Your new portulaca just made the trip from our nursery to your home, and how you treat it in the first couple of weeks makes a big difference in how quickly it settles in and starts blooming. Here's what to do.
Check for Shipping Stress
Portulaca is tough, but a little wilting, curled leaves, or a few dropped blooms after shipping is normal. The stems are succulent and store water, so don't panic if the plant looks slightly tired. Give it a few days in bright, indirect light before judging how it's doing.
Hydrate Before Anything Else
Water your portulaca thoroughly as soon as it arrives, letting water run through the drainage holes. Portulaca stores moisture in its leaves and stems, so avoid soaking it again until the top inch of soil dries out completely.
Keep It in the Pot for Now
Resist the urge to plant right away. Leave your portulaca in its nursery pot for about a week so it can recover from shipping and adjust to your home's light and humidity before facing the stress of transplanting.
Acclimate to Sun Gradually
Portulaca loves full sun, but a plant shipped in lower light needs a gradual introduction. Start it in a spot with a few hours of morning sun, then increase exposure over 7 to 10 days until it's ready for a full-sun spot in the garden.
When to Plant in the Ground
Once your portulaca has had about a week to recover and has been acclimated to full sun, it's ready for planting. Choose a well-draining spot in full sun, since soggy soil is the fastest way to lose this drought-lover. For more on choosing a spot and ongoing care, see our Moss Rose (Portulaca) Care Guide, and if you're deciding between look-alikes, check out Portulaca vs Purslane: What's the Difference and Which to Grow.