Origin of Delosperma aereum (L.Bolus) L.Bolus var. album (L.Bolus) L.Bolus
Delosperma aereum (L.Bolus) L.Bolus var. album (L.Bolus) L.Bolus belongs to the family Aizoaceae and is native to southern Africa, specifically found in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape provinces of South Africa.
Common Names of Delosperma aereum (L.Bolus) L.Bolus var. album (L.Bolus) L.Bolus
The common names of this plant are White Trailing Ice Plant and White Deerveldvygie.
Uses of Delosperma aereum (L.Bolus) L.Bolus var. album (L.Bolus) L.Bolus
Delosperma aereum (L.Bolus) L.Bolus var. album (L.Bolus) L.Bolus has ornamental value and is a popular groundcover in gardens due to its low maintenance and ability to withstand drought. It can be used as a border plant or as a groundcover in rock gardens. The trailing habit of the plant also makes it ideal for planting in hanging baskets and containers.
General Appearance of Delosperma aereum (L.Bolus) L.Bolus var. album (L.Bolus) L.Bolus
Delosperma aereum (L.Bolus) L.Bolus var. album (L.Bolus) L.Bolus is a low-growing, succulent perennial that grows up to 10 cm in height and spreads up to 50 cm in diameter. Its leaves are greyish-green and cylindrical, growing up to 2 cm long. The plant produces white daisy-like flowers that bloom between August and September. The flowers have numerous white petals and a yellow center, and are approximately 3 cm in diameter. The plant prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
Light Requirements
Delosperma aereum var. album requires full sun to grow properly. It can tolerate light shade, but its growth will be stunted, and it won't flower as profusely as when grown in bright sunlight. In low light settings, the plant looks scraggly and weak.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can survive a wide range of temperatures, but the ideal temperature range for growth is between 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). It can withstand temperatures as low as -5°C (23°F) for a short time, provided the soil is adequately drained. When exposed to temperatures above 37°C (99°F), the plant may start to lose its leaves, but it will recover as normal weather conditions return.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers sandy, well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It can grow in slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils. The plant is drought-resistant and can survive in dry soil conditions. However, it doesn't grow well in wet, waterlogged soil conditions. Using a light, well-draining potting mix or adding sand and perlite to regular soil can help improve drainage if the soil is heavy.
Cultivation methods
Delosperma aereum var. album can be grown both indoors in containers or outdoors in well-draining soil. When planting in containers, make sure to use a sandy or gritty mixture that drains well. The plant also requires full sun, so try to place it in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight every day.
Watering needs
Delosperma aereum is drought-tolerant, meaning it can survive in periods of low rainfall. However, it's best to water the plant once a week during the growing season, especially in areas with very little rainfall. The soil should be allowed to dry out between watering, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Delosperma aereum does not require a lot of fertilizer. However, feeding it with a balanced, all-purpose liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season can help it thrive. Be careful not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can lead to excessive growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Delosperma aereum does not require much pruning. However, if the plant becomes too leggy, you can pinch back the tips to encourage bushier growth. Deadheading spent flowers can also help encourage more blooms. Pruning should be done in the growing season, between spring and fall.
Propagation Methods of Delosperma aereum var. album
Delosperma aereum var. album, also known as White-Flowered Delosperma or Ice Plant, is a perennial succulent plant from the Aizoaceae family. It is native to South Africa and has adapted well to different climates and soils around the world. Propagation of this plant can be done through different methods that allow gardeners and enthusiasts to create new plants and expand their collection.
Seed Propagation
The most common way to propagate Delosperma aereum var. album is through seeds. Gardeners can collect seeds from their mature plants, purchase them from a reputable supplier or harvest them from the wild (depending on local regulations). It is essential to ensure the quality and viability of the seeds before planting them.
Seeds should be sown in a fine, well-draining soil mixture and covered lightly with sand. The tray or pot should be placed in a bright, warm spot (such as a greenhouse or a sunny windowsill) and kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the conditions.
Cuttings Propagation
Another way to propagate Delosperma aereum var. album is through cuttings. This method allows gardeners to create clones of their favorite plants or to share them with friends and neighbors. Cuttings are best taken in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
To take a cutting, select a healthy stem and use sharp, clean shears to remove a 3-4 inch piece. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mixture and water lightly. The pot should be covered with a plastic bag or a cloche to create a humid environment. Place the tray or pot in a bright, warm spot and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Roots should form in a few weeks, and the new plant can be potted separately.
Division Propagation
Delosperma aereum var. album can also be propagated through division. This method allows gardeners to propagate mature plants without having to wait for seed germination or cuttings to root. Division is best done in early spring when the plant is emerging from dormancy.
To divide a plant, carefully remove it from its pot or the ground and shake off excess soil. Gently separate the clumps of stems and roots, making sure each section has some healthy roots and foliage. Plant each division in a well-draining soil mixture and water lightly. The new plants should be kept in a bright, sheltered spot and watered regularly until they are established.
Propagation of Delosperma aereum var. album can be a rewarding and straightforward process that allows gardeners to expand their collection or share their love of succulent plants with others. With proper care and attention, new plants can grow and thrive for years to come.
Disease and Pest Management for Delosperma aereum var. album
Delosperma aereum var. album, commonly known as white ice plant, is a resilient and easy-to-grow plant that is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, they may sometimes fall prey to a few common plant diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect Delosperma aereum var. album is root rot. It is caused by overwatering and poor drainage, leading to waterlogging and the onset of fungal pathogens that attack the roots. This disease can be managed by ensuring proper drainage and reducing watering frequency. Fungicides can also be utilized for severe infections.
Bacterial infections such as soft rot and leaf spot may also occur, leading to the wilting, yellowing, and collapse of the plant. These issues can be prevented by practicing good plant hygiene and reducing leaf-wetting from watering or rain. Infected plants must be removed and destroyed to avoid spreading the disease to other plants.
Common Pests
Whiteflies, spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs are common pests that can plague Delosperma aereum var. album. They suck the sap of the plant, stunting its growth and causing yellowing of leaves. These pests can be controlled by spraying a weak solution of dish soap or neem oil on the foliage and stems. Additionally, releasing predatory insects such as ladybugs and lacewings can effectively manage pest populations.
Slugs and snails may also attack Delosperma aereum var. album, leaving behind irregular holes in the leaves and slime trails. Handpicking these pests and applying diatomaceous earth around the plants can prevent them from infesting the area.
Regular monitoring and early diagnosis of plant problems are crucial to keeping Delosperma aereum var. album healthy and free from diseases and pests. With proper care and attention, these plants can thrive and add beauty to any garden or landscape.
