Lampranthus is a succulent that grows as a subshrub. It is also called the ice plant because of its flowers that open at midday. The plant is not hardy and is therefore usually kept as an annual houseplant. However, keeping it for several years is possible if it is overwintered properly.
Is Lampranthus hardy?
Lampranthus is not hardy and cannot tolerate cold. The succulent should overwinter in winter at 5-15 degrees in a bright, cool room without fertilizer and with sparse watering in order to bloom again the following year.
Lampranthus is not hardy
Lampranthus is one of the succulents that cannot tolerate cold. The pretty flowering plant is therefore usually kept as a houseplant in a pot. In the summer you are welcome to take them outside. However, since it is not hardy, you have to bring it into the house well before the cold season sets in. At this time the flowering period is usually over.
Before you put the plant in its winter quarters, shorten the shoots. Lampranthus then branches better. New flowers increasingly form on the new shoots and sprout in the following year.
How to overwinter Lampranthus properly
- Not too warm location
- ideally between 5 and 15 degrees
- very bright place
- water sparingly
- do not fertilize!
In winter, place Lampranthus in a cooler place, but one that should be very bright. The temperatures are between 5 and 15 degrees. The flower window in the living room is not suitable for this. A bedroom window, a hallway window or a slightly heated entrance area is ideal.
It is important that the winter location offers as much light as possible. In a dark location there is an increased risk of pest infestation.
Water abundantly in summer
Unlike many other succulents, Lampranthus needs a lot of water during the growth phase. However, waterlogging must not occur. The ornamental plant is only fertilized every four weeks. During wintering, water only very sparingly and stop fertilizing completely.
Lampranthus is often attacked by aphids, especially in winter when the plant is overwintered indoors. Therefore, check them regularly for pests.
Propagation of this pretty flowering plant is easy. Simply take a few cuttings after flowering. Let the interfaces dry and put the shoots in small pots with potting soil.
Tip
Lampranthus needs a location that is as bright as possible. Only then does it develop its great abundance of flowers from July to September. Only a few flowers emerge in the shade.
