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My portulaca is growing a clump of short stems at the base of the plant like a sedum. The sedums use this to grow the next years growth. Could I dig my portulaca up and overwinter it indoors?

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"The sedums use this to grow the next years growth." <-- Can you please explain, as currently I don't fully understand what you mean by that statement... – Mike Perry Oct 25 '11 at 1:35
Tall Sedums produce rose-like buds at the base of the plant, and these develop into the next years growth. – jmusser Oct 26 '11 at 1:22

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Portulaca grandiflora (assuming this is what you're talking about) is an annual, so it seems unlikely that overwintering indoors will work. They reproduce via seed.

You may be able to extend the season long enough for it to flower and set seed while you have it potted indoors. Then you could collect seed and replant outside next spring.

I would note that the seed is fairly cheap (I see 5000 seeds online for $8; you can probably find end-of-season packets in the discount rack right now for $0.99 or less), so it may be best to just buy seed and replant in the spring.

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+1 For just buying new seed & restarting in the Spring... – Mike Perry Oct 25 '11 at 2:16
I like this variety but I don't know the name. – jmusser Oct 26 '11 at 1:24
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@jmusser: Unfortunately, you're probably out of luck. You can try overwintering it -- there's nothing to lose but your time and a little potting soil. – bstpierre Oct 26 '11 at 1:40
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I haven't heard of people overwintering portulacas, although I don't see any reason why you wouldn't be able to. The main reason for this is that portulacas are extremely easy to grow from seed and grow very well in the northern US, where you are. So I really wouldn't worry about overwintering it and would simply leave it in the ground and start afresh in spring.

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It didn't make any seeds. – jmusser Oct 24 '11 at 1:28
@yoda +1 For not worrying about it & starting anew in the Spring... – Mike Perry Oct 25 '11 at 2:15

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