LoveToKnow Garden:AllComments

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I have been told my beautiful plant is a Portulaca, but mine has tiny pink flowers which amasses when in bloom. Can anybody tell which variety this is please? I can sent pictures if required.

-- Contributed by: Bobbie Jones

Hi Peg,

It probably won't hurt to try, but since it is an annual it may not make it through the winter. Maybe if you put them under grow lights they would make it. I don't think I'd put them by a window though. Windows can be cold and drafty and many plants do not do well, especially if they happen to be touching the cold window.

Make sure they have well drained soil and moderate humidity. They need bright light (that grow light I mentioned) and temperatures around 50 to 75 degrees. When you water them, use room temperature water.

The good news is, they are so easy to grow from seed that you can start them indoors in the spring if you'd like, or just sow them directly in the soil outside. Then you'll have plenty of new ones again.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

I have a beautiful reddish pink portulaca. Can I bring it inside the house to a window that gets plenty of sun when the temperatures start to dip towards freezing? It was so beautiful this past summer- I do hope I will be able to take it inside and then when spring arrives bring it back outside once again.

-- Contributed by: Peg

Hi WB Brooklyn, The portulaca does close at night- this may explain what you are seeing or rather, not seeing. They do like warmer temperatures and plenty of direct sunlight. Check for any signs of pests - spider mites and thrips are common with these plants.

-- Contributed by: Charlotte Gerber

My portulacas are in full sun and planted in good soil. And, while they were blooming like crazy when I got them from the nursery, and even had a hearty bloom the next week, they have not bloomed since. The flowers are there, but they remain closed. I water them daily. What can I do to encourage blooms? I see them in the morning and evening. Is it possible that they are open during the day, only?

-- Contributed by: wb, brooklyn

Hi Pat, I have been unable to find Sunset Fire in particular, but I did find several other beautiful varieties at Park Seed.

-- Contributed by: Charlotte Gerber

I purchased a Portulaca 'Sunset Fire' several years ago and it was gorgeous! Now I can't find it anywhere. I've heard there was some sort of virus that was the problem according to ProvenWinners, but I didn't have a problem at all. I'd really like to get a few of these plants. Please give me any information you might obtain. Thanks, Pat

-- Contributed by: Pat Rokey

Portulaca is an annual.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

anual or perrenial?

-- Contributed by: Portulaca Sundial Hybrid
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