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.
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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.
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| Botanical Name | Calandrinia grandiflora |
| Common Name | Rock Purslane |
| Family | Montiaceae |
| Plant Type | Succulent |
| Origin | Chile |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Height | 1-3 feet |
| Width | 2-3 feet |
| Light | Full sun, Partial shade |
| Bloom season | Spring, Summer, Autumn |
| Bloom color | Purple, Magenta |
| Water needs | Low |
| Soil | Well-Drained, Loamy, Sandy |
| Tolerant | Drought |
| Toxicity | non-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.
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
How to Repot (Step-by-Step)
- Remove the plant from its current container and gently tease out any circling roots that may be tangled in the potting soil.
- Gently wash away any remaining dirt or debris from the roots.
- Inspect each root for signs of decay, damage, or disease before planting it into the new soil.
- Fill the new pot with soil and place the plant inside.
- 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.
- Select a healthy plant at least 6 inches tall to use for the cuttings.
- Remove any flowers or buds from the stem, as these will prevent rooting.
- Cut off a stem section with at least two nodes on it (where leaves emerge from stems).
- Remove any leaves and strip off the bottom leaves on each node to expose the inner bark.
- Plant the cutting in well-draining soil.
- Water thoroughly and wait for it to take root.
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.
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
