Ice plant (Carpobrotus glaucescens)
Care, watering, light and tips for Ice plant on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Aizoaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 14 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Ice plant
Carpobrotus glaucescens, also known as Glaucous Pigface, is a fast-growing, creeping succulent native to Australian coastlines. Its fleshy, blue-green leaves and large purple or pink flowers make it ideal for ground cover in coastal gardens, rockeries, or slopes, providing an exotic and resilient touch.
Native range
East coast of Australia
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal flowering and compact growth. It is extremely drought-tolerant, so watering should be minimal, only when the substrate is completely dry. It prefers sandy, well-drained, and nutrient-poor soils; waterlogging is its main enemy. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying Ice plant
- Warning signs
- Soft, wrinkled, and flaccid leaves, or blackening and rot at the base.
- First aid
- If wrinkled, water deeply. If rotting, cut affected parts and replant healthy cuttings.
- What kills it
- Overwatering, especially in winter or heavy soils. Rots its roots quickly.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes! It's very resilient. Take healthy cuttings; they'll root easily in dry soil.