Portulaca molokiniensis #591

About Portulaca molokiniensis

Portulaca molokiniensis, known in Hawaii as ihi, is a rare, federally endangered succulent endemic to the arid coastal islets of Molokini and Kahoolawe. Unlike its trailing, ground hugging relatives, this species grows upright on thick, corky, greyish stems that slowly form a compact, sculptural clump. The fleshy, rounded leaves are arranged in a distinctive four columned, cross shaped pattern along the stem tips, creating a geometric, almost architectural appearance. The bright green, lightly waxy foliage stays attractive year round, and mature plants may produce small, cup shaped lemon yellow flowers at the stem tips, typically opening during the sunniest part of the day. When grown from seed, it may eventually develop a caudex, a thickened, water storing swelling at the base of the stem. A single plant gradually clusters and fills in, becoming a fuller specimen over time. Its Hawaiian origin, upright clustering habit, and rarity make it a genuine conversation piece for collectors and anyone drawn to unusual succulents.

How to care for Portulaca molokiniensis

Sun and Location: This succulent is a light craver and performs best in full sun to very bright light, with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Strong light is essential for maintaining the compact, stacked rosette shape and the vibrant green color. Insufficient light causes the stems to stretch and lose their geometric symmetry. A south or west facing window is ideal indoors. It also appreciates good air circulation and benefits from a breezy, open position rather than a stagnant corner. Outdoors in summer, move it to a sunny spot but always shelter it from rain, as excess moisture quickly causes rot.

Soil and Pot: This is an extremophile when it comes to drainage. Use a very gritty, porous cactus or succulent mix with a high proportion of pumice, perlite, or coarse sand, with more mineral than organic matter. Standard potting soil retains far too much moisture. Choose a pot with drainage holes, and never allow it to sit in standing water. A heavier, wider pot also helps stabilize the upright stems as the plant grows.

Watering: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, then water thoroughly and let excess drain away. This plant is highly drought resistant and can comfortably go 10 to 14 days without water. It will even show gentle wilting as a signal that it is ready for a drink. Overwatering is the primary cause of failure, so when in doubt, wait longer rather than watering sooner. In winter, reduce watering frequency significantly as growth slows. Never let water sit in the rosette or saucer.

Propagating: Propagate easily from stem cuttings. Take a 5 to 10 cm cutting, allow it to callous for a few days in a dry, shaded spot, then plant it in fresh, gritty mix. Roots typically form within a few weeks. Seed propagation is also possible but slower.

More Information

Primary color: Bright, light green
Secondary color: Corky, greyish brown stems on mature plants
Bloom color: Bright lemon yellow, cup shaped, at stem tips
Cold hardiness: Not frost tolerant. Best suited to USDA Zones 9 to 11. Move indoors when temperatures approach 4°C or 39°F. Keep above 5 to 10°C for safe overwintering.
Product format: 2 inch pot
Suitability: Sunny windowsill, collector display, desk with bright light, indoor succulent collection, architectural focal point
Propagation: Stem cuttings and seed
Growth rate: Slow to moderate
Special characteristics: Upright, clustering habit, four columned leaf arrangement, may form a caudex from seed, bright yellow flowers, extremely drought tolerant, signals thirst with gentle wilting, rare and endangered in habitat, requires excellent drainage and airflow
Pet safety: Use caution. Sources differ, but this species is widely reported to contain soluble calcium oxalates or saponins that can cause salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, or digestive upset if chewed or ingested by cats and dogs. It is not considered reliably pet safe. Keep it well out of reach of pets and curious children.

We pack all shipments by hand. 

We have many years of experience shipping live succulents and cactus plants. We pay close attention to packing and have developed an expert shipping method. All succulents are packed and protected with polypropylene cotton (this is a stuffing used for dolls). We find this is the most effective material for protecting live plants while in transit. It is important to us that you are able to Keep going and Keep growing without any stress about the quality of the product or packaging.

Shipping Speed

In general, it takes 3 to 10 days for plants to arrive after you place your order. All orders will be shipped out 48 hours after you place them. We ship the orders on work days(from Monday to Saturday) and all year round. In normal conditions, it will take 3-10 days for you to receive the package. Estimated shipping times are offered as needed.

HOLIDAYS: During weeks in which a holiday occurs - Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, etc. - shipping may be delayed until the following week.

EXTREME WEATHER NOTICE: The Next Gardener reserves the right to hold shipments during storms or periods of extreme heat or cold. This is to ensure your plant does not suffer while it is in transit.

Winter shipping

We insist on shipping succulents to our customers all year round. However due to the extreme winter weather, although we pack succulents with as much protective material as possible, plants are still at increased risk of frost on their way to colder areas. We highly recommend adding one 72-hour heat pack to your order or you can request a hold on the package until it warms up.

Please note that The Next Gardener is not responsible for packages that suffer cold damage without a heat pack. We cannot control the weather. Order at your own risk.

Hawaii, Alaska, and Other US Territories

Fortunately, shipping is available to Alaska, Guam, and other U.S. Territories. However, due to numerous factors beyond our control, including customs checks and shipping delays, free shipping to Hawaii and Puerto Rico is not an option. And we can not provide the 14-day quality guarantee for orders going to Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The buyer will assume all risk of damage when a delivery is delayed. We appreciate your understanding.

Sorry. No International Shipping for now!!!