Delosperma aereum (L.Bolus) L.Bolus: Overview
Delosperma aereum (L.Bolus) L.Bolus is a low-growing succulent plant that belongs to the Aizoaceae family. It is native to South Africa and is commonly referred to as the "Dry Ice Plant" due to its frosty, shimmering appearance.
General Appearance
The Delosperma aereum plant has silver-green, thin leaves that are cylindrical in shape. Its leaves are covered in fine white hairs that make it appear to have a frosted look. The plant bears bright yellow and white flowers in the spring and summer months.
The plant usually grows up to 6 inches in height and can spread up to 12 inches in diameter. It has a trailing habit, making it an ideal groundcover plant or trailing over walls and containers.
Uses
Delosperma aereum is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in rock gardens, container gardens, and as a groundcover. It is drought-tolerant and requires minimal attention, making it a perfect plant for novice gardeners.
Its icy appearance and bright flowers make it an attractive addition to any garden. Furthermore, it is deer resistant, making it a desirable plant for those living in areas with deer populations.
The plant's leaves were traditionally used by the indigenous people of South Africa as a medicinal herb to treat various ailments such as stomach pains and chest infections. However, there is no scientific evidence to back up these claims, and the plant's primary use is ornamental.
Conclusion
In summary, Delosperma aereum is a low-maintenance succulent plant suitable for rock gardens, groundcovers, and container gardening. Its icy appearance and bright flowers make it an attractive addition to any garden while also serving as an excellent deer-resistant option. Although its leaves were traditionally used for medicinal purposes, there is no scientific evidence to support its use in modern medicine.
Light Requirements
Delosperma aereum grows best in full sun to partial shade. In areas with extremely hot summers, it's best to provide afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorching.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is quite hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can survive in temperatures as low as -20°F (-28°C) in winter and can withstand temperatures as high as 90°F (32°C) in summer.
Soil Requirements
Delosperma aereum prefers well-drained, sandy soil with low to moderate fertility. It can tolerate alkaline soil but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Poorly drained soil can lead to root rot and stunted growth.
Cultivation Methods
Delosperma aereum, also known as Delosperma 'Wheels of Wonder', is a tough and low-growing succulent plant that is perfect for rock gardens, ground covers, and container gardens. It is relatively easy to grow and maintain, making it an excellent choice for beginner gardeners.
The plant is native to South Africa and requires well-draining soil, a sunny location, and moderate watering. It can tolerate high heat and drought conditions, making it ideal for dry climates. It is hardy in USDA zones 7 through 10.
Watering Needs
Delosperma aereum is a drought-tolerant plant and does not require frequent watering. It is crucial not to let the soil stay too wet as this can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. Water the plant thoroughly when the soil is completely dry, and avoid getting the foliage wet to prevent diseases.
During the winter months, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering to a minimum since it needs less water during this period.
Fertilization
Delosperma aereum does not require frequent fertilization, but you can give it a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, from spring through summer, to encourage growth and flowering. Apply the fertilizer at half-strength every two weeks or according to the package instructions. Avoid over fertilizing as this can cause the plant to become leggy and weak.
Pruning
Delosperma aereum typically does not require pruning since it is a low-growing plant that spreads horizontally. However, if the plant begins to look overcrowded or leggy, you can trim it to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Prune back the stems just below the node or where new growth emerges with sharp, clean shears. You can also divide the plant every few years to keep it healthy and vigorous.
Propagation of Delosperma aereum (L.Bolus) L.Bolus
Delosperma aereum (L.Bolus) L.Bolus, also known as the "Dew Plant," is a low-growing succulent plant that features small, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink and white. You can propagate Delosperma aereum through different methods such as seed, division, and cuttings.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is the most popular method for propagating Delosperma aereum. The seeds can be sown in the spring, typically in March/April. Take a well-draining potting mixture and sow your seeds in it, making sure you cover them lightly with the soil. Water the soil, and cover the pot with a plastic wrap. Place it in a warm and bright area, keeping the temperature consistently around 70°F to help the seeds germinate. The seed will germinate in about 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings germinate, remove the plastic wrap, and keep the soil moist.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is useful when you want to produce new plants from an established Delosperma aereum plant. The plant has a trailing growth habit, which can be an advantage when taking cuttings. Take a stem segment measuring around 4 to 5 inches long from a healthy plant and let the cutting rest for a day to allow the wound to dry. Later, place the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, spray with water, and cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity levels. Position the pot where it can receive bright light but not direct sunlight. It will take around three to four weeks for the cuttings to root. At which point you can remove the plastic cover and move the plant to its new space.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division is another method to produce new Delosperma aereum plants. It is best to divide the plant during its active growth period, typically in spring. The segmented division needs to have healthy roots and shoots, and they should be able to establish quickly if kept in a well-draining soil mixture. Gently tease the roots of the plants apart, and plant the new sections individually in their new positions. Ensure that you keep the soil mix moist until the plant establishes and starts to produce new leaves.
Through these three methods, you can propagate Delosperma aereum quickly and easily, allowing you to enjoy beautiful, succulent plants that thrive in various landscape settings.
Disease and Pest Management for Delosperma aereum (L.Bolus) L.Bolus
Delosperma aereum, commonly known as ice plant or stonecrop, is a low-growing succulent plant that produces colorful blooms in shades of pink, purple, and yellow. Like all plants, it is susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests that can affect its health and appearance. Here are some common issues that may arise and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal Diseases: fungal diseases, such as root rot and powdery mildew, can occur in Delosperma aereum. To manage fungal diseases, be sure to plant the seedlings in soil that drains well, avoid over-watering the plant, and ensure adequate air circulation around the plant. In case you notice the symptoms of a fungal disease, try to remove the affected parts and dispose of them.
Bacterial Diseases: bacterial diseases such as Crown gall disease can affect the plant. This disease can cause galls to form on the stem and roots. To manage bacterial diseases, practice good sanitation by cleaning pruning tools before using them on your plants. In case the disease afflicts the plant, remove the affected parts, and try to avoid it in the future by choosing disease-resistant varieties and avoiding wounding the plants whenever possible.
Pests
Aphids R: Aphids can be a problem pest for Delosperma aereum. These tiny insects suck the sap from the plants, leading to leaf curling and yellowing. To manage an aphid infestation, spray the plants with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or a solution of water and dish soap.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are another common pest that can affect Delosperma aereum. These tiny pests infest the leaves of the plants, making them dry to curl and turn yellow. To manage spider mites, wash the plants with strong jets of water or spray them with neem oil or insecticidal soap. In severe cases, consider using a pesticide that is registered for use on succulent plants.
By following good care practices, regular monitoring, and proper disease and pest management, you can help protect your Delosperma aereum from the common diseases and pests that can affect it.
