Chilean Sea-purslane Plant Care
Carpobrotus chilensis (Molina) N.E.Br.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Carpobrotus chilensis is a species of edible succulent plant known by the common name sea fig. It grows on coastal sand dunes and bluffs and is used as an ornamental plant.
Full sun
At a glance
How do you care for Chilean Sea-purslane?
Chilean Sea-purslane grows best in full sun.
What Is the Chilean Sea-purslane?
Chilean Sea-purslane (Carpobrotus chilensis) belongs to the Aizoaceae family within the Carpobrotus genus. Chilean Sea-purslane is also known as Hottentot Fig.
Chilean Sea-purslane displays a low spreading succulent growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Chilean Sea-purslane produces large, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, or yellow.
What Light Does the Chilean Sea-purslane Need?
Chilean Sea-purslane thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Chilean Sea-purslane?
Sandy, well-draining soil mix with added perlite and coarse sand. Good drainage is essential for Chilean Sea-purslane to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Chilean Sea-purslane?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Chilean Sea-purslane?
Chilean Sea-purslane can be propagated through stem cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pigface plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Chilean Sea-purslane Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Chilean Sea-purslane, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Chilean Sea-purslane?
Chilean Sea-purslane is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
Keep exploring plants
Chilean Sea-purslane is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Carpobrotus genus — compare its care with other Carpobrotus species on PlantoScan.
Carpobrotus is part of the Aizoaceae plant family — browse all Aizoaceae genera and species.
Chilean Sea-purslane thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Carpobrotus Species
Other Carpobrotus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Carpobrotus chilensis (Molina) N.E.Br., family Aizoaceae (first published in in J. Bot. 66: 324. 1928.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Chilean Sea-purslane, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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