Delosperma hirtum (N.E.Br.) Schwantes var. bicolor L.Bolus
Delosperma hirtum (N.E.Br.) Schwantes var. bicolor L.Bolus, commonly known as Stonecrop, is a low-growing succulent plant that belongs to the family Aizoaceae. The plant is native to South Africa, particularly the Cape Provinces.
General Appearance
Delosperma hirtum var. bicolor is a small, perennial plant that can reach up to 10cm in height. The plant forms a prostrate mat with small, rounded, fleshy leaves that are silver-grey in color. The leaves are densely packed along the stems, creating a mat-like appearance that can spread up to 40cm in diameter. The flowers produced by the plant are attractive with a yellow center and white petals edged with pink. The flowers are produced in abundance from winter to early spring, adding to the plant's ornamental value.
Uses
The plant is commonly grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage and flowers. It is commonly used as a ground cover in rock gardens or in containers. Delosperma hirtum vars. bicolor is drought-tolerant and can withstand harsh environments such as coastal dunes, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping. The plant can also be used in landscaping projects to prevent soil erosion due to its mat-like growth habit.
The plant is not known to have any significant medicinal uses, but it is edible and can be used in salads or cooked as a vegetable.
Conclusion
Delosperma hirtum var. bicolor is a lovely, low-growing succulent plant that is easy to grow and maintain. It is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a water-wise plant that requires little maintenance. Its ornamental value, coupled with its drought-tolerant nature, makes it a great option for landscaping projects and xeriscaping.
Light Requirements
Delosperma hirtum (N.E.Br.) Schwantes var. bicolor L.Bolus is a sun-loving plant that thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers warm to hot temperatures and is not frost tolerant. A temperature range of 60-85°F is ideal for the plant.
Soil Requirements
Delosperma hirtum (N.E.Br.) Schwantes var. bicolor L.Bolus prefers well-drained, sandy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). It does well in poor, rocky soils and can tolerate some drought. However, the plant does not grow well in heavy, clay soil.
Cultivation methods
Delosperma hirtum (N.E.Br.) Schwantes var. bicolor L.Bolus, commonly known as the Two-colored Trailing Ice plant, is a great ornamental plant that can be cultivated in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. This plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained soils. You can grow it both in the ground or in containers depending on your preference.Watering needs
To ensure the best growth, make sure you water your Delosperma hirtum (N.E.Br.) Schwantes var. bicolor L.Bolus thoroughly but not excessively. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings and avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. During the hot summer, you may need to water your plant more frequently.Fertilization
To promote healthy growth, you can fertilize your Two-colored Trailing Ice plant occasionally. Use a balanced fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Begin fertilizing in the spring and stop mid-summer to avoid encouraging new growth during dormancy.Pruning
Although Delosperma hirtum (N.E.Br.) Schwantes var. bicolor L.Bolus does not require pruning, you may need to remove any dead or damaged leaves or stems occasionally. Prune the plant right after blooming to promote bushier growth in the future. You can also pinch back the tips of the plant to encourage fuller growth.Propagation of Delosperma hirtum var. bicolor
Delosperma hirtum var. bicolor, commonly known as the 'Lion's Tail', can be propagated through various methods such as seed, division, and cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
Delosperma hirtum var. bicolor produces numerous tiny seeds that can be collected after the plant has finished blooming. The collected seeds should be washed and dried before sowing. Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix and cover them lightly. Water the seeds regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. The seeds will germinate between 3 to 4 weeks under optimal conditions.
Propagation through Division
The Lion's Tail can also be propagated through division, which is best done during the plant's dormant season. Carefully dig up the parent plant and gently separate the clumps into small sections. Each section should have their roots and shoot systems. Plant the divided sections in well-draining potting mix at the same depth as the parent plant. Water the newly planted sections regularly and keep them in a warm and bright location. Division promotes faster growth compared to seed propagation.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is another method that can yield faster and more reliable results than seeding. Take a stem cutting of the plant during its active growth season and make a clean cut. Remove the leaves from the lower section of the cutting and dip the end in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a potting mix that is moist but not waterlogged. Place the pot in a warm and bright location, and keep the soil moist. New roots should develop within 2 to 3 weeks.
Disease Management
Delosperma hirtum (N.E.Br.) Schwantes var. bicolor L.Bolus is a hardy and disease-resistant succulent plant. However, it can still be affected by some common fungal diseases, including root rot, rust, and powdery mildew.
To prevent root rot, ensure that the plant is not overwatered and that the soil has good drainage. If the roots are affected, remove it from the pot, cut off the rotted parts, and replant it in fresh soil.
Rust and powdery mildew can be controlled with fungicides. Spraying the plant with a mixture of baking soda, soap, and water can help to prevent the spread of these fungal diseases.
Pest Management
Like most succulent plants, Delosperma hirtum (N.E.Br.) Schwantes var. bicolor L.Bolus is generally resilient to pest infestations. However, it can still be attacked by some common pests, including mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites.
Mealybugs and scale insects can be removed by wiping the plant's leaves and stems with a solution of water and rubbing alcohol. If the infestation is severe, the plant may need to be treated with insecticides. Spider mites can be controlled with a mixture of water and soap, sprayed directly on the plant.
To prevent pest infestations, it is important to keep the plant healthy and well-maintained. Check regularly for signs of pests and disease, and prune away any damaged or diseased parts of the plant immediately.
