vital for dog owners to keep a close watch on their pets and restrict access to moss rose. Should there be any suspicion that a dog has ingested moss rose, prompt veterinary attention is crucial for ensuring appropriate treatment and symptom management.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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