Water Purslane Plant Care

Water Purslane (Didiplis diandra) belongs to the Lythraceae family within the Didiplis genus. Water Purslane is also known as Creeping Yellow Cress.

Water Purslane displays an upright, slender shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Water Purslane produces small, delicate pink or white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Water Purslane every 4–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Water Purslane thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Didiplis diandra tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Water Purslane prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, loamy soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Water Purslane to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Water Purslane every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and rich, loamy soil with good drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Water Purslane is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Water Purslane can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Water Purslane while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Water Purslane is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Water Purslane can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Water Purslane is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.

Water Purslane grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Water Purslane as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.