Hawaiian Purslane Plant Care
Portulaca lutea Sol. ex G.Forst.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Portulaca lutea, the native yellow purslane, is a species of Portulaca that is indigenous to all of the main islands of Hawaii except for Kaua'i and is widespread throughout the Pacific Islands.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun
60–85°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Hawaiian Purslane?
Water Hawaiian 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 Hawaiian Purslane Native To?
What Is the Hawaiian Purslane?
Hawaiian Purslane (Portulaca lutea) belongs to the Portulacaceae family within the Portulaca genus. Hawaiian Purslane is native to all of the main islands of Hawaii except for Kaua'i. Hawaiian Purslane is also known as Yellow Purslane.
Hawaiian Purslane displays a low spreading succulent growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Hawaiian Purslane produces colorful, small, cup-shaped flowers in various shades.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Hawaiian Purslane?
Portulaca lutea 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 Hawaiian Purslane Need?
Hawaiian Purslane thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hawaiian Purslane Prefer?
Portulaca lutea grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Hawaiian Purslane prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hawaiian Purslane?
Sandy, well-draining soil with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Hawaiian Purslane to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Hawaiian Purslane?
Feed Hawaiian 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 Hawaiian 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 Hawaiian Purslane?
Hawaiian Purslane can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to purslane plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Hawaiian Purslane Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Hawaiian 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 Hawaiian Purslane?
Hawaiian 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 Hawaiian Purslane Need?
Hawaiian Purslane grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Hawaiian Purslane is native to all of the main islands of Hawaii except for Kaua'i. In cooler regions, grow Hawaiian Purslane as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Hawaiian 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.
Hawaiian 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 lutea Sol. ex G.Forst., family Portulacaceae (first published in Diss. Pl. Esc. : 72 (1786)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hawaiian 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.
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