Origin
Delosperma rogersii (Schönland & A.Berger) L.Bolus var. glabrescens L.Bolus, commonly known as Rogers' Ice Plant, is a succulent plant species belonging to the Aizoaceae family. This plant is native to the Northern and Western Cape of South Africa.
Common Names
Delosperma rogersii has a few common names such as Rogers' Ice Plant, Glabrous Ice Plant, and Smooth Ice Plant.
Uses
Delosperma rogersii is widely used in horticulture, primarily as an ornamental plant. The plant is popular for its bright pink and yellow flowers that attract bees and butterflies. Additionally, the plant is used in soil stabilization and erosion control on slopes and roadsides due to its ability to grow in harsh conditions. It can also be used as a ground cover in gardens and landscapes.
General Appearance
Delosperma rogersii is a low-growing, spreading succulent plant species that can reach 1-2 inches in height and spread up to 12 inches. The fleshy leaves are green, narrow, and linear, up to 1 inch long, and arranged spirally around the stem. The flowers are produced on short, woody stems and are usually pink or yellow, with five petals and a yellow center. The plant blooms profusely in the summer, attracting a plethora of pollinators. Overall, Delosperma rogersii is an attractive, hardy, and useful plant for gardeners and landscapers alike.
Growth Conditions of Delosperma rogersii var. glabrescens
Light: Delosperma rogersii var. glabrescens requires bright sunlight to grow. It can tolerate partial shade, but for optimal growth and blooming, full sun exposure is preferred. Therefore, it is best to plant this succulent in a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Temperature: This hardy succulent can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can withstand low temperatures up to -20°F (-28°C) and high temperatures up to 90°F (32°C). However, it prefers temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (15°C to 27°C) and does not do well in extremely humid conditions.
Soil: Delosperma rogersii var. glabrescens is a drought-tolerant plant that requires well-draining soil. It can thrive in different soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. However, it is crucial to ensure that the soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5 on the pH scale. Adding organic matter to the soil can help improve drainage and fertility.
Water: This succulent is adapted to survive in arid conditions and doesn't require frequent watering. However, it is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce the watering frequency during the dormant season. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases that may damage the plant.
Fertilizer: Delosperma rogersii var. glabrescens doesn't require heavy feeding. However, applying a balanced fertilizer during the growing season can help promote healthy growth and blooming. It is best to fertilize the plant according to the manufacturer's instructions to avoid overfertilization.
Propagation: This succulent can be propagated easily through division and stem cuttings. It is best to propagate the plant during the growing season as it has better chances of establishing roots and growing new shoots. The plant can be divided every two to three years to prevent overcrowding and promote healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods
Delosperma rogersii var. glabrescens is a succulent plant species that is known for its beautiful pink flowers that bloom in summer. It is a hardy plant that is drought-tolerant and can thrive in hot and dry conditions. It is best grown in well-drained soil that is slightly acidic and has a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. It also requires full sun exposure to grow successfully.
If you live in a region with a cold and wet winter, it is best to grow this plant in a container so that you can move it indoors when the weather turns too cold. The plant needs protection from frost, and you can use a frost cloth or horticultural fleece to cover it during the winter months.
Watering Needs
Delosperma rogersii var. glabrescens is a drought-tolerant plant and requires minimal watering. Water your plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot and kill the plant.
It's best to avoid watering the plant from above, as this can lead to the development of fungal diseases. Instead, water the plant at the base, ensuring that the soil is completely moist before you stop watering.
Fertilization
Fertilizing your Delosperma rogersii var. glabrescens is not necessary. The plant does not require a lot of nutrients to grow, and over-fertilization can harm the plant. If you want to fertilize your plant, use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) diluted to half strength and apply it sparingly during the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Delosperma rogersii var. glabrescens, but you can trim it back if it becomes too leggy. Trim back the stems to just above a leaf node, and the plant will produce new growth from the trimmed stems.
Propagation of Delosperma rogersii var. glabrescens
Delosperma rogersii var. glabrescens, also known as Trailing Ice Plant, is an easy-to-care-for succulent plant that can be propagated through various methods. Here are the most common propagation methods:
1. Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are the most common propagation method for Delosperma rogersii var. glabrescens. Choose a healthy stem and cut a 3-4 inch section using a clean, sharp knife. Remove the leaves from the bottom of the stem and allow the cutting to dry for 24-48 hours. Once the cutting has calloused over, plant it in a well-draining potting mix and water sparingly until new growth appears.
2. Leaf Cuttings
Leaf cuttings can also be used to propagate Delosperma rogersii var. glabrescens, but it is a less common method. Choose a healthy leaf and remove it from the plant by gently twisting it off. Allow the leaf to dry for a day or two, then place it on top of well-draining soil. Water sparingly and wait for roots and new growth to appear.
3. Division
If your Delosperma rogersii var. glabrescens has grown large enough, you can divide it to create new plants. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and use a clean, sharp knife to separate the root ball into sections. Replant each section in a separate pot with fresh potting mix and water thoroughly.
Disease and Pest Management for Delosperma rogersii var. glabrescens
Delosperma rogersii var. glabrescens is a hardy succulent plant that is tolerant to a variety of environmental conditions, making it relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, there are still a few common issues that may affect the plant.
Diseases
The most common diseases that may affect Delosperma rogersii var. glabrescens are fungal diseases. The two most common fungal diseases are powdery mildew and rust.
Powdery mildew appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the plant's leaves and stems. To control this disease, it is important to keep the plant's environment dry and well-ventilated. Overhead watering should be avoided, and irrigation should be done at the soil level. In severe cases, systemic fungicides may be required.
Rust appears as orange or yellow spots on the plant's leaves and stems. To control this disease, it is important to remove infected plant parts immediately and to avoid overhead watering. Fungicides may also be required to treat severe cases of rust.
Pests
Delosperma rogersii var. glabrescens is generally not susceptible to many pests, but the plant may be affected by some common garden pests.
Spider mites are small, sap-sucking pests that may appear as tiny red, brown, or yellow dots on the plant's leaves. To control spider mites, it is important to keep the plant's environment humid and free from dust. Regularly misting the plant or placing it near a humidifier may also help. In severe cases, insecticidal soap or neem oil may be required.
Snails and slugs may also feed on Delosperma rogersii var. glabrescens. To control these pests, it is important to remove any debris and hiding places around the plant. Handpicking the snails and slugs may also be an effective control method. Additionally, copper barriers or snail and slug bait may be used to prevent further damage.
By following these disease and pest management tips, you can help ensure that your Delosperma rogersii var. glabrescens remains healthy and vibrant.
