Ice plant (Delosperma floribundum)
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
Delosperma floribundum, commonly known as Stock Sheepfig, is a trailing perennial succulent native to South Africa. Its bright green, fleshy leaves form a dense mat, adorned with a profusion of pink-purple or magenta flowers with white centers, creating a vibrant display from late spring through autumn. It's an excellent choice for ground cover, rockeries, borders, or containers, particularly in dry, sunny gardens.
Native range
South Africa
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal flowering, though it tolerates some partial shade. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings; it is very drought-tolerant. Use a well-draining substrate, preferably sandy or gravelly, to prevent waterlogging. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot; it's better to underwater than overwater.
How to save a dying Ice plant
- Warning signs
- Soft, wrinkled, pale leaves (underwatering); rotten, black, or mushy stems (overwatering).
- First aid
- If soft, water thoroughly. If rotten, remove affected parts and repot in dry soil.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and poorly draining soil, leading to root rot. Also, complete lack of light.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot hasn't affected the entire base. Very drought-tolerant and recovers well.