{"product_id":"portulaca-molokiniensis-2","title":"Portulaca molokiniensis #591","description":"\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eAbout Portulaca molokiniensis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003ePortulaca 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eHow to care for Portulaca molokiniensis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSun and Location: \u003c\/strong\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil and Pot:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering: \u003c\/strong\u003eAllow 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePropagating: \u003c\/strong\u003ePropagate 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003eMore Information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary color:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright, light green\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSecondary color: \u003c\/strong\u003eCorky, greyish brown stems on mature plants\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBloom color: \u003c\/strong\u003eBright lemon yellow, cup shaped, at stem tips\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCold hardiness: \u003c\/strong\u003eNot 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct format: \u003c\/strong\u003e2 inch pot\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitability: \u003c\/strong\u003eSunny windowsill, collector display, desk with bright light, indoor succulent collection, architectural focal point\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePropagation: \u003c\/strong\u003eStem cuttings and seed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slow to moderate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial characteristics: \u003c\/strong\u003eUpright, 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\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePet safety:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Next Gardener","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67730509824055,"sku":"S-591-2in-1","price":5.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0043\/3628\/7813\/files\/Portulaca_molokiniensis_2in_3.jpg?v=1794208226","url":"https:\/\/thenextgardener.com\/products\/portulaca-molokiniensis-2","provider":"Thenextgardener","version":"1.0","type":"link"}