Portulaca molokiniensis
Best architectural succulent for indoor gardeners seeking low-maintenance, unique greenery.
Portulaca molokiniensis, also known as 'Ihi in Hawaii, is a distinctive stemmed succulent native to the islands. It features round, cupped leaves of bright green that stack neatly on robust stems, forming a small shrub-like plant. This species can produce tall bloom stalks topped with small, cheerful yellow flowers. It thrives in bright light and requires excellent drainage, making it ideal for well-draining cactus and succulent soil. Water thoroughly only when the soil has completely dried out to prevent rot. It is easy to propagate and can be brought indoors during freezing temperatures.
$10.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
857
/ 2596
#857 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-72%
Below average
Pot Size
3.5
/ "
Who it's for
- Collectors seeking unique, sculptural foliage for their indoor displays
- Busy gardeners prioritizing low-maintenance, drought-resistant xeriscaping options
- Propagators looking for easy-to-root plants to expand their collection
Who should skip it
- Gardeners living in regions with harsh, freezing winter climates
- Indoor growers lacking access to bright, direct sunlight
- Budget-conscious buyers preferring widely available, common succulent varieties
Performance breakdown
Visual Appeal
Architectural leaf stacking creates a striking, modern silhouette for any collection.
Propagation Ease
Simple stem cuttings make expanding your succulent garden remarkably straightforward.
Indoor Adaptability
Thrives indoors provided you have a very bright, sun-drenched windowsill.
Maintenance Simplicity
Neglect-friendly watering schedule suits busy plant owners perfectly.
Growth Habit
Vertical structure offers a clean, space-saving footprint for tight shelves.
Root Establishment
Ships fully rooted to ensure a seamless transition into your home.
Key Specs
Pot Size
3.5"
Maximum Height
9"-12"
Grow Zone
10 (30F)
Growth Habit
Vertical Grower / Tall Stem
Special Characteristic
Easy to Propagate
Features
- Distinctive stemmed succulent with unique foliage
- Round, cupped leaves of bright green
- Stacks leaves on robust stems
- Can branch profusely into a small shrub
- Sends up tall bloom stalks with yellow flowers
- Easy to propagate
- Suitable for indoor growing
- Fully rooted in a 3.5" pot
- Needs bright sunlight, great drainage, and infrequent water
- Use well-draining cactus and succulent soil with 50% to 70% mineral grit
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Portulaca molokiniensis received from Mountain Crest Gardens. Many highlight the plants arriving healthy, robust, and well packaged, often exceeding expectations in size and vigor. This contributes significantly to an overall positive experience, emphasizing the excellent value for money. Buyers frequently express satisfaction with the plant's condition and its ability to thrive, making it a highly recommended purchase for succulent enthusiasts.
Know before you buy
This succulent requires bright, direct sunlight to maintain its compact, stacked growth habit. If it does not receive enough light, the stems may become leggy and lose their distinctive, tidy appearance.
Water only when the soil has completely dried out. Because this plant is prone to rot, it is safer to underwater than to overwater; always ensure your pot has excellent drainage.
Yes, it is well-suited for indoor growing as long as it is placed in a very bright, sunny window. If you live in a climate that drops below 30°F, you should bring the plant indoors to protect it from freezing temperatures.
Use a specialized cactus and succulent potting mix amended with 50% to 70% mineral grit, such as perlite or pumice. This ensures the fast drainage necessary to keep the root system healthy.
No, it is considered quite easy to propagate. You can typically grow new plants from stem cuttings, making it a great choice for those looking to expand their collection.
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$11