Ice plant (Delosperma caespitosum)
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 caespitosum, also known as Tuft Sheepfig, is a low-growing perennial succulent native to South Africa. It forms dense mats of bright green, fleshy leaves and produces a profusion of intense pink or purple daisy-like flowers in spring and summer. It is ideal for rock gardens, green roofs, or as ground cover in dry climates.
Native range
South Africa
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal flowering, although it can tolerate some partial shade in very hot climates. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings; it is very sensitive to overwatering. Use a very well-draining, sandy or succulent-specific substrate. Avoid overwatering and waterlogging at all costs, as this will quickly rot its roots.
How to save a dying Ice plant
- Warning signs
- Soft, wrinkled or yellowing leaves, rotting stems.
- First aid
- Remove damaged parts, repot in dry, well-draining substrate, water only when substrate is completely dry.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and poor drainage; it's a very sensitive succulent to waterlogging.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot hasn't reached the stem base or if there are healthy stems for propagation.