Samha Portulaca Plant Care
Portulaca samhaensis A.G.Mill.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This succulent plant is known for its thick, fleshy leaves that come in vibrant shades of green and pink. Originating from the Samha Island in Yemen, Portulaca samhaensis is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique appearance and rarity in cultivation. Its eye-catching colors and drought tolerance make it a prized addition to any succulent collection.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun
60–85°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Samha Portulaca?
Water Samha Portulaca 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 Samha Portulaca Native To?
What Is the Samha Portulaca?
Samha Portulaca (Portulaca samhaensis) belongs to the Portulacaceae family within the Portulaca genus. Samha Portulaca is native to Socotra, part of Yemen. Samha Portulaca is also known as Samha Purslane.
Samha Portulaca displays a low spreading succulent growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Samha Portulaca produces colorful, small, cup-shaped flowers in various shades.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Samha Portulaca?
Portulaca samhaensis 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 Samha Portulaca Need?
Samha Portulaca thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Samha Portulaca Prefer?
Portulaca samhaensis grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Samha Portulaca prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Samha Portulaca?
Sandy, well-draining soil with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Samha Portulaca to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Samha Portulaca?
Feed Samha Portulaca 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 Samha Portulaca?
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 Samha Portulaca?
Samha Portulaca can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to purslane plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Samha Portulaca Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Samha Portulaca, 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 Samha Portulaca?
Samha Portulaca 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 Samha Portulaca Need?
Samha Portulaca grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Samha Portulaca is native to Socotra, part of Yemen. In cooler regions, grow Samha Portulaca as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Samha Portulaca 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.
Samha Portulaca 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 samhaensis A.G.Mill., family Portulacaceae (first published in Ethnofl. Soqotra Archipelago : 725 (2004)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Samha Portulaca, 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 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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