Galapagos Sea Purslane Plant Care

Galapagos Sea Purslane (Tiquilia galapagoa) belongs to the Boraginaceae family within the Tiquilia genus. Galapagos Sea Purslane is native to the Galápagos Islands.

Galapagos Sea Purslane displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Galapagos Sea Purslane produces small, colorful trumpet-shaped flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Galapagos Sea Purslane every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Galapagos Sea Purslane thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Tiquilia galapagoa tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Galapagos Sea Purslane prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Galapagos Sea Purslane to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Galapagos Sea Purslane every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Galapagos Sea Purslane is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Galapagos Sea Purslane can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Galapagos Sea Purslane while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Galapagos Sea Purslane is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Galapagos Sea Purslane can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Galapagos Sea Purslane is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, whiteflies. 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.

Galapagos Sea Purslane grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Galapagos Sea Purslane is native to the Galápagos Islands. In cooler regions, grow Galapagos Sea Purslane as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.