Best Ice Plant Care: A Comprehensive Guide to Delosperma Success

Pink flowering ice plants

Key takeaways - Delosperma or Ice plants

  • Common Plant Name

    - Delosperma

  • Botanical Name

    - Delosperma spp.

  • Botanical Family

    - Aizoaceae

  • Plant Type

    - Perennial succulent ground cover

  • Mature Size

    - 1 to 3 inches in height

  • Sun Exposure

    - Full sun to partial shade

  • Soil Type

    - Well-drained, sandy or gravelly

  • Soil pH Neutral

    - Neutral to slightly acidic

  • Bloom Time

    - Late spring to early fall

  • Flower Color

    - Various, including pink, purple, orange

  • Hardiness Zones

    - 5 to 9

  • Native Region

    - South Africa, Namibia

Ice plants (Delosperma) are perennial drought-tolerant and sun-loving succulent ground cover or low-growing bushes. They are native to arid regions in southern Africa, specifically the rocky, mountainous regions of the Cape Provinces. Lesotho and Swaziland. So they are no strangers to bright and sunny conditions.

If the conditions are right, they flower profusely, usually for several months. The Ice plant flowers come in almost every color, sometimes multicolored.

Ice plants are usually very easy to care for without many challenges to overcome. As long as they are located in a sunny location and dry out between waterings, they are usually very happy plants. Although, there are plenty of steps to ensure a phenomenal result. Below follows a detailed How-To-Guide for best Ice plant (Delosperma) care.

ice plants

Best Light for Ice Plants

Ice plants are sun-loving plants that prefer full sun to partial shade exposure. 

Around 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal. But most Ice plants are fairly adaptable and tolerate more or less depending on the type and climate. 

If they are not given sufficient sunlight, they may fail to produce flower buds at an expected rate. The plant may also become leggy and less aesthetically pleasing to look at.

Soil for Ice Plants

Ice plants need well-drained, gravelly soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). You can also add some organic compost, to help improve soil structure and fertility. As for most succulents, it is very important to ensure the soil does not stay wet for long periods of time, as ice plants are susceptible to root rot.

Best pots Ice Plants

A ceramic- or terracotta pot that breathes is usually the best option, since they help the soil to dry out. Plastic pots are usually fine too, as long as the soil drains quickly.

Ice plant Delosperma sp.

Fertilizer for Delosperma

Ice plants are relatively low maintenance and don’t require too much fertilization. However, they will benefit from fertilization at the beginning of the growing season to promote bloom, which usually starts in late spring or early summer.

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer with a ratio of equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (e.g. 10-10-10).

Bear in mind that ice plants can be sensitive to over-fertilization, so be sure to follow the fertilizer instructions carefully. Also, it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of nutrient deficiencies, such as yellowing leaves or poor growth. If you notice any of these signs, you can apply a balanced fertilizer to help the plants recover.

Temperature for Delosperma

Ice plants are great summer plants pretty much wherever you are located. They will always thrive in high temperatures and long days.

Many Ice plants are quite hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as slightly below the freezing point. They can tolerate low temperatures in dry conditions with sufficient light. Like many succulents, their root system doesn’t enjoy low temperatures in wet conditions.

Watering Delosperma

Ice plants are drought-tolerant and don’t require frequent watering. Although, they require regular watering when they are first planted to help them establish a strong root system. Once established, they should be watered infrequently but deeply, if planted in a flowerbed.

Give Ice plants water during the summer roughly once a week, but make sure they dry out completely in between. A general rule of thumb is to water Ice plants when the top inch of soil is completely dry. Simply insert your finger into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. 

As for most plants. When the Ice plant is in active growth, it may require more frequent watering. And in the winter, it will require less water since the plant goes dormant.

The current weather will impact the watering needs. Heat waves may require more frequent watering than periods of precipitation. Ice plants will tell you their mood. If they need more water, they will shrivel and look a bit sad. If so, give it a soak and make it smile again.

Range of Ice Plants

Ice plants come in many different varieties and sizes, each with its own unique characteristics. The flowers come in a variety of colors such as, yellow, orange, red, purple, and even multicolor.

  • Delosperma cooperi (Cooper's Ice Plant)
  • Delosperma floribundum (Trailing Ice Plant)
  • Delosperma nubigenum (Yellow Ice Plant)
  • Delosperma wheeleri (Wheeler's Ice Plant)
  • Delosperma fire spinner
  • Delosperma Echinatum
  • Lampranthus spectabilis (Vygie or Showy Ice Plant)
  • Malephora crocea (Orange Ice Plant)
  • Malephora lutea (Yellow Ice Plant)
  • Mesembryanthemum crystallinum (Common Ice Plant)
  • Carpobrotus edulis (Hottentot Fig or Ice Plant)
  • Ceratostigma willmottianum (Willmott's Ghost Ice Plant)

Note: Some of the above-mentioned plants are not in the genus Delosperma, but they are commonly referred to as ice plants because of the appearance of their leaves and flowers.

ice plants

How to grow Ice Plants

Ice plants (Delosperma spp.) can be propagated through a variety of methods, including seed, stem cuttings, and division.

Propagate Ice Plants by seed

  • Collect seed from the ice plant in late summer or fall, when the seed capsules have turned brown.
  • Clean the seed by rubbing it gently between your fingers to remove any debris.
  • Sow the seed in a seed tray filled with seed compost and cover with a layer of grit.
  • Keep the seed tray in a propagator or cover with a plastic bag and place in a warm place (around 60-70°F/ 21° C).
  • The seed will germinate within 2-3 weeks.

Propagate Ice Plants by stem cuttings

  • Take stem cuttings in the summer, when the ice plant is in active growth.
  • Cut a 3-4 inch stem from the tip of the plant, making sure to remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting.
  • Dip the cutting in rooting hormone powder. Although, the success rate without hormone powder is still extremely high.
  • Insert the cutting into a pot of seed compost or propagating sand and cover with a plastic bag.
  • You can also take a cutting and put it in a glass of water. Eventually, tiny white roots will appear. Then, transfer the cutting to a pot or a flowerbed.

Propagate Ice Plants by division

  • Divide ice plant clumps in the spring when the new growth appears.
  • Carefully dig up the clump and separate it into smaller sections using a sharp knife or spade.
  • Replant the divisions in well-drained soil, water well and fertilize as needed.

If the conditions are right, Ice plant cuttings usually start to produce flower buds just a few weeks later. If I am on holiday where Ice plants grow naturally, I’ll take home as many cuttings as I possibly can to my colder hardiness zone. Where they will be a very nice seasonal addition and brighten up my garden.

Ice plants - Common pests

Ice plants are generally hardy and pest-resistant, but they can be affected by a few common pests. Some of the most common pests that can affect ice plants are:

  • Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing yellowing, wilting, and distorted growth.
  • Spider mites: These tiny spider-like creatures feed on the plant’s sap and can cause yellowing, wilting, and webbing on the leaves.
  • Mealybugs: These small, white insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves.
  • Slugs and snails: These pests can chew holes in the leaves and flowers of the plant.

To fight pests, you can use a mixture of water and mild dish soap, and spray the plants to remove the pests. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil. If you notice pests on your ice plant, it’s important to act quickly as they can cause significant damage if ignored. You should also keep an eye on the plants for signs of infestation and take action before the pest population gets out of control.

Make Ice Plants bloom

Ice plants typically bloom in late spring or early summer, and they require full sun to partial shade exposure to bloom profusely. But in my experience, they can also flower during winters in a Mediterranean climate. Here are a few tips to help ensure that your ice plants bloom:

  • Plant ice plants in a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sun per day.
  • Provide well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral in pH (6.0-7.0)
  • Water the plants regularly, but avoid over watering as this can lead to root rot.
  • Fertilize the plants at the beginning of the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
  • Deadhead the spent flowers regularly to encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
  • Prune the plant back in the fall to promote bushier growth and more flowers the next season.

Challanges with Ice Plants

Overwinter Ice plants in cold hardiness zones

It may prove to be a challenge to overwinter succulents successfully. If you live in a cold hardiness zone, the main objective is to keep the plant alive over the winter. If you can find a cool, sunny south-facing windowsill, large enough for a bulky Ice plant, the chances of survival are high.  If you want to increase the success rate. A high-lumen grow lamp is a great investment.

Pruning Ice Plants

Pruning and trimming Ice Plants are sometimes needed if they spread too much too fast. Also, remove dried branches and less healthy parts, to allow the plant to generate growth to all the healthy parts. Generally, they are effortless to maintain as you simply cut off unnecessary parts. 

FAQ - Ice plants Delosperma

Most frequent questions and answers

Ice plants prefer a sunny location in well-draining soil. Some are pretty hardy but will struggle with wet, dark and cold winters.

It very much depends on your subjective opinion. They vary in size and shape, and the flowers come in many different colors. There is a great variety, and certainly something suitable for everyone’s particular need.

According to Universal Journal of Agricultural Research, Delosperma Reseii´s leaves contain aqueous extract with anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer activity. This article from healthbenefitstimes.com claims Mesembryanthemum crystallinum has a wide range of health benefits.

It is easier to have an Ice plant outdoors since it likes to spread out fairly quickly. Although, a smaller in a pot is perfect för a sunny spot indoors. Perhaps the smallest Ice plant, Delosperma sphalmanthoides is perfect for a small pot indoors.

Sprinkle seed on top of moist soil in lots of daylight. The seed will germinate after roughly a couple of weeks. Keep the temperature fairly warm around 60-70°F/ 21°. C