Origin:
Delosperma litorale (Kensit) L.Bolus, commonly known as coastal ice plant or shoreline ice plant, belongs to the Aizoaceae family and is native to the Western Cape Province of South Africa.
Common Names:
Delosperma litorale is commonly known as coastal ice plant or shoreline ice plant. It has several other common names, including hot ice plant, beach carpet, and trailing ice plant.
Uses:
Delosperma litorale is grown for its attractive evergreen foliage and delicate, colorful, daisy-like flowers. It makes an excellent ground cover as it spreads quickly and can form large mats that completely cover the ground. It is often used in erosion control on sandy or rocky shores, and in landscaping to add color to rock gardens, borders, and containers. Its shallow roots also make it an ideal plant for green roofs.
General Appearance:
Delosperma litorale is a low-growing, succulent plant with trailing stems that can reach up to 1 meter in length. Its leaves are small, fleshy, and green-gray or bluish-gray in color. The flowers, which bloom from spring to fall, are large, showy, and come in shades of pink, purple, yellow, and orange. The petals are slightly transparent and have a sparkling, crystalline appearance, giving the plant its common name "ice plant." Its fruits contain small, black, shiny seeds that are dispersed by wind or water.
Light Requirements
The Delosperma litorale (Kensit) L.Bolus plant requires full sunlight for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate some shade, but it blooms better when exposed to full sun. If grown indoors, ensure that the plant is placed near a south-facing window to receive maximum sunlight exposure.
Temperature Requirements
The Delosperma litorale (Kensit) L.Bolus plant is best grown in warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 20°C and 30°C. The plant can tolerate a minimum temperature of 5°C. If the temperature falls below this, the plant will start to die back. In colder areas, it is recommended to grow the plant indoors or in a greenhouse.
Soil Requirements
The Delosperma litorale (Kensit) L.Bolus plant requires well-draining soil. The soil should be sandy and slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant can tolerate dry and poor soils, but it will grow better if the soil is amended with organic matter. Avoid overwatering the plant as it can cause root rot, which can lead to the plant's death.
Cultivation Methods
Delosperma litorale requires full sunlight to grow, but can also tolerate partial shade. It grows best in well-draining soil with sandy-loam to sandy-clay texture. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH level of 6-7. This plant can be grown in garden beds or containers, and is great for rock gardens and coastal landscapes.
Watering Needs
Delosperma litorale is a drought-tolerant plant and only requires watering during extended periods of drought. When watering, it is important to avoid watering the leaves as this can cause fungal diseases. Watering from the base or using a drip irrigation system is recommended.
Fertilization
Delosperma litorale does not require regular fertilization. However, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied during the growing season to improve overall growth and appearance. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months.
Pruning
Delosperma litorale does not require regular pruning. It has a low-growing, compact habit and can be trimmed back after flowering to improve aesthetic value. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the growing season will encourage more blooms.
Propagation of Delosperma litorale (Kensit) L.Bolus
Delosperma litorale (Kensit) L.Bolus, commonly known as the coast ice-plant, is a succulent plant that belongs to the Aizoaceae family. The plant is native to South Africa and is popularly grown in gardens, rockeries, and as ground covers.
Seed propagation:
Propagation of Delosperma litorale (Kensit) L.Bolus can be done by seeds. The seeds should be collected from the ripe fruits and dried for about a week. After drying, they can be sown in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist. The seeds usually take 2-4 weeks to germinate and thrive in warm and sunny conditions.
Division propagation:
Delosperma litorale (Kensit) L.Bolus can also be propagated through division. This method involves dividing the plant into several smaller sections by carefully separating the root system. The divided sections should be potted in well-draining soil mixtures and kept moist until they establish new roots.
Cuttings propagation:
Propagation of Delosperma litorale (Kensit) L.Bolus can also be accomplished through cuttings. This method involves taking stem cuttings of about 4-5cm long and removing the lower leaves. The cuttings can be left to dry for a few days before being planted in well-draining soil mixtures. The cuttings should be kept moist and in partial shade until they establish new roots.
Disease and Pest Management for Delosperma litorale (Kensit) L.Bolus
Delosperma litorale (Kensit) L.Bolus is a hardy plant, but it can be prone to certain diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Fungal Diseases: Fungal diseases such as root rot, stem rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew can affect the plant. These diseases can be caused by factors such as overwatering, poor drainage, and overcrowding. Fungal diseases can be managed by keeping the plant in well-draining soil, avoiding overwatering and overcrowding, and removing infected parts of the plant. Fungicides may also be used to control the spread of the disease.
Viral Diseases: Viral diseases such as mosaic virus and leaf curl can affect the plant. These diseases are usually spread by insects such as aphids and whiteflies. Infected plants should be removed immediately to prevent the spread of the disease. Managing aphids and whiteflies with insecticides or natural predators can also help prevent the spread of viral diseases.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that can cause damage to the plant by feeding on the sap. This can cause the plant to become weak and stunted. Aphids can be managed by using insecticidal soaps or neem oil. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators that can help control aphid populations.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause damage to the plant by feeding on the leaves. This can cause discoloration, leaf drop, and stunted growth. Spider mites can be managed by using insecticidal soaps or neem oil. Natural predators such as predatory mites and ladybugs can also help control spider mite populations.
Snails and Slugs: Snails and slugs can cause damage to the plant by feeding on the leaves and flowers. This can cause the plant to become weak and stunted. Snails and slugs can be managed by removing them by hand, using barriers such as copper tape, or applying snail and slug bait.
By taking the appropriate steps to manage diseases and pests, Delosperma litorale (Kensit) L.Bolus can thrive and provide beautiful blooms for years to come.
