Purslane is a weed. Its literally considered just that, weeds. No one wants to eat it but trust me, you should. I told some people, as they looked at me with disdain in their eyes and disgust on their faces. Purslane has got more Omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy green plant! And it tastes delicious! I said excitedly as I started pulling out my phone to show them some pictures of purslane plants. Im telling you now; this stuff is good for your heart and brain!
Im starting my second season with Purslane and I must say that it was one of the best decisions Ive ever made. Growing purslane on your windowsill or indoors in containers is a fantastic way to have fresh, tasty greens all year long!
Purslane is a plant that has been around for centuries, but not many people know about it. Purslane has a wide variety of benefits and can be grown in containers or outside. In this article, we will go through how to grow purslane indoors.
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is a versatile succulent that can be grown both outdoors and indoors. With its juicy leaves and tangy, lemony flavor, purslane makes a nutritious addition to salads soups and other dishes. But did you know you can also cultivate this superfood right in your own home? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about growing purslane as a houseplant.
Why Grow Purslane Indoors?
Here are some of the main benefits of growing purslane inside:
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Access to fresh greens year-round – Having an indoor purslane plant provides a supply of tasty, nutrient-packed leaves regardless of the season.
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Adds visual interest – With its rounded, succulent foliage and cheerful yellow flowers, purslane makes an attractive and unique houseplant
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Cleans indoor air – Like many houseplants, purslane removes toxins from the air through the natural process of photosynthesis.
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Compact size – Thanks to its low, spreading habit, purslane thrives in smaller living spaces and containers.
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Edible and medicinal uses – Eating home-grown purslane provides antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and other beneficial nutrients.
Optimal Growing Conditions for Purslane
Though low-maintenance, purslane still has preferences for optimal growth. Here are the key factors to provide:
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Sunlight – Purslane requires at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. A south or west-facing window is ideal. Supplement with grow lights if needed.
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Temperature – This plant thrives in temperatures between 70-80°F. Avoid freezing conditions.
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Soil – Use a well-draining potting mix. Purslane prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH around 6.0-6.5.
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Water – Allow the soil to dry out some between waterings, taking care not to overwater.
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Humidity – Average room humidity is fine. Mist the leaves occasionally for a moisture boost.
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Container – Choose a pot or planter with drainage holes wide and shallow enough to accommodate the spreading roots.
How to Plant Purslane Indoors
Purslane can be grown from seeds or cuttings:
From Seed
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Sow seeds just below the soil surface in starter trays or directly in the planter.
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Keep the soil consistently moist until seeds germinate in 5-15 days.
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Thin or transplant seedlings 8-12″ apart once the second set of leaves appears.
From Cuttings
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Take 4-6″ cuttings from healthy purslane stems. Remove lower leaves.
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Stick cuttings directly in potting soil. Keep the soil moist while new roots establish in 2-3 weeks.
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Transplant into a planter once rooted or take additional cuttings.
Caring for Your Indoor Purslane
With proper care, purslane is an easy houseplant. Follow these tips:
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Water when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Avoid overwatering.
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Fertilize monthly with a half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer.
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Prune stem tips to encourage bushy, compact growth.
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Harvest outer leaves regularly, allowing inner leaves to continue growing.
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Watch for pests like aphids, mealybugs, or spider mites.
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Repot each spring into fresh potting mix. A 4-6” pot is sufficient.
Using Your Homegrown Purslane
One of the joys of growing purslane inside is harvesting those tangy, juicy leaves for cooking. Try adding them to:
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Salads – Toss with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, nuts, and balsamic vinaigrette.
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Stir fries – Add at the end for fresh flavor.
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Smoothies – Blend with fruits and greens for nutrients.
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Pesto – Use in place of basil for a unique taste.
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Pickling – Pickle the stems or leaves.
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Soups – Add leaves at the end.
With its easy care needs, edibility, and ornamental appeal, purslane is an excellent indoor plant choice. Just provide this succulent with ample sunlight, moderate watering, and general houseplant care for success indoors. The reward is having a supply of delicious, healthy greens to harvest right in your own home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Purslane Indoors
Can purslane be grown as a houseplant?
Yes! Purslane’s succulent leaves and colorful flowers make it a great houseplant. It thrives in containers near sunny windows. Remove spent blooms to prevent self-seeding.
Should purslane be brought inside for winter?
Container grown purslane can be brought indoors for winter. Place it in a sunny spot with direct light daily. Avoid temperatures below 40°F.
How is potted purslane cared for?
Purslane isn’t picky, tolerating various light and soil conditions. Let soil dry between waterings and avoid overwatering. Fertilize monthly during growth. Prune for shape and harvest leaves regularly.
Does purslane regrow every year?
Since purslane is an annual, it won’t regrow the following year unless allowed to self-seed. Container plants can overwinter indoors in sunny windows.
Can you successfully grow purslane from seeds indoors?
Yes! Sow purslane seeds in moistened starter mix. Germination takes 14-21 days. Thin or transplant seedlings once the second set of leaves appears. Give them ample sunlight.
How much sun does purslane need for indoor growing?
Purslane thrives best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A sunny south or west-facing window is ideal. Supplement natural light with grow lights if needed.
How to Grow Purslane Indoors
With the right conditions, Purslane can be grown indoors. It is best to start purslane seeds inside in late winter so they have a chance to grow large enough before planting outside for the summer growing season. If youll be planting in your garden.
Purslane has few pests and disease problems but needs care when it comes to watering while germinating or starting. If you grow purslane indoors, be sure to keep it in a pot that drains properly.
Water Purslane plants regularly while they are germinating or starting but then water less often as they mature so that their roots have time to get established deep into the soil where there is more moisture.
Be sure the window you place it in will allow for at least six hours of sunlight per day and fertilize Purslane plants weekly with a water-soluble organic fertilizer.
Purslane grows best in soil with good drainage. The Purslane plant can survive in both clay and sandy soils, but it will be much more productive if planted in the latter. Purslane is relatively cold-hardy so you could also grow it in container gardens all year long or as an annual herb garden outdoors if your climate is warm enough.
I prefer to make a soil mix myself, but you may also choose a good potting soil. I like Happy Frog Potting Soil. Its essential to make sure you use a potting mix if you buy soil. Buying potting soil will get expensive. Well-draining soil is vital for growing in pots. Purslane needs well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter.
A good soil mixture is one part compost, one part coco coir, and one part perlite. I add six tablespoons of greensand, six tablespoons of bone meal, six tablespoons of blood meal, and three tablespoons of azomite to the mix. This is what I use for a three-gallon container.
Purslane prefers soil that is moist but not wet, and it does best in well-drained soil. Purslane plants do not need a lot of water to grow successfully; however, they will require more watering during the hottest part of summer when temperatures are above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure you provide enough water to keep the soil moist, but not wet.
Water Purslane plants at least once a week or every other week in order to make sure that they are healthy and able to grow quickly. They do best when watered daily during hot weather without becoming waterlogged. If you live in an area that rainfall is scarce, consider watering your purslane plants twice a week to make sure their soil is moist and healthy.
The Purslane plant does not care for overwatering; instead, it favors moderate watering which helps the roots get nutrients from the surrounding soil.
Purslane plants are not picky about the amount of sunlight they get, as long as they can be exposed to bright light. Purslane likes strong sun and grow well outdoors in the full-day sun or even with some shade during most hours of the day.
It is also possible to grow purslane indoors by placing them near a sunny window. If you live in a very cold climate, then it is best to grow purslane indoors because they will do better when there are four seasons and the temperature is more moderate.
Purslane plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day for good growth.
How to Eat Purslane
Purslane is a great plant to grow for your salad. Purslane tastes similar to spinach and watercress, but it has more crunch. It also contains all the necessary vitamins as well as the minerals that your body needs in order to live healthy too!