Portulaca/10 o clock Hybrid Colored Flowers Plant

Portulaca (commonly called 10 O’Clock Flower / Moss Rose) is very easy to grow, especially in hot, sunny climates.

🌞 Sunlight (MOST IMPORTANT)

• Needs full sun — 6–8 hours daily
• Flowers open in bright sunlight (around 10 AM)
• Too much shade = lots of leaves, few or no flowers

🌱 Soil

• Likes light, sandy, well-draining soil
• Best mix:
  • Garden soil + sand + compost (1:1:1)
  • Or cactus/succulent mix
• Avoid clay or water-holding soil ❌

🌱 How to Grow

1️⃣ From Seeds

1. Sprinkle seeds on soil surface (do not bury deeply)
2. Press gently; water with spray
3. Germination: 5–10 days
4. Keep soil slightly moist (not wet)

2️⃣ From Cuttings (Easiest!)

1. Cut a healthy stem (8–10 cm)
2. Let it dry 2–3 hours
3. Plant directly in dry soil
4. Water lightly after 2 days
   ✔ Roots form in about 1 week

💧 Watering

• Water only when soil is dry
• Overwatering causes rot
• In summer: 2–3 times per week
• Rainy season: water only if soil is fully dry

🪴 Pot & Spacing

• Use shallow, wide pots or hanging baskets
• Ensure drainage holes
• Space plants 10–15 cm apart

🌸 Fertilizer

• Use low-nitrogen fertilizer
• Feed every 2–3 weeks
• Too much fertilizer = leaves grow, flowers stop

✂️ Pruning & Care

• Pinch tips to encourage bushy growth
• Remove faded flowers to promote new blooms
• Trim leggy plants mid-season for fresh growth

🐛 Pests & Problems

• Rarely affected by pests
• Mealybugs or aphids → neem oil spray
• No flowers → needs more sunlight