Why Choose a Portulaca (Moss Rose) for Your Home?

• Low Maintenance: Thrives in sunny spots with minimal care.
• Drought-Tolerant: Needs little water, ideal for busy or beginner gardeners.
• Vibrant Blooms: Colorful flowers all season long.
• Versatile: Great for containers, hanging baskets, or small spaces.
• Pest-Resistant: Generally avoids pests, reducing care time.

How to Grow Portulaca (Moss Rose)

Step-by-Step Process (Recommended for Home Gardeners):

• Planting from Seeds:
  Soil: Use a well-draining mix with potting soil, sand, and perlite.
  Planting: Sprinkle seeds lightly on the soil. Don’t cover them as they need light.
  Watering: Mist the soil lightly, keeping it moist. Cover with plastic for faster germination.
  Germination: After 7-14 days, remove the plastic and thin seedlings to leave the healthiest ones.
  Quick Home Funda: Add crushed banana peels to the soil for stronger roots and better flowering.
• Planting from Cuttings:
  Cutting: Take a 4-6 inch healthy stem below a leaf node.
  Drying: Let the cut end dry for 1-2 hours.
  Rooting: Dip in rooting hormone and plant in well-draining soil.
  Care: Water lightly and keep in indirect sunlight. Roots will form in 1-2 weeks.
  Quick Home Funda: Add onion peels to boost root development with natural sulfur.
• Transplanting: When seedlings or cuttings develop strong roots, transplant them 6-8 inches apart. Portulaca also grows well in hanging baskets or containers.

Common Problems, Pests & Diseases

Urban Farmer’s Solutions for a Healthy plant:

1. Aphids and Mites: Aphids and mites suck the cell sap from the leaves and make the plant weak. Spray neem oil 2 ml/20 drops or Mix 1 protec tab in 1 liter of water once a week for effective control.
2. Powdery Mildew: Portulaca can develop powdery mildew in areas with high humidity. Powdery mildew appears as white or grayish powdery spots on the leaves, stems, and buds of plants. Improve air circulation around the plant by spacing it well and pruning regularly. Spray organic fungicide Tricho Shield 5 gm or half spoon per liter of water. Repeat the spray 7 days after the first spray for the best results.

Best Practices for Growing Portulaca (Moss Rose)

Urban Farmer’s Expert Tips for Portulaca (Moss Rose):

• Soil: Use well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Add compost or crushed eggshells for extra nutrients.
• Sunlight: Needs 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily. Place it in a sunny spot or near a south/west-facing window.
• Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Ensure good drainage to avoid root rot.
• Temperature: Thrives in warm temperatures (20°C to 35°C), but avoids frost.
• Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage.

Recommended Products for Portulaca (Moss Rose)

Urban Farmer’s Trusted Products for Portulaca (Moss Rose) Care:

1. Fertilizers:
   • Balanced Fertilizer: Add one grow TAB in a liter of water and spray on foliage every 15 to 20 days. It helps in boosting overall growth and improving leaf color.
   • Slow-Release Fertilizer: Insert one green fertilizer stick fully into the soil, 2-3 inches away from the plant stem. Repeat it after 60 days. A single application of one stick provides your plants with a steady supply of nutrients for up to 2 months.
2. Pesticides:
   • Neem Oil: Mix 2 ml of neem oil/20 drops in 1 liter of water and spray it every 10 days to prevent and control sucking pests and other pests. Neem oil is a safe and organic solution that doesn't harm beneficial insects.
   • Tricho Shield: Mix 5 gm of Tricho Shield/half spoon (Trichoderma viride) in 1 liter of water and spray it every 20 days to prevent and control fungal diseases like leaf spot and powdery mildew. Tricho Shield is an organic fungicide that promotes plant health without harming the environment.
   • Protec Tab: Mix 1 protec tab in 1 liter of water and spray it every 20 days to prevent and control fungal diseases and pest.
3. Growth Promoters:
   • Seaweed Extract: Spray 2 ml/20 drops per liter of water on both side of leaves or apply it to the soil once a month to encourage strong root development and improve plant vigor.
   • Vermicompost: Improve soil with this organic compost for better growth.

By following these detailed guidelines and incorporating the trusted products recommended by Urban Farmer, you can cultivate healthy and vibrant Portulaca in your home or terrace garden.