Delosperma cooperi aka Hardy Iceplant

Taxonomy

Delosperma cooperi, also known as Mesembryanthemum cooperi or the trailing Iceplant, is a dwarf perennial plant native to South Africa. This mat-forming evergreen succulent reaches heights of approximately 10-15 cm (4-6 in) and has fleshy, blue-green leaves. Its trailing stems hang down and its fleshy roots enable rapid growth and recovery after disturbances. From summer to autumn, Delosperma cooperi produces a profusion of daisy-like flowers, about 5 cm across, with red petals and a yellow eye. Thriving in full sun and poor soil, this succulent annual or biennial plant belongs to the Aizoaceae family. Its small but graceful flowers make it a beautiful addition to any garden or room. The low creeping plant, Mesembryanthemum, has recumbent, strongly branched sprouts and green, fleshy leaves. The leaves have superficial swollen cells resembling small balls of crystal or ice. Similar to daisies, the flowers come in various colors and the fruit is a small box containing seeds.

Common names

Hardy Iceplant, Cooper's Ice Plant, Hardy Ice Plant

How to care for Hardy Iceplant

Difficulty

Caring for Hardy Iceplant is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Hardy Iceplant does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

When growing the Hardy Iceplant, it's important to use a potting soil that is well-draining and does not retain excessive moisture. An optimal soil mix should contain a high proportion of perlite or vermiculite for good drainage and some organic matter for nourishment. Simply add a few scoops of perlite to regular cactus soil to achieve this.

Lighting

Hardy Iceplant requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Cooper's Ice Plant is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Hardy Iceplant to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Humidity

Hardy Iceplant plants thrive in dry environments, however, if you choose to provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on the leaves can create an ideal environment for certain types of harmful fungi.

Region of origin

Hardy Iceplant’s native range is Southern Africa.


More info:
Wikipedia