Pink purslane (Portulaca amilis)
Care, watering, light and tips for Pink purslane on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Portulacaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Pink purslane
Portulaca amilis, known as Paraguayan purslane, is a small annual or short-lived succulent, valued for its vibrant, sun-opening flowers. It forms dense, trailing mats, perfect for ground cover, path edges, or brightening up pots and hanging baskets with its colorful foliage and blooms. Its delicate flowers, often in shades of pink, purple, and white, add a cheerful touch to any sunny garden.
Native range
South America, especially in Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay.
Care tips
This plant thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours daily for abundant flowering. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry completely between waterings to prevent waterlogging, as it is susceptible to root rot. It prefers well-drained, sandy, or gritty soils; a cactus and succulent mix is ideal. A common mistake is overwatering, which can be fatal for this drought-loving succulent.
How to save a dying Pink purslane
- Warning signs
- Wilted, soft, or yellowing leaves, leggy stems searching for light.
- First aid
- Move to a sunny spot, water only when soil is dry to the touch.
- What kills it
- Overwatering rotting succulent roots; consistent lack of light.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, it's very resilient. Prune damaged parts and propagate healthy stems.