Portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora) care guide
Quick answer
Water your Portulaca when the top 5 cm (2 in) of soil feel dry. In summer that’s typically every 8 to 12 days.
- WateringEvery 8 to 12 days · summer
Every 17 to 25 days · winter - LightBright / direct light
- Climate15–35 °C (59–95 °F)
- Pet safetyNot confirmed pet-safe
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
5 cm (2 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 8 to 12 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 17 to 25 days
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright / direct light
Portulaca needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. Place it directly in front of a south- or southwest-facing window.
Feeding
Feed your Portulaca every 30 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate15–35 °C (59–95 °F)
Humidity30–50%
Portulaca is comfortable between 15 and 35 °C (59–95 °F). It handles a cool room well, even in winter, as long as it stays above 5 °C (41 °F).
It does best at 30–50% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Not confirmed pet-safe
Common questions
How often should I water a Portulaca?
Water your Portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora) when the top 5 cm (2 in) of soil feel dry. In summer, that’s typically every 8 to 12 days. In winter, slow down to every 17 to 25 days.
How much light does a Portulaca need?
Portulaca needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. Place it directly in front of a south- or southwest-facing window.
Sources
- This guide follows established plant-care guidance and official ASPCA pet-safety references. How we verify our plant data →
- How we check our plant advice
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