Care of Silk Flower (Portulaca) Silk flower (Portulaca grandiflora) is a durable plant that decorates gardens and balconies in summer with its fleshy leaves and bright and silky-looking flowers.

It is usually grown once a year and shows intense flowering in hot weather.

Silk flower is a plant that loves the sun very much.

It blooms more abundantly and vibrantly in areas with full sun throughout the day.

Flowering diminishes in shady environments.

Light, sandy and well-drained soils are ideal for soil selection.

Heavy and water-retaining soils may cause root rot.

It is very resistant to irrigation.

Thanks to its meaty leaves, it can store water

so overwatering is the most common maintenance mistake.

Irrigation has to be done as soon as the soil is completely dry.

Excessive watering can lead to rotting of the plant.

Low fertilizer requirement

a light liquid fertilizer given once a month is sufficient.

Silk blossom is very resistant to heat and drought but sensitive to cold and frost.

Damaged in frost events.

Silk Flower Care by Regions in Turkey Marmara Region The temperate climate is suitable for silk flower.

Sunny balconies and gardens can be grown. Irrigation should be done in moderation. It blooms abundantly during the summer. It should be protected against cold in the autumn. The Aegean Region is one of the most ideal regions for silk flowers.

Places with full sun should be preferred. Irrigation interval should not be short in summer. The soil can dry very quickly, but excessive irrigation should be avoided. Suitable for direct planting in the garden. Mediterranean Region Hot and dry climate is very suitable for silk flower.

Areas with full sun are ideal. Low and controlled irrigation should be done. It shows strong development during the summer. It can be used as a spreader in the garden. Black Sea Region Humid climate may pose some risks.

Areas with sun and air circulation should be selected. Irrigation should not be done during extreme rainy periods. Soil drainage should be very good. Pot cultivation is safer. Central Anatolia Region Terrestrial climate is suitable for silk flowers.

Sunny areas should be preferred. Little but regular irrigation should be done in summer. It is resistant to night coolness. It is usually grown once a year. Eastern Anatolia Region Due to the cold climate, the growing time is short.

It is recommended to grow in pots. It can be kept outdoors in summer. It should be protected from frosts in winter. Irrigation should be done in a very controlled way. Southeastern Anatolia Region Hot and dry climate is ideal for silk flowers.

Places with full sun should be preferred. Irrigation should be done sparsely. Since the soil dries quickly, root suffocation should be paid attention. It is one of the easiest regions to care for. Silk Blossom (Portulaca) – Agricultural Pests Aphids: It causes weakening by absorbing sap in young shoots.

Trips: Creates discoloration and deformation in flowers.

Red spider: Yellow spots on leaves and dries in hot and dry environments.

Floury lice: They appear as cottony white formations on the body and leaf joints.

Snails and slugs: They cause physical damage by eating young shoots and leaves.

Protective Measures: Excessive irrigation has to be avoided.

Plants have to be checked regularly.

Harmful parts have to be cleaned.

Appropriate agricultural control has to be applied when necessary.