Can You Grow Purslane Indoors? A Complete Guide

Purslane is a versatile plant that can thrive both outdoors and indoors. With its succulent leaves and tangy flavor purslane is a nutritious addition to salads soups, and stir-fries. But did you know you can also grow this superfood right in your own home? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about growing purslane indoors.

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is a trailing succulent that produces clustered round leaves and yellow flowers. It’s native to India and the Middle East but has naturalized in temperate regions around the world. Often considered a weed in the garden, purslane is actually a highly nutritious edible plant packed with nutrients like Vitamins A, C, and E, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and minerals.

In addition to its nutritional value, purslane makes an easy-to-grow houseplant. Its ability to store water in its thick leaves means it’s more drought tolerant than many other plants. Once established, purslane requires little maintenance beyond adequate sunlight and occasional watering.

Benefits of Growing Purslane Indoors

There are many advantages to growing purslane inside your home. Here are some of the top benefits

• Access to fresh greens year-round: Growing purslane indoors provides a supply of tasty, nutrient-dense leaves regardless of the season.

• Adds visual interest: With its rounded succulent leaves and yellow button flowers, purslane makes an attractive and unique houseplant.

• Cleans indoor air: Like many houseplants, purslane removes toxins from the air through its natural process of photosynthesis.

• Compact size: Purslane’s low spreading habit makes it well-suited for smaller living spaces. It can thrive in containers.

• Edible and medicinal uses: Incorporating home-grown purslane into your diet can provide nutritional and potential health benefits.

Growing Conditions for Purslane Indoors

While purslane is easy to grow, providing optimal conditions will result in a thriving indoor plant. Here are the key factors to consider:

• Sunlight: Purslane thrives best in a sunny window with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Supplement with grow lights if needed.

• Temperature: Ideal temperatures are between 70-80°F. Avoid freezing temperatures.

• Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix. Purslane prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5.

• Water: Allow soil to dry out between waterings, taking care not to overwater.

• Humidity: Average room humidity is fine. Mist leaves occasionally for added moisture.

• Container: Select a pot or planter with drainage holes wide and shallow enough to accommodate purslane’s spreading growth habit.

How to Plant Purslane Indoors

Purslane can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Here’s how to plant purslane in your home:

From Seed:

• Sow seeds just below the soil surface in starter trays or directly in the planter.

• Keep soil moist until seeds germinate in 5-15 days.

• Thin or transplant seedlings 8-12” apart once the second set of leaves appears.

From Cuttings:

• Take 4-6 inch cuttings from healthy purslane stems.

• Remove lower leaves and stick directly in soil.

• Keep soil moist while new roots establish in 2-3 weeks.

• Transplant once rooted or take additional cuttings.

Caring for Your Indoor Purslane

With the right care, purslane makes an easy indoor plant. Follow these tips:

• Water whenever the top inch of soil is dry. Don’t overwater.

• Fertilize monthly with a half-strength, balanced liquid fertilizer.

• Prune stem tips to encourage bushy, compact growth.

• Harvest outer leaves regularly, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing.

• Check for common houseplant pests like aphids, mealybugs, or spider mites.

• Repot each spring into fresh potting mix. A 4-6 inch pot is sufficient.

How to Use Purslane

The best part of growing purslane indoors is harvesting those tangy, succulent leaves for use in recipes like:

• Purslane salad – Toss fresh purslane leaves with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette.

• Stir fry – Add purslane leaves at the end for a nutritional boost.

• Smoothies – Blend purslane with your favorite fruits and greens.

• Pesto – Use purslane leaves in place of basil for a unique flavor.

• Pickling – Pickle purslane stems or leaves for a crispy, sour snack.

With its pretty foliage, compact size, and many uses, purslane is an excellent choice for indoor growing. Follow this guide for how to successfully plant, care for, and enjoy purslane in your own home. The availability of fresh greens and the visual interest of this unique succulent are just a few of the rewards of growing purslane indoors.