Moss Rose Purslane Plant Care
Portulaca amilis Speg.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Portulaca amilis, known as Paraguayan purslane, is a species of Portulaca native to South America. It was introduced to the southeastern United States and other countries around the world and can be found in sandy soil in disturbed areas, roadsides, fields, lawns and gardens.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun
60–85°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Moss Rose Purslane?
Water Moss Rose Purslane every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Moss Rose Purslane Native To?
What Is the Moss Rose Purslane?
Moss Rose Purslane (Portulaca amilis) belongs to the Portulacaceae family within the Portulaca genus. Moss Rose Purslane is native to South America.
Moss Rose Purslane displays a low spreading succulent growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Moss Rose Purslane produces colorful, small, cup-shaped flowers in various shades.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Moss Rose Purslane?
Portulaca amilis requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Moss Rose Purslane Need?
Moss Rose Purslane thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Moss Rose Purslane Prefer?
Portulaca amilis grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Moss Rose Purslane prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Moss Rose Purslane?
Sandy, well-draining soil with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Moss Rose Purslane to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Moss Rose Purslane?
Feed Moss Rose Purslane every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Moss Rose Purslane?
Repot every 1-2 years in 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 Moss Rose Purslane?
Moss Rose Purslane can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to purslane plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Moss Rose Purslane Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Moss Rose 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 Moss Rose Purslane?
Moss Rose Purslane is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Moss Rose Purslane Need?
Moss Rose Purslane grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Moss Rose Purslane is native to South America. In cooler regions, grow Moss Rose Purslane as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Moss Rose 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 Portulaca genus — compare its care with other Portulaca species on PlantoScan.
Portulaca is part of the Portulacaceae plant family — browse all Portulacaceae genera and species.
Moss Rose Purslane thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Portulaca Species
Other Portulaca species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Portulaca amilis Speg., family Portulacaceae (first published in Anales Soc. Ci. Argent. 92: 104 (1921)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Moss Rose 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Moss Rose Purslane Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species