Origin
Delosperma exspersum (N.E.Br.) L.Bolus var. exspersum belongs to the Aizoaceae family and is native to southern Africa, particularly South Africa and Lesotho.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as the Pink Carpet Ice Plant or simply the Pink Ice Plant due to the dense clusters of pink flowers that cover the succulent foliage.
Uses
Delosperma exspersum (N.E.Br.) L.Bolus var. exspersum is primarily grown as an ornamental plant because of its attractive, low-growing habit, and spectacular flowering display. It is often used as a ground cover or in rock gardens, as it can quickly spread and form a beautiful carpet of colorful blooms.
General Appearance
The Pink Carpet Ice Plant is a perennial succulent that forms dense mats of foliage ranging in color from green to greyish-green. The leaves are cylindrical, fleshy, and up to 1 inch long. The plant blooms in spring and summer, producing masses of pink or magenta daisy-like flowers with yellow centers that can completely cover the foliage. The flowers open on sunny days and close at night or on cloudy days. The plant requires well-draining soil, full sun and moderate water. It grows 3-6 inches tall and spreads up to 24 inches wide.
Light requirements
Delosperma exspersum (N.E.Br.) L.Bolus var. exspersum prefers full sun or partial shade conditions for optimal growth. The plant requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to thrive, but it can also tolerate some shade. It is important to avoid excessive shade as it can lead to leggy growth and decreased flower production.
Temperature requirements
The plant is moderately drought-tolerant, and it prefers warm temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C) for optimal growth. However, Delosperma exspersum (N.E.Br.) L.Bolus var. exspersum can also tolerate cold temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C) as long as it is protected from frost. Extreme temperatures above 90°F (32°C) should be avoided as it can cause leaf scorching and wilting.
Soil requirements
Delosperma exspersum (N.E.Br.) L.Bolus var. exspersum prefers well-draining, sandy soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The plant can also grow in rocky soil and poor soil conditions as long as it is well-drained. It is recommended to amend heavy clay or poorly-draining soil with organic matter such as compost to improve drainage. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation
Delosperma exspersum (N.E.Br.) L.Bolus var. exspersum is a succulent perennial plant that is easy to grow and maintain. It is primarily grown outdoors, where it thrives in well-draining soil and is tolerant of dry conditions. The plant prefers full sun and can withstand high temperatures, making it an excellent choice for a variety of landscaping projects.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering Delosperma exspersum (N.E.Br.) L.Bolus var. exspersum, less is often more. The plant is highly drought-tolerant, and overwatering can lead to root rot. Water the plant sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. During the plant's active growth period, water it once a week. In the winter, reduce watering to once every two weeks.
Fertilization
Delosperma exspersum (N.E.Br.) L.Bolus var. exspersum doesn't require much fertilization, but a light feeding once a month during the growing season can help promote healthy growth and flowering. Use a balanced fertilizer that contains equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Pruning
While Delosperma exspersum (N.E.Br.) L.Bolus var. exspersum requires minimal pruning, it's important to remove dead flower heads to encourage continued blooming. To do this, snip off spent blooms at the base of the stem, taking care not to cut into the stem itself. If the plant begins to look leggy or overgrown, it can be pruned back by up to one-third of its height.
Propagation of Delosperma exspersum (N.E.Br.) L.Bolus var. exspersum
Delosperma exspersum (N.E.Br.) L.Bolus var. exspersum, commonly known as the Purple Heart or Ice Plant, is a popular succulent plant that can be propagated in several ways. The following are some commonly used propagation methods:
Propagation by Division
The most common way to propagate Delosperma exspersum is by division. This entails separating the plant's stems or offsets with roots and leaves to create new plants. Propagation by division is best done during the growing season, which is usually in the spring or summer.
To propagate Delosperma exspersum by division, follow these steps:
- Carefully remove the plant from its container or the ground, taking care not to damage the plant's roots.
- Divide the plant into smaller sections, making sure each section has roots and leaves.
- Plant each division in a pot filled with well-draining soil mix.
- Keep the new plants moist, but not wet, until they are established.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another method that can be used to propagate Delosperma exspersum. This method involves taking a stem cutting from an established plant and rooting it in a well-draining soil mix.
To propagate Delosperma exspersum by cuttings, follow these steps:
- Cut off a healthy stem from an established plant.
- Remove the lower leaves from the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
- Plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining soil mix.
- Keep the potting mix moist, but not wet, until the cutting has developed roots.
- Once the cutting has established roots, transplant it to a larger pot or install it in a permanent site in the garden.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is the least common method to propagate Delosperma exspersum, but it is still possible. This method involves collecting the seeds and planting them in a soil mix. Seed propagation can be done in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
To propagate Delosperma exspersum by seed, follow these steps:
- Collect ripe seeds from an established plant.
- Clean the seeds and sow them in a pot filled with well-draining soil mix.
- Place the pot in a warm, bright location, but out of direct sunlight.
- Keep the potting mix moist, but not wet, until the seeds germinate.
- Once the seedlings have developed true leaves, transplant them to larger pots or install them in a permanent site in the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Delosperma exspersum (N.E.Br.) L.Bolus var. exspersum
Delosperma exspersum is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but like any other plant, it can be affected by certain pests and diseases. Here are some of the common pests and diseases that might affect Delosperma exspersum and ways to manage them:
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap from the leaves and stems of plants, causing wilting and yellowing of the foliage. They leave behind sticky honeydew on the plant, which attracts ants. To get rid of aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water or insecticidal soap. You can also use natural predators of aphids, such as ladybugs or lacewings, to help control their population.
Spider mites: Spider mites are small, reddish-brown pests that feed on the underside of leaves, causing yellow or brown spots and webbing. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can quickly multiply, so it's important to catch them early. To control spider mites, spray the plant with a strong jet of water or use an insecticidal soap. You can also introduce natural predators, such as predatory mites or ladybugs, to help control their population.
Diseases
Crown rot: Crown rot is a fungal disease that affects the base of the plant, causing it to rot and eventually die. It thrives in moist, poorly-drained soil. To prevent crown rot, make sure the plant is grown in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering. If the plant is already infected, remove and discard the affected parts and treat the soil with a fungicide.
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves, which can eventually lead to defoliation. To prevent leaf spot, make sure the plant is grown in well-drained soil and avoid overhead watering. If the plant is already infected, remove and discard the affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white or gray powder on the leaves and stems of plants. It can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to other diseases and pests. To prevent powdery mildew, make sure the plant is grown in well-ventilated areas and avoid overhead watering. If the plant is already infected, remove and discard the affected parts and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Proper care and maintenance, including regular watering, fertilization, and pruning, can help keep Delosperma exspersum healthy and resistant to pests and diseases. It is also important to promptly remove and dispose of any dead or diseased plant material to prevent the spread of disease.
