Plant Description
Delosperma pachyrhizum L.Bolus var. pubescens L.Bolus is a succulent perennial plant that belongs to the family Aizoaceae. It is native to South Africa and is commonly grown for its attractive foliage and bright yellow flowers. The species name "pachyrhizum" means "thick-rooted," referring to the plant's characteristic fleshy roots.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as the Thick-rooted Ice Plant, prostrate delosperma, or Colesberg vygie.
Uses
Delosperma pachyrhizum L.Bolus var. pubescens L.Bolus is commonly used in rock gardens and as a ground cover due to its low-growing and spreading habit. It is tolerant of drought and can thrive in poor soils, making it an ideal plant for low-maintenance landscaping. Additionally, the plant is also used in traditional medicine in South Africa to treat various ailments, including fever, sore throat, and stomach pains.
General Appearance
The Thick-rooted Ice Plant has succulent leaves that are green to reddish-brown in color and up to 3 centimeters long and 2 centimeters wide. The leaves are fleshy and cylindrical and are arranged in opposite pairs along the stem. The plant produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that are about 2.5 centimeters in diameter and appear in the summer. The flowers are borne on short stalks and are followed by small, club-shaped seed capsules. The plant typically grows to a height of 10 to 15 centimeters and can spread up to 50 centimeters wide.
Light Requirements
Delosperma pachyrhizum L.Bolus var. pubescens L.Bolus prefers bright light conditions. It should be provided with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight. If grown indoors, it should be placed near a south-facing window to ensure adequate light exposure.
Temperature Requirements
This plant grows best in moderate temperatures ranging between 60°F and 80°F (15°C – 27°C). It can tolerate some heat and drought but doesn't do well in extreme conditions. It is best to keep temperatures relatively stable to encourage healthy growth.
Soil Requirements
Delosperma pachyrhizum L.Bolus var. pubescens L.Bolus require well-draining, sandy, and slightly acidic soil. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal. The soil should be nutrient-rich but not heavy or compact. You can also grow this plant in a pot with a cactus mix that includes perlite, sand, and a small amount of compost or peat moss to promote healthy growth.
Cultivation methods
The Delosperma pachyrhizum L.Bolus var. pubescens L.Bolus, also called the Cape Marigold or the Hardy Ice Plant, is a succulent plant native to South Africa. It is relatively easy to cultivate and can be grown in a variety of settings, including containers, rock gardens, and borders.
The plant prefers well-drained, sandy soil and requires full sun to thrive. If you are growing in containers, choose a pot with drainage holes and use a cactus or succulent mix. If planting in the ground, amend soil with sand or gravel to improve drainage.
Propagation can be done through seeds or by stem cuttings taken in the spring or summer months. When planting, space the plants about 6-12 inches apart.
Watering needs
The Delosperma pachyrhizum L.Bolus var. pubescens L.Bolus does not require frequent watering and can tolerate drought conditions. When planting, water thoroughly and then allow the soil to dry out before watering again. In general, water about once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the fall and winter months.
Be mindful of overwatering, as this can cause root rot and other issues. If you are unsure whether to water, check the soil with your finger. If the top inch of soil is dry, it is time to water.
Fertilization
The Cape Marigold does not require heavy fertilization, but you can feed it with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer months. Use a fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or similar and apply according to package instructions. Avoid fertilizing in the fall and winter months when the plant is dormant.
If planting in containers, you can use a slow-release fertilizer that will provide nutrients over several months.
Pruning
The Cape Marigold does not require significant pruning, but you can control its size and shape by cutting it back in the spring. Use clean, sharp shears to remove any dead or damaged foliage and to shape the plant as desired.
After the plant blooms in the summer, you can deadhead any spent blooms to encourage new growth. This will also help to prevent the plant from self-seeding and spreading too much.
Propagation of Delosperma pachyrhizum L.Bolus var. pubescens L.Bolus
Delosperma pachyrhizum L.Bolus var. pubescens L.Bolus, commonly known as the Purple Hardy Ice Plant, can be propagated through various methods. The most commonly used methods are by seed, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seed:
Propagation by seed requires collecting mature seeds from the plant during fall or early winter. The seeds can be sown immediately or stored in the refrigerator until the spring. When sowing, a well-draining soil mix should be used, and the seeds should be sown on the surface of the soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, and the seeds should germinate within two to three weeks. Once the seedlings are mature enough, they can be transplanted to individual pots or to a garden bed in the spring.
Propagation by Cuttings:
Propagation by cuttings involves taking 3-4 inch cuttings from the stem tip. The cuttings should be taken in the summer when the plant is actively growing. Remove the lower leaves of the cutting and let it sit in a cool, dry place for the day to promote callusing. After callusing, dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it into a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept in partial shade, and the soil should be kept moist. The cutting should root in two to three weeks and can be transplanted to individual pots or a garden bed after roots have established.
Propagation by Division:
Propagation by division should be done in the spring when the plant is actively growing. Dig up the mature plant carefully and divide it into clumps. Each clump should have a decent amount of roots and stems. Each clump can be planted individually in a well-draining soil mix. Water the soil regularly and keep the plant in partial shade for a few days. The divided plants should establish new roots and begin growing within a few weeks.
Disease Management for Delosperma pachyrhizum L.Bolus var. pubescens L.Bolus
Delosperma pachyrhizum L.Bolus var. pubescens L.Bolus is susceptible to fungal and bacterial diseases. The most common disease affecting this plant is root rot. Root rot is caused by a soil-borne pathogen that thrives in wet soil conditions. It causes the roots to rot, leading to wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage of the soil. You can also apply a fungicide to the soil to control the pathogen.
Another common disease that affects Delosperma pachyrhizum L.Bolus var. pubescens L.Bolus is leaf spot. Leaf spot is caused by a fungal pathogen and is characterized by circular lesions on the leaves. The lesions may be brown or black and may cause the leaves to drop prematurely. To manage leaf spot, remove the infected leaves and dispose of them properly. You can also apply a fungicide to the plant to control the pathogen.
Pest Management for Delosperma pachyrhizum L.Bolus var. pubescens L.Bolus
Delosperma pachyrhizum L.Bolus var. pubescens L.Bolus may also be affected by pests such as spider mites and mealybugs. Spider mites are common pests of succulent plants and can cause significant damage to Delosperma pachyrhizum L.Bolus var. pubescens L.Bolus. They feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and curling of the leaves. To manage spider mites, you can spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge them. You can also apply an insecticidal soap or oil to control the infestation.
Mealybugs are another pest that can affect Delosperma pachyrhizum L.Bolus var. pubescens L.Bolus. They are small, soft-bodied insects that produce a waxy coating that protects them from predators and insecticides. Mealybugs feed on the plant's sap, causing wilting and stunted growth. To manage mealybugs, you can remove them manually using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. You can also apply an insecticidal soap or oil to control the infestation.
