Rock Purslane | Calandrinia Grandiflora

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Although the Rock Purslane (Calandrinia Grandiflora) is a type of succulent, it is part of the flowering plant family Portulacaceae, which contains species derived from the Mediterranean region and the Middle East. The genus name Calandrinia comes from Baron Jean Louis Calandrini (1703-1758), a Swiss scientist who vastly improved the classification of plants. By contrast, the species name ‘Grandiflora’ refers to the large size of the flowers, which are often up to two inches long.

How to Plant

Calandrinia Grandiflora, or Rock Purslane, prefers to grow in well-drained soil that is slightly acidic, around a pH level between 5.5-7.0. They’re hardy plants, so you won’t need to water them much, but they will appreciate a deep soak every two to four weeks, especially during the warmer months. Plants grown indoors should be watered even more sparingly. To encourage new growth, provide Rock Purslane with plenty of light and a little warmth. Temperatures between 40-80F (5-27C) are ideal for these plants.

Meaning and Symbolism

The Rock Purslane is highly revered for its symbolic qualities. Its bright, showy flowers serve as a reminder of the magical gifts from nature, with which we can all benefit. Its rarity and need for special care are also symbolic of the way we need to be protected in order to reach our fullest potential. In ancient Rome, Calandrinia Grandiflora was associated with Venus, the goddess of love, beauty, fertility and good luck.

History, Mythology, and Religious Significance

The Rock Purslane dates back to ancient times, with the first written account of them appearing around the 4th century BC. They were a prized flower in the Roman Empire, where they were associated with beauty and luxury. Calandrinia Grandiflora was also known to grow abundantly in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed on the night before his crucifixion. This adds further religious significance to the plant, as a symbol of faith, hope, and redemption.

Flower Varieties and their Defining Characteristics

The Rock Purslane is a species in the Calandrinia genus, with many beautiful varieties. Each variety is distinguished by its own unique characteristics, such as flower color, size, and growth habit. Some of the common varieties include Calandrinia grandiflora ‘Red’ with its deep red blooms, Calandrinia grandiflora ‘Blue’ with its sky-blue flowers, and Calandrinia grandiflora ‘White’ with its pure white blooms.

How to Pot and Repot

Calandrinia Grandiflora plants are generally small and slow-growing, so they can be easily contained in a small pot. To begin, fill the bottom of the pot with approximately one inch of soil, and then plant the young plant–with its roots down–into the soil. Make sure that the container has adequate drainage holes and add more soil, making sure to fill it in around the root ball. You can pluck off any dead or decaying foliage, and also trim away any excess growth to ensure a healthy and attractive flowering shrub. To repot your Rock Purslane, wait until it is completely dormant in winter and use a pot that is one or two sizes larger than the current vessel.

How to Prune

Calandrinia Grandiflora plants can be pruned to improve their shape and growth. To do this, begin by removing dead or weak branches. This will help the plant to concentrate its energies in growing strong and healthy new branches. Also, prune off any disease-ridden parts, so that the plant can remain healthy. Regular pruning will also help promote larger and longer-lasting blooms. When pruning, it’s important to only cut a small portion of the stem, never more than one-third.

How to Propagate

There are several options available for propagating Calandrinia Grandiflora. The simplest method is by dividing the existing plant and replanting the cuttings in new pots – this is an especially good solution if you have multiple plants of the same variety. You can also start a new plant from stem tip cuttings, which need to be taken during late-summer or early-autumn. They should be kept in a warm, bright location until they form roots and can be transplanted into soil, at which point they can be kept in their new home and allowed to grow.

Common Pests and Diseases

The Rock Purslane is not widely affected by common pests and diseases. However, aphids are known to cause damage to young plants and can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil, as well as by introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs. Fungal infections can also occur, particularly in wet conditions, and can be treated with fungicides. While these plants are generally very hardy, it is a good idea to watch out for any signs of disease or pests and to treat them quickly.

FAQs

Q: What is the best environment for Calandrinia Grandiflora?
A: Calandrinia Grandiflora prefers to grow in well-drained soil, slightly acidic soil pH levels between 5.5-7.0, and temperatures between 40-80F (5-27C). They do not require a lot of water, but prefer lots of sun and a little warmth to encourage new growth.

Q: How do you propagate Rock Purslane?
A: You can propagate Rock Purslane by dividing the existing plant and replanting the cuttings in new pots. Alternatively, you can also start a new plant from stem tip cuttings, which should be taken during late-summer or early-autumn and then kept in a warm, bright location until they form roots and can be transplanted into soil.

Q: How should you prune Calandrinia Grandiflora?
A: When pruning Calandrinia Grandiflora, you should begin by removing any dead or weak branches, disease-ridden parts, and any excess foliage. This will help the plant to concentrate its energies in growing strong and healthy new branches. When pruning, it’s important to only cut a small portion of the stem, never more than one-third.

Table Fact Sheet

Name	Data
Rock Purslane	Calandrinia Grandiflora
Family	Portulacaceae
Plant Type	Perennial
Mature Size	1-2 feet tall and wide
Sun Exposure	Full sun to part shade
Soil Type	Well-drained
Soil pH	5.5 – 7.0
Bloom Time	Spring – Fall
Flower Color	Magenta, red, blue or white
Hardiness Zones	9 – 11
Native Area	Mediterranean region, Middle East