With its whimsical, otherworldly appearance and low-maintenance needs, Petal Leaf Succulent will add a touch of natural magic to your space!
The Petal Leaf Succulent is a quirky plant known for its thick rounded cupped leaves that look like green roses. Its breathtaking traits will leave every visitor of your house mesmerized, making it a must-have indoor plant.
- Botanical Name: Portulaca molokiniensis
- Family: Portulacaceae
- Grows up to 18 inches tall when mature
- Thrives well under direct sunlight
- Loves well-drained sandy and rocky soil
- Blooms pretty yellow flowers from late Spring to late Summer
Look at some Stunning Succulents with Orange Flowers here
Petal Leaf Succulent Plant Information
At first glance, you’ll find this indoor beauty resembling a green rose staring at you. While the golden-yellow flowers blooming atop the green rosettes are a cherry on the cake. Petal leaf Succulent plant reach up to 18 inches at maturity but expect a few inches shorter plant when grown indoors, making it fit for windowsills and bright corners. Besides, the plant does not demand a lot of attention except for some sunlight and can survive gracefully in a typical household setting.
Ideal Pot Size
The perfect-sized pot is a must for your Petal Leaf Succulent is 4-6 inches—ideally one size bigger than the root ball. An oversized pot can lead to root rot, while a smaller size can stunt its growth. Ensure to drill enough drainage holes at the bottom and transplant the plant to a bigger container once you find the roots peeping out of them.
With a compact growth habit, the plant will look beautiful in showy mugs and pot figurines. Put on your creative hat and get some showy containers to multiply the charm of your Petal Leaf Succulent.
Petal Leaf Succulent Plant Propagation
The Petal Leaf Succulent can be easily propagated via leaf cuttings by following these easy steps:
- Locate a few healthy leaves and twist them from the parent plant using a sharp knife or garden shears.
- Make sure that you cut the leaf at the point where it meets the stem. Let it callous over in a dry spot.
- Fill a shallow pot with a well-draining gritty potting mix and plant the leaf into it so that it is partially buried.
- Place it in a location with indirect sunlight and mist the medium with tepid water.
- Overwatering can cause the leaves to rot, so avoid that at all costs.
The leaf-cutting will begin to root in a few weeks. Keep an eye on the medium, as overwatering can kill the plant, while dry conditions will stunt its growth.
Petal Leaf Succulent Growing Requirements
Light
Petal Leaf Succulent thrives best in a location with bright sunlight, requiring at least 3-4 hours of direct sunlight per day. Place it near the South or West facing windows that receive maximum sunlight in most parts of the day. You can also use additional light sources like LED grow lights if your home doesn’t receive enough light.
However, scorching or wrinkled leaves can be a sign of extreme heat. Shift the plant indoors in such an instance.
Soil
Petal Leaf Succulent requires well-draining soil that does not retain moisture. This plant is susceptible to root rot if the soil stays waterlogged. A succulent mix containing equal parts of the sand, perlite, and potting soil is best for the plant to thrive.
Ensure the medium has a free, gritty texture to allow enough space for the roots to breathe.
Water
Most succulents are susceptible to root rot if overwatered, so ensure that an ideal watering schedule is followed. Water the plant thoroughly only after the soil has completely dried out. In warm temperatures, watering once a week or less is ideal, while in cooler climates, it may need water less frequently. Watering the foliage can lead to leaf rot or fungal growth, so keep away from that.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant grows best in temperatures between 60°F (15°C) and 90°F (32°C). However, it can tolerate temperatures as low as 40°F (4°C). Petal Leaf Succulent is highly susceptible to frost damage and can damage the plant beyond repair. So ensure not to expose the plant to low temperatures for prolonged periods. Also, keep it away from cold drafts or windows during the colder months.
It is relatively tolerant of low humidity levels and adapts well to dry conditions. You will not require to provide additional sources of humidity for this plant, but it may benefit from occasional misting in extremely dry conditions.
Petal Leaf Succulent Care
Fertilizers
Occasional applications of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season will boost the growth of this plant. Fertilize this plant every 4-6 weeks, using a balanced NPK ratio of 10-10-10 after diluting it to one-fourth of its strength. Overfertilizing is the easiest way to induce nutrient burn in the medium, hence damaging the roots.
Pests and Diseases
Generally, Petal Leaf Succulent is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it can be vulnerable to root rot if the soil stays wet for a long. Pests like mealybugs and spider mites can also be a problem—spray the plant with an organic neem oil spray once a month and provide good air circulation to keep typical houseplant pests at bay.
If you spot any white, cottony webs, clear them off using a damp cloth.
