Purslane is a fast-growing edible indoor plant known for its nutrition, low maintenance, and air-friendly growth. Learn how to grow, care for, and use it safely indoors.
While purslane may look like a humble weed outdoors, indoors it becomes one of the easiest and most useful edible plants you can grow. I started growing purslane in a small sunny window mostly out of curiosity, and I was surprised at how quickly it adapted to indoor conditions. With its fleshy leaves, spreading habit, and low water requirements, purslane is perfect for apartments, kitchens, and novice gardeners. This guide covers real-world indoor care, benefits, and practical tips that actually work at home.
Yes. Purslane grows well indoors if given bright light, infrequent watering, and planted in well-draining soil. It's best suited for windowsills and balcony gardens.
What is purslane?
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is a low-growing succulent plant with smooth, oval leaves and reddish stems. Although it's often found outdoors, it adapts surprisingly well to indoor conditions.
People also search for:
• What is a purslane plant
• Edible purslane indoor plant
• Purslane weed vs. houseplant
Photo : Indoor purslane setup showing fresh edible growth in containers.
Benefits of Growing Purslane Indoors
1. Highly Nutritious Edible Plant
Purslane is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Growing it indoors means fresh, chemical-free leaves for salads and cooking.
2. Very Low Maintenance
If you often forget to water your plants, purslane is forgiving. Its succulent leaves store water, making it ideal for busy households.
3. Fast Growth and Easy Propagation
From cuttings to seeds, purslane grows quickly. I've successfully regrown it many times from just a few cuttings.
4. Spreading Growth Habit
Instead of growing tall, it spreads horizontally, making it perfect for shallow pots and hanging containers.
• Benefits of Purslane Plant
• Easy-to-Grow Edible Plants Indoors
Light Requirements for Indoor Purslane
Purslane needs bright light to thrive.
Light Type
Result
Direct sunlight (4–6 hrs)
Best growth
Bright indirect light
Slow but healthy
Low light
Weak stems, pale leaves
Best Location : South or west-facing windows are ideal.
• Light Requirements for Indoor Purslane
Watering Needs (Crucial)
Overwatering is the most common mistake. Water only when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.
• Overwatering leads to root rot.
What didn't work for me : Misting daily resulted in soft, mushy stems within a week.
• How Often to Water Purslane
Best Soil and Pot for Purslane
Use a well-draining soil mix, such as a cactus mix.
Purslane is one of those rare plants that gives more than it takes. It's edible, hardy, fast-growing, and requires minimal care. In my own indoor experience, it thrives best when slightly neglected – bright light, dry soil, and warmth are all it needs.
Written from real indoor plant care experience for IndoorPlantify.
Gaurav Jha serves as an editorial advisor at IndoorPlantify, supporting content structure, clarity, and user-focused presentation. With a background in managing and reviewing digital content, he helps ensure that plant-related articles are easy to understand and aligned with reader intent. Gaurav works closely with the editorial team to maintain consistency, credibility, and trust across the website, making sure information is communicated clearly without unnecessary complexity.