Portulaca pilosa aka Kiss Me Quick
Taxonomy
Common names
Kiss Me Quick, Hairy Pigweed, Moss RoseHow to care for Kiss Me Quick
Difficulty
Caring for Kiss Me Quick is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
Water
Kiss Me Quick does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
To keep your Kiss Me Quick healthy, it's important to use a potting soil that won't retain too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.
Lighting
Kiss Me Quick requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Hairy Pigweed is always in the right place to thrive.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Kiss Me Quick to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
Humidity
Kiss Me Quick enjoys dry environments, but misting the plant or providing extra humidity can create an environment for harmful fungi to thrive on the leaves.
Fertilizer
The Kiss Me Quick is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.
Region of origin
Kiss Me Quick’s native range is Tropics and warm temperate regions worldwide.
More info:
Wikipedia