Origin
Delosperma aereum (L.Bolus) L.Bolus var. album (L.Bolus) L.Bolus, commonly known as white-flowered delosperma, is a succulent plant that is native to Southern Africa, specifically in the mountainous regions of Lesotho and South Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as white-flowered delosperma due to its white flowers. It is also known as mottled ice plant, speckled carpetweed, and white trailing ice plant.
Uses
In its native regions, Delosperma aereum is used for medicinal purposes, particularly to treat fever, ulcers, and wounds. As an ornamental plant, it is a popular choice for rock gardens and groundcover due to its stunning display of white flowers that bloom in the summer months. Additionally, the plant is resistant to drought, making it an excellent option for xeriscaping.
General Appearance
Delosperma aereum var. album is a low-growing succulent plant that spreads horizontally to form a carpet-like mat that can reach up to 15cm in height. The leaves are small, cylindrical-shaped, and dark green with a purple tinge. The flowers appear in the summer and are white with a yellow center, measuring up to 2.5cm in diameter. The plant has a shallow root system and prefers well-draining soil.
Growth Conditions of Delosperma Aereum var. Album
Delosperma aereum var. album is a flowering ground cover plant that belongs to the Aizoaceae family. It is native to South Africa, where it grows in rocky and sandy areas. To grow and thrive, this plant requires specific growth conditions, including light, temperature, and soil requirements.
Light Requirements
Delosperma aereum var. album requires plenty of sunlight to grow and develop properly. Therefore, it is crucial to place this plant where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. The plant does not thrive in the shade as it will not receive the right amount of sunlight it needs to develop.
Temperature Requirements
Delosperma aereum var. album requires moderate temperatures that range between 15-25 degrees Celsius. It can tolerate high temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius but cannot survive in temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is necessary to plant Delosperma aereum var. album in a climate zone that provides moderate temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The soil type is crucial for the growth and development of Delosperma aereum var. album. The plant thrives well in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It is best to plant the Delosperma aereum var. album in sandy soil that has a slightly acidic to neutral pH. This type of soil will allow water to drain quickly, preventing the plant from waterlogging, which can cause root rot. The soil should also be kept moist but not too wet, as excessive moisture can lead to fungal infections.
Conclusion
Providing the right growth conditions will enable Delosperma aereum var. album to thrive in any environment. Adequate sunlight, moderate temperatures, and the right type of soil will ensure that the plant grows healthy and beautiful.
Cultivation Methods
Delosperma aereum (L.Bolus) L.Bolus var. album (L.Bolus) L.Bolus grows well in a rocky, well-draining soil. It is essential to ensure that the plant's roots do not sit in water as it can lead to root rot. The optimal soil pH for this plant is around 6.0 to 7.0. Additionally, the plant requires exposure to full sunlight.
Watering Needs
Delosperma aereum (L.Bolus) L.Bolus var. album (L.Bolus) L.Bolus requires watering once the soil's top layer becomes dry. It is essential to avoid overwatering the plant as it can cause root rot. Furthermore, during winter, the plant requires minimal watering.
Fertilization
The plant does not require significant fertilization. However, it is essential to provide the plant with compost or a dilute solution of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Ensure that you do not over-fertilize the plant.
Pruning
Delosperma aereum (L.Bolus) L.Bolus var. album (L.Bolus) L.Bolus requires minimal pruning. You can prune the plant to keep it tidy, mainly if it starts to grow on other plants. Additionally, it is essential to remove any dead or damaged stems to encourage healthy growth.
Propagation of Delosperma aereum var. album
Delosperma aereum var. album is commonly propagated through cuttings, seeds and division method.
Cuttings Propagation
The most common method of propagation is through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken during mid-spring when the plant is actively growing. Cut a 6-inch stem from the mother plant, remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone. Then, place the cutting into a pot of moist, well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and maintain a high level of humidity around the cutting until roots develop, which usually takes around 4-6 weeks.
Seeds Propagation
Delosperma aereum var. album can be propagated through seeds as well. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix during the early spring. Keep the soil moist and warm, and the seeds should germinate within 1-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or trays.
Division Propagation
Another propagation method is through division. This method is best done in spring when the plant is actively growing. Dig up the mother plant and use a sharp knife or garden shears to divide the plant into several sections. Each section should have a few roots attached to it. Replant the divided sections in well-draining soil and water thoroughly.
By following any of these propagation methods, you can propagate Delosperma aereum var. album successfully.
Disease and Pest Management for Delosperma aereum var. album
Delosperma aereum var. album is a beautiful succulent plant that is native to South Africa. It is generally a hardy plant that requires minimal maintenance. However, there are still some common diseases and pests that can affect its growth and appearance.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Delosperma aereum var. album is root rot. This is usually caused by watering the plant too frequently or by poor drainage. To prevent root rot, it is important to water the plant sparingly and ensure that there is adequate drainage in the pot.
Another common disease that can affect this plant is powdery mildew. This is a fungal disease that causes a white or grayish coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. To prevent powdery mildew, it is important to ensure that the plant is not overcrowded and that there is good air circulation around it. If the disease does occur, it can be treated with a fungicide.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that affect Delosperma aereum var. album is mealybugs. These small, white insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To prevent mealybug infestations, it is important to inspect the plant regularly and remove any infected leaves or branches. If the infestation is severe, an insecticide may be necessary.
Another common pest that can affect this plant is spider mites. These are tiny insects that feed on the underside of the leaves and can cause yellowing and a stippled appearance. To prevent spider mites, it is important to ensure that the plant is not overcrowded and that there is good air circulation around it. If the infestation is severe, an insecticide may be necessary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Delosperma aereum var. album is generally a hardy plant that requires minimal maintenance. However, it is still susceptible to common diseases and pests. By taking simple steps to ensure good plant health, such as not overwatering and ensuring good air circulation, it is possible to prevent most of these problems. If an infestation or disease does occur, there are a variety of treatment options available, including fungicides and insecticides.
