Pincushion Ice Plant

delosperma echinatum

Also known as: ["Pincushion Mesemb","Prickly Ice Plant"]

Family: Aizoaceae Genus: Delosperma Category: Succulents & Cacti

Overview

A succulent perennial with fleshy, needle-like leaves and daisy-like flowers, native to South Africa.

Benefits & Perks

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

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Aizoaceae
Genus: Delosperma
Botanical Name: Delosperma echinatum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Succulents & Cacti
  • Suitable Location: rock garden, container, or sunny border
  • 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.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun in summer; ensure bright light indoors.

Warning Signs: Wilting despite moist soil (root rot); yellowing leaves (overwatering); stunted growth (poor soil).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light; use sheer curtains in intense sun; avoid deep shade.

Watering

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

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogged soil.

Soil

well-draining, sandy or gritty soil mix

pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil; topdress with gravel for aesthetics.

Temperature

50–80°F (10–27°C); prefers warm, dry conditions; dormant in winter below 50°F.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Dilute fertilizer to half strength; fertilize only when actively growing; stop in winter.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a healthy cutting.
  2. Let it callus for 1–2 days.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Water lightly.
  5. Maintain humidity.

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

Environment

Warm (65–75°F), bright indirect light, high humidity (60–70%).

Medium

Well-draining mix like cactus soil with perlite or sand.

Hormone

Optional, but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Sharp scissors, rooting hormone, small pot, well-draining soil.

Quick Tips

Use a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity; avoid overwatering; ensure good drainage.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch or snip stems just above a leaf node; remove dead growth entirely.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or leggy stems to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead or damaged stems; shape as desired; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot); no more than 2 inches larger.

Method

Use fresh cactus mix; ensure drainage holes; gently tease apart roots; place in slightly larger pot.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and drainage.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil; 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 until water drains from the bottom; ensure excess water drains away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to target roots precisely.
Watering Schedule Tips

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

Soil Improvement

Add coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage; use a gritty mix for succulents.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

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

Cold Stress

Leaves may shrivel or turn brown; growth halts; risk of frost damage below 32°F.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; reduce watering in cold.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth slows; soil dries rapidly.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but carefully.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with leaves.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, diluted cactus fertilizer every 4–6 weeks in spring/summer; avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Delosperma echinatum may indicate overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or stress from environmental factors such as excessive sunlight or temperature fluctuations.

Wilting in Delosperma echinatum is often a sign of water stress, either due to underwatering or root damage from overwatering or pathogens.

Leaf spots on Delosperma echinatum may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, often exacerbated by high humidity or overhead watering, leading to unsightly foliage and potential leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Delosperma echinatum if the plant is exposed to excessive moisture or poor drainage, leading to decay and potential death of the plant.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Delosperma echinatum is not toxic to cats. The plant does not produce any known compounds that are harmful to felines.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are needed for growing this plant around cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Delosperma echinatum is not toxic to dogs. The plant does not produce any known compounds that are harmful to canines.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are needed for growing this plant around dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Delosperma echinatum is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact with the plant.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are needed for handling or growing this plant around humans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I water Delosperma echinatum?

A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

Q: Does Delosperma echinatum attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.

Q: Can Delosperma echinatum be grown indoors?

A: While possible, it thrives best in outdoor, sunny locations with well-drained soil.

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