Ice Plant

drosanthemum floribundum

Also known as: ["Cape Mesemb","Trailing Ice Plant"]

Family: Aizoaceae Genus: Drosanthemum Category: Succulents & Cacti

Overview

A succulent plant native to South Africa, known for its vibrant magenta flowers and fleshy, ice-like leaves.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","drought tolerant","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Aizoaceae
Genus: Drosanthemum
Botanical Name: Drosanthemum floribundum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Succulents & Cacti
  • Suitable Location: rock garden, sunny border, or container in full sun
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–40°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or coarse sand.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if needed.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours direct sunlight daily). Can tolerate partial shade but may become leggy.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight to avoid scorching. Indoors, place near a south-facing window; outdoors, ensure unobstructed light.

Warning Signs: Wilting despite moist soil, yellowing leaves, or root rot indicate poor drainage or overwatering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; provide shade during extreme heat if needed.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly until runoff, ensure excellent drainage, and avoid frequent light watering.

Soil

well-draining, sandy or gritty soil mix

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use pots with drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil; topdress with gravel for extra drainage.

Temperature

Prefers warm temperatures (65–80°F or 18–27°C). Tolerates mild frost but thrives in heat.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing

every 2–3 months during growing season with balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer

Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a healthy cutting.
  2. Let it callus for 1–2 days.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), high humidity (60–70%), and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and cactus/succulent soil.

Hormone

Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.

Timeline

Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Sharp knife, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use sterile tools; avoid overwatering; maintain humidity with a plastic cover.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back stems or use clean cuts just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth.

Tools

Sharp, clean pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape plant evenly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, when the plant is entering active growth.

Pot Size

Move to a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; ensure drainage holes are clear.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Necessary to refresh soil and provide space.

Checklist

Use fresh soil; ensure drainage; handle roots carefully; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation. Water early in the day to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry. Ensure water drains freely to prevent root rot.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to direct water precisely to the soil, avoiding leaves.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce watering in winter to once every 4–6 weeks, depending on conditions.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to improve aeration and drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in cold; scorching or sunburn in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause root damage or leaf drop if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C).

Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from frost with a cover or indoor placement.

Hot Stress

Can lead to dehydration, leaf burn, or reduced flowering if temperatures exceed 90°F (32°C) for extended periods.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer). Avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Drosanthemum floribundum may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and overall vigor.

Wilting in Drosanthemum floribundum is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or root issues, which can lead to cell damage and potential plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Drosanthemum floribundum are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthesis and potential leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Drosanthemum floribundum due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay of plant tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Drosanthemum floribundum is not known to be toxic to cats. It poses no significant health risks if ingested or handled.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No specific safety precautions are necessary for cats around this plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Drosanthemum floribundum is not known to be toxic to dogs. It poses no significant health risks if ingested or handled.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No specific safety precautions are necessary for dogs around this plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

Drosanthemum floribundum is not known to exhibit any toxic effects in humans. It is generally considered safe for handling and consumption.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No specific safety precautions are necessary for handling or growing this plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I water Drosanthemum floribundum?

A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings, especially during winter.

Q: Does this plant require full sun?

A: Yes, it thrives in full sun and requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Q: Can I grow this plant indoors?

A: While possible, it prefers outdoor conditions with ample sunlight and good air circulation.

Quick Reference
Family: Aizoaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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