Portulaca sclerocarpa Plant Care
Portulaca sclerocarpa A.Gray
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Portulaca sclerocarpa is a rare species of flowering plant in the purslane family known by the common names 'ihi makole and po`e. It is endemic to the Hawaiian islands, where it is known only from the island of Hawaii and an islet off of Lanai.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun
60–85°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Portulaca sclerocarpa?
Water Portulaca sclerocarpa 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.
What Is the Portulaca sclerocarpa?
Portulaca sclerocarpa (Portulaca sclerocarpa) belongs to the Portulacaceae family within the Portulaca genus. Portulaca sclerocarpa is native to the Hawaiian islands.
Portulaca sclerocarpa displays a low spreading succulent growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Portulaca sclerocarpa produces colorful, small, cup-shaped flowers in various shades.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Portulaca sclerocarpa?
Portulaca sclerocarpa 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 sclerocarpa Need?
Portulaca sclerocarpa thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Portulaca sclerocarpa Prefer?
Portulaca sclerocarpa grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Portulaca sclerocarpa prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Portulaca sclerocarpa?
Sandy, well-draining soil with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Portulaca sclerocarpa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Portulaca sclerocarpa?
Feed Portulaca sclerocarpa 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 sclerocarpa?
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 sclerocarpa?
Portulaca sclerocarpa can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to purslane plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Portulaca sclerocarpa Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Portulaca sclerocarpa, 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 sclerocarpa?
Portulaca sclerocarpa 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 sclerocarpa Need?
Portulaca sclerocarpa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Portulaca sclerocarpa is native to the Hawaiian islands. In cooler regions, grow Portulaca sclerocarpa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Portulaca sclerocarpa 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 sclerocarpa 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 sclerocarpa A.Gray, family Portulacaceae (first published in U.S. Expl. Exped., Phan. 1: 141 (1854)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Portulaca sclerocarpa, 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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