Ice plant flowers grow in USDA plant hardiness zones 5-9 and will bloom for most of the summer and fall. Their foliage is mostly evergreen and, because of this, they make a great year-round ground cover. While the plant is evergreen, it will often have some dieback of foliage in the winter.
How to Grow Ice Plant
Soil: A neutral soil pH is fine, but it is more important to provide sandy, well-draining soil. Plants will rot if left in wet or damp soil for prolonged periods of time.
Planting: Ice Plants can be grown from either seed or cuttings. Seeds need warm temperatures (55 F.) to germinate. Taking cuttings is the fastest method. Make cuttings while the plant is actively growing, from spring to early fall. Cut shoots about 3 - 6 inches long and remove all but the top set of leaves.
Succulent cuttings should be allowed to dry slightly and callus. Leave them out in the air for several hours or overnight. Then root in sandy soil, in containers. Keep the soil evenly moist, until the cutting root. You can tell they have rooted by gently tugging on them. If they offer resistance, they have rooted and can be potted up.
Caring for Ice Plants
Established plants are extremely drought tolerant; however, they do prefer regular weekly watering during the summer. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings in the winter, when they are somewhat dormant.
Flowering is more abundant if container grown plants are fed a balanced fertilizer, according to label directions. In-ground plants should be fed if the soil is poor or if blooming is sparse.
Plants can be divided or repotted in early spring.
Common Pests and Diseases:
The most common diseases Delosperma displays are crown and root rots; both can be traced to lack of drainage or excessive watering. Amend poorly draining soils with perlite, bark, or coarse sand to improve drainage and water VERY sparingly. Aphids can occasionally show up to munch on leaves, but can be sprayed off with a hose or treated with insecticidal soaps or oils.
Ice Plant Seeds:
Ice plant seeds are available with local nurseries or one can harvest their own from last season's dried flowers. Once the flower begins to wilt, allow it to dry on the plant. The petals will fall to the ground exposing a seed pod. Let the seed pod dry completely on the plant itself; however, keep an eye as the seed pod may crack and seeds will fall to the ground. Being very tiny seeds, their retrieval will be difficult. Place a sheet of paper and break open the seed pod on it. Collect seeds, and lightly blow away the debris that comes with it. Store ice plant seeds in a clean jar and store in a dark dry place.
