Last Updated on March 3, 2022 by Griselda M.
So now you want to know the types of ice plants? Ice plants are the name used to refer to a large family of succulents. They are often used as a groundcover in arid or coastal areas because of their colorful blossoms.
The winter month is a dormant season for succulents, which means they don’t grow during this season. But during the summer, they blossom into colorful flowers and leaves. Most species of ice plants originate in South Africa where they commonly grow. They usually grow on the rocky coastal bluffs of Africa.
The environment has scant rainfall and little to no soil, which is various ice plant varieties thrive in South Africa. The resilient, dry season nature of this plant has made it a favorite in parched districts of the western United States and coastal regions all through the country. It is feasible to develop them in different locales as long as the gardening soil gives adequate drainage.
Today, various types of ice plants are made available throughout the world through online selling platforms like Amazon. ‘
The Different Types Of Ice Plants You Should Know
We know you are excited to know the different types of ice plants. Read on to learn a thing or two about this wonderful ground cover.
Ice Plant Kelaidis
The Ice plant kelaidis is also known as Delosperma Kelaidis. It is an herbaceous ground cover that blossoms from June to September. It is mat-forming to hug the ground with its spreading and dense tendrils.
These types of ice plants grow up to 6 inches tall and can spread up to 2 feet. You will adore its pink flowers with yellow center point during cloudy days. But during the winter, they become purple as transparent flakes start to embrace them.
They can grow in well-drained soils or drylands.USDA zones 4 to 8 will have luck in growing them.
Read more about: Do You Know How To Plant Ice Plants?
Cooper’s Hardy Ice Plant
Cooper’s Hardy ice plant (Delosperma cooperi) is a quickly developing succulent ground cover that blossoms from summer until fall. The height of Hardy Ice Plants can reach up to 7 inches while it can spread for approximately 24 inches.
Their low, mat-shaping growth makes them appropriate plants to fill in rock gardens or along a nursery bed or line. The dim green, glossy, delicious leaves on Cooper’s strong ice plant make them perfect for damp soil. The majority of them can grow 2-inch-wide with daisy-like blossoms. Their flowers are dazzling pink to purple. Cooper’s hardy ice plant fills best in full sun to light shade and very much draining soil. They fill in USDA zones 6 to 10.
Hardy Ice Plant
Hardy ice plant (Delosperma nubigena) is a cloud-loving ice plant succulent. It has an evergreen assortment, which means it holds its foliage all year round.
It grows fast at 2 inches tall with a 3-foot spread. The lone, daisy-like blossoms on hardy ice plants are yellow to chartreuse. They arise in spring to illuminate the plant. The glossy, radiant green, thick and plump leaves on solid ice plants can grow a little more than 1-inch long and cast a red hint in fall.
The hardy ice plant varieties can grow well in regions with dry seasons. If you divide to plant it indoors, choose a well-draining soil, pot with holes, and water less frequently. This plant can thrive well in USDA zones 6 to 9.
How To Care For The Different Types Of Ice Plants
Ice plants are used in sunny but shadowed desert gardens. They normally grow on rocky slopes and grounds. Since they’re small and grow wide with overflowing flowers, they are commonly used as edging plants. For most landscape engineers and gardeners, these plants are just the perfect ground cover.
If you want to grow some ice plants, you can follow these steps.
- Make to plant them in locations that have a lot of access to full sun. Choose a well-draining soil and a wide pot. Since they can grow rapidly, you can expect them to overflow on deep and small pots.
- When planting, space the plants 15-18 inches apart. They can quickly spread to fill the space. Ice plants can grow fast so you only need a couple of days to see them thrive.
- Water and prune them every spring. Try to cut off the stems that have rotten due to the winter season.
Ice Plant Light Requirements
Ice plants favor full sun, which permits them to blossom lavishly. Sun-loving plants can grow leggy and don’t produce flowers when not exposed to the sun. Make certain to furnish them with no less than six hours of direct daylight.
Soil
A well-draining soil is fundamental for an ice plant. Try to mix sandy and gravelly soils. You can also use lava rocks or pumice to mimic their environment.
Water
Once settled, water your ice plant will grow rapidly during the spring or summer. One watering at regular intervals is adequate during periods when there is no precipitation. However weekly watering is essential during a dry climate.
Allow your ice plant to dry out before winter, so they don’t sit on wet soil. If the snow cover is possible in your space, mulch the ice plant with a dry mulch, like straw, to keep it dry for the colder time of year.
Temperature and Humidity
A wide range of ice plants, including the “solid” assortments, are touchy to cold temperatures. Make certain to check the solidness range for any new ice plant you’d prefer to develop as an enduring. Assuming you live in a cold environment, winter mulching may be suggested. They fill best in dry environments.
Which Types Of Ice Plants Need Fertilizer?
It may be helpful to add compost or fertilizer to help improve the soil condition of your ice plant. However, you need to carefully read and follow the fertilizer’s label. Putting too much fertilizer will cause your succulent to wither.
If you plant your ice plant in a container, we recommend adding fertilizer. This helps the plant to grow faster. Another sign that your ice plant needs fertilizer is that when the growth is weak and there is a lack of blooms.
