The Portulaca, also known as 10 O’Clock (Portulaca grandiflora), is a sun-loving succulent that bursts with color and vibrancy, making it a perfect addition to gardens, patios, and hanging baskets. This hardy, low-maintenance plant is renowned for its beautiful, multi-colored blooms that appear in the late morning, typically around 10 AM, earning it the name “10 O’Clock.”
Portulaca thrives in hot, dry conditions, making it an excellent choice for areas with intense sun and minimal rainfall. Its succulent foliage stores water, allowing it to endure dry spells and requiring little care once established. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color to your garden beds, containers, or even as ground cover, the Portulaca 10 O’Clock is a stunning and easy-to-grow plant.
Key Features:
- Appearance: Portulaca (10 O’Clock) features vibrant, funnel-shaped flowers in a variety of colors including red, pink, yellow, orange, and white. The flowers open in the late morning and close by late afternoon, providing a short but stunning burst of color. The fleshy, succulent leaves are bright green and spread across the plant, giving it a full, bushy look.
- Size: Typically grows to 6-8 inches in height and spreads 12-18 inches wide, making it ideal for ground cover or container planting.
- Light Requirements: Prefers full sun and can tolerate intense heat and dry conditions.
- Watering Needs: Very drought-tolerant once established. Water when the soil is dry, but avoid overwatering.
- Soil: Thrives in well-draining, sandy or loamy soil.
- Hardiness Zone: Best suited for USDA zones 10-11, though it can be grown as an annual in cooler climates.
Care Instructions for Portulaca (10 O’Clock)
Light: Portulaca (10 O’Clock) loves the sun! It thrives in full sun and requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce its vibrant blooms. In fact, the plant blooms more profusely the more sunlight it receives. If growing indoors, place it near a south-facing window or under grow lights. This plant can tolerate high heat and intense sunlight, making it an ideal choice for hot, sunny gardens or patios.
Watering: Portulaca is highly drought-tolerant due to its succulent nature. Water it thoroughly when the soil feels dry, but always ensure the pot or garden bed has good drainage to prevent waterlogging. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so allow the soil to dry out between waterings. During the growing season (spring through summer), water about once every 5-7 days, but reduce watering frequency in the fall and winter when growth slows.
Soil: Portulaca (10 O’Clock) prefers well-draining, sandy or loamy soil. It does best in slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. If planting in containers, use a cactus or succulent mix to ensure adequate drainage. Avoid heavy, clayey soils, as they tend to retain moisture, which can lead to root rot. If planting in the ground, amend the soil with sand or perlite for better drainage.
Temperature: Portulaca thrives in warm temperatures between 70°F (21°C) and 90°F (32°C). It is heat-tolerant and loves the sun, but can struggle in temperatures below 50°F (10°C). If you live in a cooler climate, you can grow this plant as an annual or in containers that can be brought inside during the colder months. Avoid planting it in areas with frost risk.
Humidity: Portulaca is a low-maintenance plant that tolerates dry air well. Unlike many other plants, it does not require high humidity levels and will thrive in normal household conditions. Outdoor plants may need occasional watering during dry spells, but in general, this is a plant that does well in arid climates and can survive with minimal moisture.
Fertilization: Portulaca (10 O’Clock) is a relatively light feeder. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) to encourage healthy growth and abundant flowering. Avoid excessive fertilization, as it can lead to more leaves and less flowering. Use a water-soluble fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. No need to fertilize in the winter when the plant is dormant.
Pruning: This plant requires very little pruning. Simply remove any dead or wilted flowers to encourage new blooms and maintain its tidy appearance. You can also trim back leggy growth to promote bushier growth and a more compact form. Pruning is best done in early spring before the plant begins its new growth cycle
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How often should I water my Portulaca (10 O’Clock) plant?
A: Portulaca is drought-tolerant and prefers to dry out between waterings. Water the plant when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry, about once every 5-7 days during the growing season. In the cooler months, reduce watering frequency to prevent overwatering.
Q: Can I grow Portulaca indoors?
A: Yes, Portulaca (10 O’Clock) can be grown indoors as long as it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Place it near a south-facing window or under grow lights to ensure it gets enough light to bloom.
Q: What type of soil is best for Portulaca?
A: Portulaca thrives in well-draining soil. Use a sandy or loamy mix with good drainage. If growing in containers, opt for a cactus or succulent mix. Avoid heavy, clayey soils that retain moisture, as this can cause root rot.
Q: Can Portulaca handle full sun?
A: Yes, Portulaca (10 O’Clock) loves full sun and requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to bloom. It is heat-tolerant and thrives in sunny, hot environments, making it ideal for summer gardens and patios.
Q: How can I encourage more blooms on my Portulaca plant?
A: To encourage abundant blooms, ensure the plant gets full sun, and apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote more blooms and remove any leggy or wilted growth.
Q: Is Portulaca winter-hardy?
A: Portulaca (10 O’Clock) is not frost-tolerant and will die off in cold winter temperatures. In USDA hardiness zones 10-11, it can be grown as a perennial, but in colder regions, it is typically grown as an annual or in containers that can be brought indoors during the winter.
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The plants may look a little dull due to transit stress. Exposure to the sun and proper watering will restore the plants to their natural health.
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