Everything You Need To Know About Growing 9 o Clock Plants

“Roses do not bloom hurriedly; for beauty, like any masterpiece, takes time to blossom.”

Truly conforming with the above quote is the portulaca/9 o clock plant, which is unique not only in its name but also in the way it looks.

Did you know that there is a flower that blooms only around a specific time every day? 

The portulaca/9 o clock plant is an annual bedding plant that opens around 9 a.m. daily and closes in the afternoon. The 9 o'clock plant benefits in removing toxins to cure tumors. 

In this blog, we will talk about the following.

• Exciting facts about portulaca/9 o clock plant
• How to grow a portulaca/9 o clock plant at home
• What are the benefits of 9 o clock plants
• How to take care of the 9 o clock plant

So let’s dive into it!

Exciting Facts About Portulaca/9 o Clock Plant

• The 9 o clock flower is a low-height plant that blooms with colourful flowers in clusters and is easy to grow.
• The best thing about this plant is that you can get a lot of diversity from one. For example, it has different coloured flowers like red, white, pink, orange, and others. 
• It is also popularly called bicchu bel among the Indian population.
• The botanical name of the flower is “portulaca grandiflora.” Some other common names of the portulaca/9 o clock flower are rose moss, Mexican rose, rock rose, sun rose, moss-rose purslane and Vietnam rose.
• The 9 o clock plant is an annual bedding plant that grows tiny, cup-shaped flowers in various colours. It provides a sight to behold when it spills out of a basket or window box.
• It grows fast and can reach a height of 30 cm. The leaves of the plant are also very fleshy and thick, up to 2.5cm in length. They are in multiple colours and single, double, and semi-double colour forms.
• The plant grows best in regions with a temperate climate. Moreover, it is primarily an ornamental plant grown for annual bedding or as a container plant.

How To Grow a Portulaca/9 o Clock Plant At Home

A 9 o'clock flower plant is easy to grow and can grow with minimum soil. 

Seed Germination

• Get the portulaca/9 o clock seeds from a trusted supplier and start the germination with the help of a germination tray or a germination bed in your garden.
• To create a germination bed, choose a well-lit and drained area and start digging the soil 4-6 inches deep. 
• Add a single-inch layer of compost and top it off with a two-inch layer of sand to mix with the topsoil. 
• If you want to germinate it in a tray, fill the seedling cells with the potting mix, pour the seeds into each cell, and place them near a sun-facing window after watering.
• It will take between 10 to 15 days for the seeds to germinate.

By Cutting

• Cut the shoot tip 3-5 inches in length for the cutting method. You can procure multiple cuttings from one plant without damaging or affecting the other.
• Go for cutting during the spring season for ideal growth. Or you can do it during any other season with the help of a clean and sharp blade. After this, ensure you clear all the buds and flowers from the cuttings.
• Any bottom leaves that have the risk of coming in touch with the planting media should also be cut. Then, wash the cutting shoots with the help of a dilute fungicide. And after cleaning, it is always advisable to put them back in the water till you are ready to plant them.
• The method requires a potting mix of 50% soil, 15% sand, 30% coco peat, and 5% compost. Transplant the cutting end directly into the pot by creating holes in the planting media. Use your hands to press the potting mix, plan the cutting ends into the media, and gently water it.
• After the planting process, put it in a semi-shade area till the roots develop correctly (can take 1-2 weeks). Ensure that you maintain regular moisture in the soil and do not water again till the top layer is dry.
• People prefer the cutting method to grow it with seeds as it is faster. 

Growing in a Container

To grow in a container, follow the below steps:

• Choose a basket-like container (4-6 inches diameter) or a small to the medium-sized container to grow 9’0 clock plants.
• Ensure that it has at least two holes for efficient drainage. 
• Plan to place the container where it can get a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight.
• The southeast direction of your home will be ideal if you plan to grow the plant indoors.

The Best Growing Season

Portulaca can grow and propagate in any season, but spring is the best. Moreover, it is advisable not to propagate it during the winter. June and July are also favourable for its growth in India.

What Are The Benefits of 9 O Clock Plants?

The primary 9 o'clock plant benefits are as follows:

1. The 9 0 clock flower is a time-efficient and convenient solution to remove toxins and waste products from the body. In addition, it acts as a blood cleanser and eliminates toxins through the pores.
2. It is an ornamental plant that attracts honeybees and pollinators into your garden.
3. These are highly beneficial for health. For example, the juice of this plan can work as a location for applying insect or snake bites. Moreover, you can also use it for burns and eczema.
4. The plan can act as a remedy to help with stomach aches, toothache, earache, and inflammation in the mouth.
5. It can help in the prevention of severe diseases as well. For example, the plant can help against hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, and pain or swelling in the pharynx.
6. Ancient Chinese traditions believe that this plant can also help in curing tumours. At the same time, Thai medicine believes it can soothe sore throats or skin rashes.

How To Take Care of the 9 o Clock Plant?

The 9 o'clock plant care is simple and easy. You only have to keep in mind the below points for effective 9 o'clock flower plant care.

Soil

It grows well in fertile and porous soil. If DIY, you can use the potting mix of 50% soil, 15% sand, 30% coco peat, and 5% compost. A neutral to slightly acidic solid with a pH of 5.5 to 7  is ideal. 

Sunlight

The 9 o clock plant needs at least six hours of direct sunlight to reach its maximum potential. If you grow them in a shady area, they will pout, and the flowers will be closed. Moreover, the flowers do not open on rainy days and close after sunset. Therefore, it would be best if you did not keep it in shady areas without sunlight.

Location

The flower can grow well in your garden if the soil is fertile and porous. But if you want, you can grow it in a pot or a container by cutting or germination.

Fertiliser

You can use good organic fertiliser once a month or dry cow dung or bone dust every three months. Do not add excessive fertiliser, as it can harm your plants. Portulaca does not feed much and can do well with fewer fertilisers.

Water

• It is a plant that doesn’t need frequent watering to ensure proper growth. The cylindrical foliage stays moist quite well. 
• But you must ensure that the soil is moist by providing light watering. Ensure that you do not overwater, as it might damage the plant.
• During peak summers, you might have to water it twice daily. Also, you must ensure that the soil is dry before adding more water. 
• Excessive water can result in the rotting of roots.

Temperature

The 9 o clock plant requires ample sunlight to blossom and open, and the ideal temperature for growth is between 20-30 degree Celsius. It needs a good amount of sun for the best growth and thus requires a minimum, moderate temperature throughout. The plant finds it challenging to grow in shady areas and is not ideal for the winter season. 

Pruning

Ensure to cut it back when it starts looking awkward. You can use pruning shears to remove almost half the plan. It will encourage more bloom in the later season while fortifying the plant. Plan to prune whenever you see the stems outgrowing or looking untidy.

Conclusion

The 9 o clock plant is terrific and easy to grow. Moreover, it is also significant in ornamental horticulture. To appease the eyes, one can grow these flowers in the garden, windows, or balconies.

With patience and proper care, you can witness excellent results. Why wait? Grab the tools and cherish the magic of the portulaca.

FAQs

What is the best time to plant portulaca?

Portulaca grows throughout the year except in winter, but it is best suited for spring or summer.

Is it perennial or annual?

The 9 o clock is an annual pant but with an exception, as it blooms yearly.

Why does it have the name the 9 o clock plant?

It is named the same because it blooms or opens up between 9-10 a.m. daily as the sun rises.

Does it have any medicinal value?

Yes, it can help with various skin conditions and can also assist in clearing toxins from the body. But it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional for more details.