Portulaca grandiflora aka Moss Rose

Taxonomy

Portulaca grandiflora, also known as rose moss, eleven o'clock, Mexican rose, sun rose, rock rose, and moss-rose purslane, is a succulent flowering plant in the family Portulacaceae. It is native to southern Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay but has also spread to South Asia and most cities with old architecture in the Balkans. This annual plant typically grows to 6-8" tall and spreads to 12" wide or more, forming a moss-like foliage mat. Its ruffled, rose-like flowers come in single, semi-double or double forms and bloom in colors including red, rose, orange, yellow, white and pastel shades. The cylindrical, fleshy, medium green leaves appear in clusters along reddish stems. Moss Rose Purslane is a popular houseplant that is easy to grow and needs very little water to thrive, doing best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window.

Common names

Moss Rose, Portulaca, Rose Moss

How to care for Moss Rose

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Moss Rose due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Moss Rose does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

To ensure the health of your Moss Rose, it's crucial to use a potting soil that won't hold too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to store-bought cactus soil is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

Lighting

Moss Rose thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Rose Moss.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Humidity

Moss Rose prefers dry environments, so misting the plant to provide extra humidity and allow water to linger on the leaves can create an ideal environment for fungi that can be harmful.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Moss Rose is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Moss Rose’s native range is Tropics and warm temperate regions worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia