In fact, Sea purslane is an attractive succulent that thrives with minimal care. Its naturally salty and drought-tolerant nature makes it well suited for coastal gardens as well as indoor container growing. Although often considered a weed, sea purslane deserves a place in any collection of hardy succulents. With fleshy leaves and colorful flowers, sea purslane provides interest for much of the growing season.

For the home gardener, sea purslane is easy to propagate and cultivate. Start with a single plant and you'll soon have many, either through stem cuttings or the prolific self-seeding of this coastal native. Place in a sunny spot, water sparingly, and fertilize lightly for a low-maintenance plant that asks little but gives a lot in return.

If you're looking for an introduction to succulents that handles neglect in stride, sea purslane may be the perfect choice. With basic care tips for light, soil, and water, you'll be on your way to enjoying this decorative coastal succulent for years to come. Hardy, salt-tolerant, and easy to grow, sea purslane deserves a place in coastal and drought-friendly gardens as well as indoor containers. 

Give this seaside native a try!

Here are 21 tips to keep your sea purslane healthy and looking its best:

1. Plant in full sun. Sea purslane needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive.

2. Plant in sandy, well-drained soil. Sea purslane does not do well in heavy, clay soils that retain moisture. A light, sandy potting mix is best.

3. Water lightly but frequently. Sea purslane needs moist but not soggy soil. Water when the top inch or so of soil is dry.

4. Fertilize during the growing season. Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once a month during the spring and summer. Dilute to 1/2 the recommended strength.

5. Prune to shape. You can prune sea purslane at any time to remove dead or dying stems and to shape the plant. Cut stems down to their base.

6. Repot if potbound. If your sea purslane is in a container, check if it has become potbound by gently removing it from the pot. Repot in fresh, sandy soil if the roots are tightly crowded.

7. Bring indoors before frost. If growing sea purslane in a climate with frost, bring the plant indoors before the first frost of fall. Place in a sunny spot indoors.

8. Water sparingly over winter. When sea purslane is indoors over winter, water just enough to keep the soil barely moist. Allow the top inch or so to dry out between waterings.

9. Repot in spring before moving outdoors. If sea purslane was brought indoors for the winter, repot it in fresh, sandy potting mix in spring before moving it back outdoors. Move it outside once all threat of frost has passed.

10. Pinch back stems to promote fullness. Pinching back some of the stems by about one third in the spring and summer will encourage sea purslane to produce more stems and foliage for a fuller appearance.

11. Mist with a spray bottle. Mist sea purslane with a spray bottle to raise the humidity around the leaves. Do this especially when the plant is indoors.

12. Wipe leaves to remove dust. Use a damp cloth to gently wipe the leaves and remove any built up dust. Dust on the leaves prevents light from reaching them.

13. Apply seaweed fertilizer. Applying a seaweed-based fertilizer once a month provides sea purslane with essential trace nutrients and minerals to keep your plant healthy.

14. Repot annually in spring. Repot sea purslane every spring after the last frost to provide it with fresh soil and nutrients for the growing season. Move up one size pot at a time.

15. Divide in spring if desired. If your sea purslane has become crowded, carefully divide it in half or thirds in the spring and repot into separate containers. Make sure each division has some roots and stems attached.

16. Watch for common pests. The most common pests for sea purslane include mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, and scale. Treat with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.

17. Propagate from stem cuttings. To propagate new sea purslane plants, take 3-4 inch stem cuttings in spring or summer. Remove lower leaves and place in well-draining rooting medium. Keep soil moderately moist. Roots will form in 2-3 weeks.

18. Display outdoors in warmer months. Once nighttime temperatures reach the 50s Fahrenheit, you can move your potted sea purslane plant outdoors for the summer. Place in a spot with plenty of sun.

19. Mulch outdoor plants. Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of gravel mulch over the soil around outdoor sea purslane plants. This will help retain moisture in the soil and prevent weed growth.

20. Bring indoors if temperatures drop. Watch the weather forecast and bring outdoor potted sea purslane plants indoors if temperatures are predicted to drop below 45 F.

21. Repot every 2-3 years. If keeping sea purslane in the same container long term, repot every 2 to 3 years in the spring to provide new, fresh soil and nutrients. Select a pot one size larger.