Ice plant (Delosperma cooperi)
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 cooperi, commonly known as Cooper's Ice Plant, is a perennial trailing succulent native to South Africa. It is characterized by its bright green, fleshy leaves and vibrant fuchsia or purple flowers that blanket the plant from late spring well into autumn. It is ideal for rockeries, ground cover in sunny areas, and xeriscaping, providing an intense splash of color and a carpeting texture.
Native range
South Africa
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal flowering and vigorous growth. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings, as it is very susceptible to waterlogging; reduce watering drastically in winter. It needs very well-drained soil, preferably sandy or gravelly, and a common mistake is planting it in heavy, clayey soils that retain too much moisture.
How to save a dying Ice plant
- Warning signs
- Soft, wrinkled, non-turgid leaves, or yellow and watery ones.
- First aid
- Check soil. If dry, water moderately. If waterlogged, remove and let roots dry.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and heavy soil. Also lack of direct sun.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't fully rotten. Cut damaged parts and propagate healthy cuttings.