Which succulents in the Portulacaceae family are both beautiful and easy to grow? An old florist tells you

I have quite a few friends around me who want to grow flowers, and they are especially fond of the cute and adorable succulents that can also spill over their pots. But there are still many friends who are puzzled that succulents are not easy to cultivate, as they have relatively high requirements for the environment, climate, soil, water and humidity, and the slightest negligence will cause all kinds of problems in their form. In fact, when growing succulents, as long as you choose the right variety, such as Portulaca succulents, even beginners can manage them quite well.

My best friend Fangfang is a seasoned succulent expert. The succulents she has cultivated are diverse in variety and extremely bright and beautiful in form. Over these years of growing succulents, Fangfang has gained a lot of planting experience, and in daily life she is also her friends' flower-growing teacher. For beginners choosing succulents, Fangfang shared the following types, which are not only pretty in appearance but also highly adaptable to the environment and very easy to keep alive.

1. Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta' (Yale Zhihua)

The succulent Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta' is native to South Africa, and its leaf form and color are outstandingly beautiful, deeply loved by flower lovers. It can tolerate drought and semi-shade environments, and can also grow normally in shady corners. When cultivating in summer, pay attention to shading to avoid high temperatures, direct sunlight and sunburn on the leaves. Fertilize about once every half a month, choosing a thin liquid fertilizer. Watering should be moderate; keep it sufficient during the peak growth seasons of spring and autumn, and control water in other seasons. If you want the plant's shape to be more attractive, it is worth maintaining some pruning, which helps keep the form beautiful.

2. Purple Rice Grains (Graptopetalum mendozae)

Purple Rice Grains, also known as Purple Pearl and Purple Rice, is native to South American regions such as Argentina and Brazil, and is an emerging flower variety in recent years. Its leaf petals are tightly clustered, with purple and green intermingled, giving a strong sense of layering. In terms of cultivation and management, Purple Rice Grains likes a warm environment with plenty of sunlight and avoids dampness and shade. It has low requirements for soil and is very tolerant of poor soil, so ordinary soil will do. As for watering, follow the principle of not watering until dry, and water thoroughly when you do; do not water too much and avoid waterlogging. Keep it mostly in a bright spot at home for care. When summer comes, it will bloom pink petals that make people's hearts flutter.

3. Variegated Moss Rose (Portulaca grandiflora variegata)

Variegated Moss Rose is a very popular variety in the succulent family, with round and rich petals and strong ornamental value. It has low requirements for the environment and is extremely easy to keep alive. Throughout the year, the best season to sow it is spring, which can keep the plant growing vigorously. When planting out, be sure to water it sufficiently. Generally, well-drained, sandy soil suits its growth needs, and loosen the soil once regularly to enhance the soil's looseness and air permeability. If you want the petals to be even more brightly colored and beautiful, keep it in sufficient sunlight every day and place it more often at a south-facing window; when the weather is good, it can be grown outdoors.

4. Money Tree (Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Zenzi' / Golden Coin Plant)

The Money Tree belongs to the Portulacaceae family. As a green plant, its appearance is very outstanding, with round and plump leaf petals that look just like strings of copper coins, growing segment by segment and full of vitality. It has strong drought tolerance and likes a warm, dry environment with plenty of sunlight, and it can also grow healthily in a semi-shade environment. Spring and autumn are its peak growth seasons, when water and fertilizer can be increased. In summer it enters a semi-dormant period, so watering should be controlled and the potting soil kept dry, and the plant can survive well.

How much more do you know about easy-to-grow Portulaca succulents? Welcome to leave us a message in the comment section below.