Origin
Delosperma ecklonis (Salm-Dyck) Schwantes var. latifolia L.Bolus is commonly known as the Giant Ice Plant and belongs to the Aizoaceae family. It is native to the rocky terrain of South Africa, particularly in the Eastern Cape Province and KwaZulu-Natal.
Common Names
Aside from the Giant Ice Plant, Delosperma ecklonis var. latifolia is also known as the Pigface or Sour Fig. The name Pigface refers to the fleshy leaves that resemble a pig's snout, while Sour Fig pertains to the plant's edible, sour-tasting fruit.
Uses
Delosperma ecklonis var. latifolia is mainly used as ground cover due to its low-growing and spreading habit. It is a hardy and drought-resistant plant that is perfect for rock gardens, xeriscapes, and sandy soils. The Giant Ice Plant's vibrant, pink-purple flowers make it an attractive addition to any landscape. Moreover, the plant's edible fruit is high in nutrition, particularly in Vitamin C, and is a common ingredient in traditional African cuisine.
General Appearance
The Giant Ice Plant is a trailing succulent plant that grows up to 10 inches tall and 6 feet wide. Its leaves are fleshy, cylindrical, and up to 3 inches long. The leaves are green, grayish-green, or bluish-green in color and arranged in pairs opposite each other on the stem. During the summer, the plant produces a profusion of pink-purple, daisy-like flowers that are 1 inch in diameter. The flowers bloom for several weeks and close at night or on cloudy days. The fruits of the plant are small, round, yellowish-green berries with a sour taste.
Growth Conditions for Delosperma ecklonis (Salm-Dyck) Schwantes var. latifolia L.Bolus
Delosperma ecklonis (Salm-Dyck) Schwantes var. latifolia L.Bolus, commonly known as the Ice Plant, is a succulent plant that is native to southern Africa. This plant is a popular ground cover due to its ability to spread and its attractive, colorful flowers. In order to ensure optimal growth conditions, it is important to provide the plant with the appropriate amount of light, temperature, and soil.
Light
The Ice Plant requires full sun exposure to thrive. It prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. When the Ice Plant is provided with inadequate sunlight, its growth rate will be hindered, and it may not produce as many flowers, or the flowers may be smaller in size. If the plant is grown in a region with intense summer heat, it may benefit from some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature
The Ice Plant is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of temperatures, as it is able to survive in USDA zones 6-10. However, it is important to note that extreme heat or cold can be detrimental to the health of this plant. The ideal temperature range for the Ice Plant is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It may be necessary to provide some protection for the plant during extremely cold or hot temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The Ice Plant requires well-draining soil that is low in organic matter. Soil that is too rich in organic matter will retain too much moisture and can lead to root rot. The plant prefers sandy or gravelly soil that is slightly acidic with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. The plant does not tolerate standing water and may benefit from being grown in raised beds or containers to ensure proper drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Delosperma ecklonis (Salm-Dyck) Schwantes var. latifolia L.Bolus, also known as ice plant, is a succulent plant that is easy to cultivate. It thrives in full sunlight, so consider a location with at least 6 hours of sunlight. It is also ideal to plant in well-drained soil with moderate fertility. Improve the soil drainage by adding sand or grit into the planting hole, as this helps prevent moisture from being retained in the soil after watering.
Watering Needs
The ice plant is a drought-tolerant succulent that requires minimal watering. Provide water only when the soil is completely dry. Avoid over-watering as this can result in root rot. In addition, it is better to water the plant deeply and infrequently than to water it frequently and shallowly.
Fertilization
Fertilization of the ice plant should be minimal to avoid over-stimulation of vegetative growth, which could lead to weak stems that flop over. You can use a balanced low-nitrogen fertilizer during the plant's growing season, which typically is during late spring or early summer. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength, and apply every six to eight weeks to help ensure healthy growth.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the Delosperma ecklonis var. latifolia. However, if necessary, the plant can tolerate light pruning immediately after blooming to maintain its shape. Remove dead flowers and leggy growth to encourage new growth and promote a healthy appearance.
Propagation of Delosperma ecklonis (Salm-Dyck) Schwantes var. latifolia L.Bolus
Delosperma ecklonis (Salm-Dyck) Schwantes var. latifolia L.Bolus can be propagated through various methods. Here are some methods that you can use for propagating Delosperma ecklonis (Salm-Dyck) Schwantes var. latifolia L.Bolus:
1. Seed Propagation
Seeds of Delosperma ecklonis (Salm-Dyck) Schwantes var. latifolia L.Bolus can be collected and sown when the temperatures are warm enough. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil and keep it moist. Seeds germinate in 1-3 weeks, depending on the conditions.
2. Division
Delosperma ecklonis (Salm-Dyck) Schwantes var. latifolia L.Bolus can be propagated through clump division in the early spring. Dig up the clump of the plant and carefully separate it into smaller clumps, ensuring that each clump has roots attached to it. Replant the new clumps in well-draining soil and keep them moist.
3. Stem Cuttings
Take stem cuttings of Delosperma ecklonis (Salm-Dyck) Schwantes var. latifolia L.Bolus in the early spring or summer. Cut healthy stems approximately 10 cm long and remove the leaves from the lower part of the stem. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone and plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and warm, and the cutting should root in about 3-4 weeks.
4. Leaf Cuttings
Take leaf cuttings of Delosperma ecklonis (Salm-Dyck) Schwantes var. latifolia L.Bolus in the early spring or summer. Cut healthy leaves from the plant and make sure each cutting has a short stem attached to it. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone and plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and warm, and the cutting should root in about 3-4 weeks.
Disease Management
The plant Delosperma ecklonis (Salm-Dyck) Schwantes var. latifolia L.Bolus is known for its resistance to pests and diseases, but it is still susceptible to some problems. Below are some of the common diseases that might affect the plant and their management:
1. Root Rot
Root rot is a common disease that affects many plants, and it can be caused by different fungi. In Delosperma ecklonis, it is caused by Phytophthora fungi. The symptoms of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting, and overall weakness. To manage root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining, and avoid overwatering. Apply fungicides that contain metalaxyl or mefenoxam, and remove infected plants from the garden immediately.
2. Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that manifests as small, circular, or irregularly-shaped spots on the leaves. The spots may be brown or black, and they may cause the leaves to yellow and drop prematurely. To manage leaf spot, spray the plant with fungicides that contain chlorothalonil or copper fungicides. Remove and dispose of the infected leaves (do not compost them), and avoid overhead watering that can splash fungal spores from the soil onto the leaves.
Pest Management
Delosperma ecklonis is generally resistant to most pests, but some may still infest the plant. Below are some of the common pests that might affect the plant and their management:
1. Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plants. They can cause the leaves to curl, yellow, and drop prematurely. To manage aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also introduce natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies to control their population.
2. Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant's sap and cause yellow spots on the leaves. They are common in dry conditions and can quickly infest the plant if left unchecked. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to increase humidity, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also introduce natural predators like predatory mites and ladybugs to control their population.
