As a member of the Portulaca genus, I am a sun-worshipper by my very nature. My succulent leaves and vibrant, papery flowers are evolutionary masterpieces designed for thriving in bright, direct, and prolonged sunlight. The process of photosynthesis is my lifeblood, and the sun is my primary source of energy. However, like all living things, there is a balance to be struck. While I crave abundant light, conditions that are too extreme or, conversely, insufficient, will cause me to display clear physical signs of distress. Observing these signs is key to understanding my needs.
Although I adore the sun, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing, particularly during intense heatwaves or in climates with scorching afternoon sun. When my photosynthetic systems are overwhelmed, I will show you. The most telling sign is a change in my foliage. My normally plump, glossy, green or needle-like leaves may become pale, taking on a whitish or yellowish bleached appearance. In severe cases, the leaves will develop dry, crispy, brown patches or edges—this is a sunburn, plain and simple. This scorching damages my cells, impeding my ability to create food. You might also notice my flowers wilting much faster than usual or my soil drying out at an unsustainable rate, leaving my roots parched.
This is a far more common issue for those who keep me in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. My primary response to insufficient light is a desperate search for the sun, a condition known as etiolation. You will notice my stems becoming long, thin, and spindly as they stretch awkwardly toward the nearest light source. The space between my leaves (internodes) will become noticeably elongated, making me look leggy and weak instead of compact and bushy. Furthermore, my flowering will be severely impacted. I may produce very few flowers, or none at all, as I do not have the energy to create blooms. My leaf color may also fade to a lighter, less vibrant green due to a lack of chlorophyll, which I produce in response to strong light.
To see me at my best—lush, compact, and covered in a carpet of brilliant flowers—I require a specific light recipe. My ideal location is a spot that receives full sun for a minimum of 6 to 8 hours daily. Morning sun is particularly beneficial as it is strong yet gentle, drying the dew from my leaves and warming me up for the day without the harsh intensity of the late afternoon rays. In very hot climates, a little dappled afternoon shade can protect me from the most extreme heat and prevent scorching. The goal is to provide consistent, abundant light that fuels vigorous growth and prolific blooming without crossing into the territory of leaf scorch.
