To understand my watering needs, you must first understand what I am. I am Portulaca grandiflora, commonly known as Moss Rose or Purslane. I am a succulent plant, which means my stems and leaves are specially designed to store water. My fleshy, cylindrical leaves are my personal water reservoirs, allowing me to withstand periods of drought that would wither other plants. My primary request is for excellent drainage. My roots are susceptible to rot if they sit in consistently wet, soggy soil. Therefore, my golden rule is: When in doubt, it is always safer to underwater me than to overwater me.
When you grow me in a container, my environment is more controlled but also more confined. The soil in a pot dries out significantly faster than garden bed soil, especially during hot and sunny weather. You should check the moisture level of my soil regularly. The best method is the "finger test." Insert your finger about two inches into the soil. If the soil at that depth feels completely dry, it is time to provide a thorough, deep watering. If it still feels cool or slightly moist, I do not need water yet. In the peak of summer, this might mean watering me every 2-3 days. During cooler, cloudier periods, I may only need water once a week or even less. Always ensure my pot has drainage holes and that you water me until you see water escaping from the bottom, then empty the saucer afterward.
Once I am established in a garden bed, my watering needs decrease. The greater soil volume retains moisture for a longer period, and my roots can spread out to seek water. After the initial planting period where I need consistent moisture to establish my root system, I become remarkably self-sufficient. In a garden bed, you should rely almost entirely on natural rainfall. Only during extended periods of drought—typically more than two weeks without any significant rain—should you consider supplemental watering. Again, check my soil. If the ground around my base is dry to the touch a few inches down, a deep, soaking drink is beneficial. This deep watering encourages my roots to grow downward, making me even more resilient.
My watering schedule is not fixed; it is a response to my environment. Several key factors will dictate how often I need a drink. The most important is sunlight. I thrive in full, blazing sun, but this also means the soil around me dries quickly. High temperatures and wind will also accelerate evaporation from the soil and transpiration from my leaves. Conversely, cool, cloudy, or humid weather drastically reduces my water consumption. The type of soil is also critical. I demand a very well-draining sandy or gritty mix. Heavy, clay-based soils retain too much water and are dangerous for me, requiring much less frequent irrigation.
I will communicate my distress, but you must know how to interpret the signs. The symptoms of overwatering and underwatering can appear similar at first glance because both cause wilting. However, the key difference is the condition of the soil and the leaves. If I am overwatered, my soil will be constantly wet, my stems will feel soft and mushy, and my leaves may turn yellow and drop. This is a serious, often fatal condition called root rot. If I am underwatered, my soil will be bone dry and my leaves, though they may wilt slightly in extreme afternoon heat, will feel thin and wrinkled. I will perk up quickly, often within hours, after a good drink.
