Portulaca imbricata Plant Care

Portulaca imbricata Forzk.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This vibrant succulent boasts thick, fleshy leaves with striking red edges, making it a standout addition to any garden. Originating from South America, Portulaca imbricata's unique appearance and ability to thrive in arid conditions make it highly sought after by plant collectors looking to add a pop of color to their collection.

🌵Succulents🌻Annuals
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun

Temp

60–85°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Portulaca imbricata?

Water Portulaca imbricata 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 Portulaca imbricata Native To?

Native range51 countries

What Is the Portulaca imbricata?

Portulaca imbricata (Portulaca imbricata) belongs to the Portulacaceae family within the Portulaca genus. Portulaca imbricata is native to Africa.

Portulaca imbricata displays a low spreading succulent growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Portulaca imbricata produces colorful, small, cup-shaped flowers in various shades.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Portulaca imbricata?

Portulaca imbricata 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 Portulaca imbricata Need?

Portulaca imbricata thrives in full sun.

Light Requirement

Full sun

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Portulaca imbricata Prefer?

Portulaca imbricata grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Portulaca imbricata prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

60–85°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Portulaca imbricata?

Sandy, well-draining soil with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Portulaca imbricata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Portulaca imbricata?

Feed Portulaca imbricata 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 Portulaca imbricata?

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 Portulaca imbricata?

Portulaca imbricata can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to purslane plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Portulaca imbricata Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Portulaca imbricata, 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 Portulaca imbricata?

Portulaca imbricata 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 Portulaca imbricata Need?

Portulaca imbricata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Portulaca imbricata is native to Africa. In cooler regions, grow Portulaca imbricata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Portulaca imbricata 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.

Portulaca imbricata 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 imbricata Forzk., family Portulacaceae (first published in Fl. Aegypt.-Arab. : 92 (1775)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Portulaca imbricata, 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.

PlantoScan app icon

Identify Plants Like the
Portulaca imbricata 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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Free

to download

iOS & Android

platforms

Light & dark

mode

100,000+

species