Purslane or Portulaca oleracea is a heat-loving succulent that is commonly grown as an annual. The trailing stems are dotted with bold flowers during the summer, but this tender plant cannot live outside in freezing temperatures. Purslane is a blooming plant that thrives in bright sunlight and high temperatures but can pass the winter in a warm spot indoors.
Protecting Purslane in Winter
Cold temperatures will destroy this succulent before the snow flurries. Purslane can live outdoors during the winter in zones 10 or 11, although the plant should be protected if there is unseasonably cold weather. Covering the plant overnight if the forecast calls for a cold spell will help the plant pull through. If you live in a cold climate and protect Purslane indoors in winter, you can enjoy this plant year-round.
Cutting Back Purslane For Winter
Trim Purslane in preparation for winter. Remove dead growth for plants grown outdoors in warm climates. In cold climates, leave the plant if you want to encourage it to self-seed. Seeds that drop from the plant may germinate in the spring after experiencing the winter chill. All of the growth can be removed after the first frost if you do not want the plant to self-seed.
Purslane Winter Care in Pots
Potted Purslane can live outdoors in areas with warm winter weather. Locate the plant in a sunny area. The container material does not matter, although the container must have drainage to ensure the roots are not stuck in standing water.
Watering Purslane in Winter
Watering Purslane in winter is not necessary for plants in the ground. Potted Purslane will need water when the soil in the container is completely dry. Plants that are not actively growing have low water needs. Purslane is drought tolerant, so this plant prefers dry conditions during the winter.
Growing Purslane Indoors
Purslane can be grown indoors during the winter when temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Transplant Purslane to a container, prune the plant to about one-third its size, and place it in a sunny window. Water the plant when the soil is dry. Growth may be slow because the plant may be semi-dormant, but as long as it is warm and receives plenty of light, it will survive.
Steps To Care For Purslane in Winter
Purslane is a flowering succulent that thrives in warm, sunny weather but is not suited to winter in most climates. In warm areas, Purslane can grow outdoors in the winter. In cold regions, the plant can be grown as an annual or moved indoors during the winter.
Step 1 - Remove dead growth and overgrowth.
Step 2 - Purslane grown in warm climates can be left outdoors, but cover the plant to protect it if the forecast calls for unseasonably cold temperatures.
Step 3 - Potted Purslane left outdoors in warm areas should be moved to a sunny location and will need water when the soil is completely dry.
Step 4 - In areas with cold winters, transplant Purslane to a container and move the plant indoors for winter. Place the plant in bright sunlight and water when the soil is dry.
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Author Alison Cotsonas - Published 04-20-2023 |