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    Home»Succulents and Cacti»Calandrinia Grandiflora (Rock Purslane): Growing and Care Guide

    Calandrinia Grandiflora (Rock Purslane): Growing and Care Guide

    By Milo MasonOctober 29, 2022
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    Calandrinia grandiflora, commonly known as Rock Purslane, is a succulent species with incredible, showy flowers that last months. Typically grown as ground cover adorning garden borders, these succulents can also be grown as potted houseplants.

    Calandrinia Grandiflora
    Calandrinia grandiflora (“File:Calandrinia grandiflora 1b.jpg” by Ghislain118 (AD) http://www.fleurs-des-montagnes.net is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.)

    This article provides a step-by-step guide for growing Aloe cameronii at home.

    in this article:

    • care
    • pruning
    • repotting
    • propagation
    • blooms
    • pests
    • common-problems

    About Calandrinia grandiflora

    Calandrinia grandiflora (Rock Purslane) is a member of the Montiaceae family, typically referred to as purslanes. This plant is native to Chile and surrounding regions.

    Calandrinia grandiflora has smooth and blue-green leaves that are oval-shaped and elliptical at the base with pointed tips. The leaves can grow up to 3 inches long but tend to be about 1 inch in length on average.

    Flowers are the main attractions of these plants. Blooming from spring to autumn, they are spectacular to behold when in season.

    Related Article: Aptenia Cordifolia (Baby Sun Rose): Growing And Care Guide

    Botanical NameCalandrinia grandiflora
    Common NameRock Purslane
    FamilyMontiaceae
    Plant TypeSucculent
    OriginChile
    MaintenanceLow
    Height1-3 feet
    Width2-3 feet
    LightFull sun, Partial shade
    Bloom seasonSpring, Summer, Autumn
    Bloom colorPurple, Magenta
    Water needsLow
    SoilWell-Drained, Loamy, Sandy
    TolerantDrought
    Toxicitynon-toxic
    Hardiness (USDA)9-11

    Calandrinia grandiflora Care

    The Rock Purslane is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care once established.

    Light

    The Rock Purslane will grow in full sun to partial shade. It does best when planted in a location that receives about 2-3 hours of sunlight daily.

    Soil

    This plant prefers slightly acidic soil with good drainage and plenty of organic matter. Amend with coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage.

    Water

    Calandrinia grandiflora is drought tolerant once established. Water during dry spells until the plant is well established, then reduce watering to monthly or bi-monthly. 

    Avoid overwatering, as this is the primary cause of root rot. 

    Reduce watering significantly in winter, as that’s when this succulent enters dormancy.

    Temperature and Humidity

    This plant prefers warm temperatures. It will grow well in a greenhouse or indoors with supplemental heating. However, it can also be grown outdoors if the temperature doesn’t drop below freezing.

    The ideal temperature range for the Rock Purslane is between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Fertilizer

    This is a succulent that does not require much fertilizer. Fertilize the plant two or three times a year with a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer.

    Calandrinia Grandiflora Cheat Sheet
    Calandrinia grandiflora cheat sheet (“File:Calandrinia grandiflora 1.jpg” by Stan Shebs is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.)

    Pruning

    The plant is generally fairly carefree, but if you want to maintain a certain shape or size, you may need to prune it. Pruning will also help prevent the spread of disease and pests. Prune the plant in early spring before new growth begins.

    Potting and Repotting Rock Purslane

    This plant requires repotting every two to three years if grown in a container. Repot the plant when the roots have filled up its container.

    As the plant starts to grow, you’ll see roots peeking out the drainage holes or climbing over the pot’s rim in search of more nutrients. This is the time to repot.

    Prepare

    • Prepare the pot. A clay or terracotta pot with drainage holes is best.
    • Prepare the soil. Well-drained, sandy soil amended with peat moss.
    • Choose the spot. Sunny, partly shaded by surrounding foliage.
    • Gather the tools. A trowel, watering can, and pruning shears.

    How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

    1. Remove the plant from its current container and gently tease out any circling roots that may be tangled in the potting soil.
    2. Gently wash away any remaining dirt or debris from the roots.
    3. Inspect each root for signs of decay, damage, or disease before planting it into the new soil.
    4. Fill the new pot with soil and place the plant inside.
    5. Water thoroughly until water runs freely from the drainage hole.

    Propagating Calandrinia grandiflora by Cuttings (Step-by-Step)

    Wait for spring to propagate by cuttings. This allows the new sapling plenty of time to develop over the summer and before its winter dormancy.

    1. Select a healthy plant at least 6 inches tall to use for the cuttings.
    2. Remove any flowers or buds from the stem, as these will prevent rooting.
    3. Cut off a stem section with at least two nodes on it (where leaves emerge from stems).
    4. Remove any leaves and strip off the bottom leaves on each node to expose the inner bark.
    5. Plant the cutting in well-draining soil.
    6. Water thoroughly and wait for it to take root.

    Related: The Definitive Guide to Aptenia Cordifolia ‘Variegata’

    Blooms

    The flowers are the best part of the Calandrinia grandiflora. Purple or magenta, these daisy-like flowers only last a day before wilting. However, multiple buds bloom one after another, resulting in a display that lasts for months.

    The blooming season begins in spring and lasts all the way to the tail end of autumn.

    The flowers are borne on small stalks that rise above the foliage.

    Calandrinia Grandiflora Flowers
    Calandrinia grandiflora flowers (“Calandrinia grandiflora Lindl.” by pabloendemico is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)

    Toxicity

    Calandrinia grandiflora is non-toxic. It is safe to keep around pets and children.

    NOTE: This page is not intended as a substitute for veterinary advice. The toxicity of an ingested substance varies depending on the amount ingested, the animal’s weight, and its sensitivity to specific allergens. Contact your veterinarian or local animal poison control center immediately if you think your pet may have ingested a toxic substance.

    Common Pests

    Mealybugs

    Mealybugs are common pests of Calandrinia grandiflora. They feed on the plant’s sap, which causes it to wither or drop its flowers prematurely. If you notice white cottony growths on your plant, these are likely mealybugs. Remove them with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.

    Scale Insects

    Scale insects are small, brown, or black and look like tiny pieces of shell. They attach themselves to the stem or leaves and suck out the plant’s juices. As a result, the leaves will turn yellow and begin to wilt as they lose moisture. You can spray with horticultural or neem oil to kill these pests.

    Aphids

    Their black, pear-shaped bodies and translucent wings make these small insects easy to detect. They suck plant juices from the leaves and stems, leaving behind a sticky residue that attracts ants. Unfortunately, aphids also carry viruses that can be spread to other plants.

    AVOID

    • Overwatering
    • Placing under harsh sunlight
    • Using poorly drained potting mediums
    • Fertilizing during dormancy

    Common Problems

    • Overwatering: Too much water can cause many problems, including root rot. If the soil is constantly wet, it doesn’t have time to breathe and retain air. This can lead to root diseases or fungi that will damage your plants. Keep an eye on the moisture level in your soil so that it dries out completely before a watering session.
    • Overfertilization: Too much fertilizer can cause nutrient burn, which is when the plants are overfed, and their leaves turn yellow or brown. It’s important to read the label on your fertilizers and follow directions closely.
    • Sunburn: Too much sun can burn leaves and lead to black spots on the leaf surface. This happens when the plant isn’t given enough water or is under stress from too much heat. It’s important to give your plants plenty of shade and water them regularly, especially if they are in direct sunlight.

    FAQ

    Calandrinia grandiflora is an easy plant to take care of. It prefers partial shade and well-drained soil but also tolerates full sun if given plenty of water.

    Yes, Calandrinia grandiflora is a succulent. It’s a perennial herb that grows in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. You can confirm it’s a succulent by its leaves.

    Yes, you can take cuttings of Rock purslane. However, you should take the cuttings in the summer and let them dry for a day before planting them.

    1. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. ASPCA
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    Milo Mason

    Milo Mason is a self-proclaimed plant whisperer. With a passion for gardening, houseplants, and all things outdoors, Milo has been cultivating indoor plants for the past five years with an interest in perennials and succulents. He enjoys sharing his insights and research on plant species when it comes to care tips.

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