Ice Plant

crassula mesembryanthemoides

Also known as: ["Ice Plant","Crassula mesembryanthemoides"]

Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Crassula Category: Succulents & Cacti

Overview

A succulent plant with fleshy, ice-like leaves and a compact growth habit, native to South Africa.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","shade tolerant","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Crassula
Botanical Name: Crassula mesembryanthemoides

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Succulents & Cacti
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot with bright, direct light or outdoor rock garden
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°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 for improved drainage.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually or as needed to remove leggy growth or maintain compact form.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate—remove up to one-third of growth if necessary, but avoid heavy pruning unless rejuvenating.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily. Can tolerate direct sun but acclimate gradually to avoid scorching. Adjust exposure based on season and intensity.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants to direct sun slowly over 1–2 weeks. Avoid placing in intense midday sun without acclimation. Indoors, place near south-facing windows with filtered 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 to partial shade

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; move outdoors in spring/summer for stronger light.

Watering

every 10–14 days, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries out fully between waterings; avoid waterlogging.

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; ensure soil dries between waterings.

Temperature

Ideal range 65–80°F (18–27°C). Tolerates mild frost but prefers warmer conditions. Reduce watering in cooler months.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; adjust watering with temperature shifts.

Fertilizing

every 2 months during active growth (spring and summer), none in winter

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only when actively growing; stop in dormant periods.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or leaf cuttings. Stem cuttings are more reliable for this species.

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

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

Environment

Warm (70–75°F), humid, and bright indirect light. Avoid direct sun until roots establish.

Medium

Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite (1:1 ratio).

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Clean scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil mix.

Quick Tips

Allow cuttings to callus before planting; use bottom heat for faster rooting; maintain humidity with a plastic cover.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Trim stems just above a leaf node or junction. Remove dead leaves at the base to improve airflow.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead/damaged parts. Best done in spring before active growth.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune during active growth; remove dead/damaged parts; shape as desired.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, when the plant is entering its active growth phase.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in diameter.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting.

Suggestions

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

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; ensure drainage; water sparingly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the soil level, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone. Allow excess water to drain completely. Water in the morning to minimize evaporation and prevent fungal issues.

Pro Tip: Use the soak-and-dry method—water thoroughly until it drains, then let the soil dry out completely before the next watering.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to once every 4–6 weeks, depending on conditions.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to commercial potting soil to enhance drainage and aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis (yellowing leaves), leaf drop, stunted growth, or mushy stems (overwatering in cold) or wilting (heat stress).

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and increase susceptibility to root rot, especially if soil remains moist.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; reduce watering; ensure good drainage; protect from drafts and frost.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, dehydration, and wilting, especially if combined with intense sun.

Solution: Provide shade during peak sun; increase humidity (e.g., misting); water early in the day; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during growing season only; avoid over-fertilization.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, diluted cactus fertilizer (e.g., 1/4 strength) every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer). Avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Crassula mesembryanthemoides may indicate overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or root rot, often resulting in reduced photosynthetic efficiency and plant vitality.

Wilting in Crassula mesembryanthemoides can be caused by underwatering, overwatering, or root damage, leading to dehydration or suffocation of roots, respectively.

Leaf spots on Crassula mesembryanthemoides are often caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthesis and potential leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Crassula mesembryanthemoides is commonly associated with overwatering or poor drainage, causing decay and eventual death of the plant.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats that ingest Crassula mesembryanthemoides may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause mild distress.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants away from cats and seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

Ingestion of Crassula mesembryanthemoides by dogs can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not considered highly toxic but can cause discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants out of reach of pets and consult a veterinarian if ingestion occurs.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Crassula mesembryanthemoides contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested by humans. The plant's sap may also cause minor skin irritation upon contact.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea skin irritation
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion and wash hands after handling the plant to prevent skin irritation.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Crassula mesembryanthemoides toxic to pets?

A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: How often should I water this plant?

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

Q: Does this plant require full sun?

A: It thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

Quick Reference
Family: Crassulaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 10–14 days, allowing s
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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