The ice plant of the genus Delosperma comes from the southern countries of Africa and, like other plants known under the name ice plant, only opens its numerous flowers throughout the summer during the day and when the sun is shining. In a suitable location, these plants impress with their extraordinary abundance of flowers, even with little care.
How do you properly care for ice plants?
Midday flowers (Delosperma) need a full sun location and little water. To care for them properly, ensure good drainage by mixing in sand or gravel and avoid waterlogging. Fertilizing is not necessary and pruning is possible if necessary.
Do ice plant flowers need to be watered in the garden?
Midday flowers not only love locations in full sun, they also require very little water. Therefore, they should only be watered in long dry periods, when growing in a container or when growing young plants. Since ice plants are very sensitive to waterlogging, sand or gravel should be added to the substrate at the desired location.
What should you consider when repotting ice plants?
When growing ice plants in a pot, not only should the planter be provided with appropriate holes to ensure water drainage, but a mineral component should also be added to the substrate. Sand, gravel or small stones ensure better drainage, preventing root rot.
Can the ice plant tolerate pruning?
Basically, the ice plant is a rather uncomplicated type of plant. Since the plant can spread widely as a cushion or carpet, a certain distance from weakly growing neighbors should be maintained when planting. If necessary, shoots that have grown too long can be shortened at any time with a knife or clean scissors.
What are the reasons for poorly growing or non-blooming ice plants?
The ice plant of the genus Delosperma is not particularly susceptible to diseases or pests. Powdery mildew rarely occurs; the more common aphid infestation can be combated with the following measures:
- Stinging nettle manure
- by spraying with milk
- by cutting out the affected parts of the plant
Stunty growth or lack of flower formation are usually due to a location that is too shady. The death of plants is usually due to either a lack of winter hardiness or a substrate that is too wet.
Do ice plant flowers need to be fertilized regularly?
Since ice plants grow well even on very poor soils, no additional fertilization is necessary.
How are ice plants properly overwintered?
Many varieties of ice plant are hardy outdoors without any problems if there are no frosts or waterlogging of the subsoil.
Tip
The ice plant is well suited as a rock garden plant, as a plant for dry slopes or for planting balcony boxes, as it loves extensive sunlight and drought.
