Overview of Delosperma crassum L.Bolus
Delosperma crassum L.Bolus, also known as Thick-leaf Vygie, is a succulent plant species that belongs to the genus Delosperma and the family of Aizoaceae. Native to South Africa, the plant is a popular ornamental plant due to its drought resistance, low maintenance requirements, and strikingly beautiful appearance.
General Appearance of Delosperma crassum L.Bolus
The Thick-leaf Vygie is a low-growing perennial plant species that forms dense mats of entwined stems and leaves, spreading up to 30 cm in diameter. The fleshy, cylindrical leaves are triangular with a rounded tip, succulent, and appear in a warm hue of green. The leaves are up to 4 cm long, 7 mm broad, and arranged densely on the stems.
The plant produces large, daisy-like flowers on stalkless stems that emerge from the leaf axils. The flowers are usually yellow but may vary from pale lemon to golden-yellow, and they have a diameter of 4.5-5 cm. The flowers open during the day and close at night. The blooming period typically occurs in late winter and early spring.
Common Names of Delosperma crassum L.Bolus
The plant is typically referred to as Thick-leaf Vygie, but different regions and gardening enthusiasts may call it by other local names, including:
- Thick Leaved Ice Plant
- Yellow Angel
- Yellow Ice Plant
- Vygie
- Klappersvygie
Uses of Delosperma crassum L.Bolus
The Thick-leaf Vygie is primarily grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive appearance, hardiness, and low maintenance requirements. The plant is ideal for rock and gravel gardens, as a groundcover, or as a container plant. It can thrive in various soil types, including sandy and well-draining soil, and requires minimal watering, making it a suitable addition to drought-tolerant gardens.
In traditional medicine, different parts of the plant, including the leaves and roots, have been used for treating a wide range of ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. However, the effectiveness of such remedies has not been scientifically validated.
Light Requirements:
Delosperma crassum L.Bolus prefers full sun to partial shade. It grows well in places with plenty of sunshine. It is crucial to place it in an area that gets light, not necessarily direct sunlight, for at least six hours a day.
Soil Requirements:
The plant thrives in well-draining soils that are sandy, loamy, or rocky. These soils give enough room for water to drain from the roots, allowing them to thrive. It's essential to ensure the soil is not waterlogged to prevent the roots from rotting.
Temperature Requirements:
Delosperma crassum L.Bolus requires a warm temperature of between 68°F and 82°F (20°C and 28°C) for optimal growth. The plant can adapt to both high and low temperatures, but it's essential to protect it from frost.
Cultivation Methods
Delosperma crassum L.Bolus is best cultivated in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Ensure that the soil has proper drainage because the plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils. The plant can grow well in raised beds and containers.
Delosperma crassum L.Bolus requires full sunlight to thrive; therefore, ensure that it is planted in a location with a minimum of six hours of sunlight daily. If you live in an area with harsh winter conditions, it would be best to grow the plant in pots so that you can move it indoors during the winter months.
Watering Needs
Water Delosperma crassum L.Bolus deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry between watering sessions. Excessive watering of the plant can lead to root rot and eventual plant death.
If the plant is grown in a container, make sure that the pot has drainage holes. Flush the soil with water regularly to prevent salt build-up. Remember to reduce the watering frequency during winter to avoid overwatering since the plant is in dormancy.
Fertilization
Delosperma crassum L.Bolus is a low-maintenance plant that does not require frequent fertilization. You can feed the plant once every two months using a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant to prevent damage to the roots.
During the growing season, incorporate organic matter into the soil to help retain moisture and nutrients. This will eliminate the need for frequent fertilization.
Pruning
Pruning Delosperma crassum L.Bolus is not necessary since the plant has a low-growing habit. However, you can deadhead the spent flowers to encourage the growth of new blooms.
Trim the plant back to the ground level only if the foliage turns brown or damaged. The plant will regrow with lush green foliage and continue blooming throughout the summer.
Propagation of Delosperma crassum L.Bolus
Delosperma crassum L.Bolus is a drought-tolerant plant that is native to South Africa. It grows well in well-draining soils and thrives in full sun. The best time to propagate Delosperma crassum is during spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
Propagation by Seeds
Delosperma crassum can be propagated by seeds. Collect ripe seed pods and store them in a paper bag until they split open. Collect the seeds and sow them in a well-draining soil mix that is moist but not waterlogged. Keep the soil moist and place the seeds in a warm location with bright, indirect sunlight. The seeds should germinate within 2-4 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Delosperma crassum can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Take 2-3 inch stem cuttings from the parent plant and allow the cuttings to dry for a few days. Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone and plant them in well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and place the cuttings in a bright location with indirect sunlight. The cuttings should root within 2-4 weeks.
Propagation by Division
Delosperma crassum can also be propagated by division. Divide the parent plant during spring or summer when it is actively growing. Dig up the parent plant and carefully separate the root ball into smaller sections. Replant the smaller sections in well-draining soil mix and water thoroughly. Place the new plants in a bright location with indirect sunlight and keep the soil moist until the plants establish themselves.
Disease Management
Delosperma crassum L.Bolus is generally resistant to most diseases. However, some diseases might affect the plant, weakening or killing it over time. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
- Root rot: This is a condition caused by fungi that thrive on moist soil. It causes the roots of the plant to rot, leading to stunted growth, wilting, and death of the plant. To manage root rot, ensure that the plant is not overwatered and that the soil is well-drained. You can also treat the plant with a fungicide.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as white patches on leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can weaken the plant and affect its growth. To manage powdery mildew, remove affected parts of the plant and treat it with a fungicide. Ensure that the plant is also well-ventilated to reduce humidity.
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that appears as dark, water-soaked spots on leaves of the plant. It can also cause yellowing, wilting, and premature defoliation of the plant. To manage leaf spot, remove affected parts of the plant and treat it with a fungicide.
Pest Management
Delosperma crassum L.Bolus is also generally resistant to most pests. However, some pests might affect the plant, causing damage to leaves, flowers, or fruits. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from leaves and stems of the plant. They can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and deformation of flowers. To manage aphids, wash them off with a jet of water or treat the plant with an insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on the underside of leaves, causing yellowing, wilting, and premature defoliation of the plant. To manage spider mites, wash them off with a jet of water or treat the plant with an insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of moths or butterflies that feed on leaves and flowers of the plant. They can cause extensive damage to the plant. To manage caterpillars, handpick them off the plant or treat the plant with a biological insecticide.
