Moss Rose (Portulaca pilosa)

Moss Rose

Portulaca pilosa

Tiny, vibrant blooms open like living confetti in sun. Low-growing succulent flowering plant; common names: hairy purslane, moss rose.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Requires full direct sunlight for consistent blooming; partial shade reduces flower production
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Watering Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; highly drought-tolerant, avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Thrives in warm temperatures; protect from frost below 10°C to prevent foliage damage
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Succulent, cylindrical or linear, covered in fine hairs; green to reddish hues
  • Flower: Solitary or clustered, 1–2 cm wide, pink, red, orange, yellow, or white; opens only in full sun
  • Stem: Prostrate, hairy, rooting at nodes to form dense mats
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Care Guide

Watering

Water when top 2–3 cm of soil is fully dry; reduce watering during extreme heat to prevent root stress

Fertilization

Diluted balanced feed once every 4 weeks. Use diluted feed only in active growing season to avoid burning succulent roots

Banana peel compost tea:Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 before applying to soil; avoid direct contact with leaves to prevent leaf burn
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering through the growing season
  • Trim leggy stems in mid-summer to maintain a compact, mat-forming habit
  • Remove damaged or yellowed leaves to improve airflow and reduce pest habitat
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no known adverse effects from ingestion

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; edible leaves can be used in salads in small quantities

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Symbolizes resilience due to its drought-tolerant, low-maintenance nature

Usage: Ground cover for rock gardens, container plant for patios, and edging for flower beds