Origin and Common Names
Gasoul crystallinum (L.) Rothm. is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Aizoaceae family. This plant is native to the mountainous regions of South Africa, where it grows in rocky, sandy soil, especially in coastal regions. It is commonly known as the crystal iceplant, crystalline iceplant, or ice plant.
General Appearance
The Gasoul crystallinum has a prostrate growth habit, with sprawling stems that form a dense mat-like groundcover. The stems are succulent, about 1cm in diameter, and 30-45cm long, with shiny, fleshy, triangular leaves that are up to 2cm long. The leaves are blue-green in color, with translucent, cone-shaped papillae that give them a crystalline appearance, hence the common name ‘crystal iceplant’. The plant produces abundant white, yellow, or pink flowers that bloom from late spring to summer.
Uses
The Gasoul crystallinum has several uses, both ornamental and medicinal. It is commonly used as a groundcover in gardens and landscapes, especially in sunny, dry places where other plants struggle. The plant’s striking appearance adds a unique texture and color to the garden, making it a perfect choice for rock gardens, borders, and edgings. The plant is also grown to prevent soil erosion in hillsides and slopes, thanks to its dense and extensive root system that helps to stabilize the soil.
Gasoul crystallinum is also valued for its medicinal properties. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including stomach disorders, respiratory infections, and skin conditions. The plant is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, making it useful for healing wounds, reducing inflammation, and fighting infections. The plant’s leaves are usually crushed and applied topically or ingested as a tea or tincture to alleviate various health problems.
Light Requirements
Gasoul crystallinum is a plant that prefers full sun or partial shade to promote optimal growth. This plant requires about 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If a location does not receive enough natural sunlight, artificial lights can be used to compensate for the deficit.
Soil Requirements
The Gasoul crystallinum plant prefers sandy and well-drained soil conditions. The plant needs moderate watering, which requires the soil to retain some moisture, but not to be waterlogged. The soil should be provided with organic matter, like compost, which will supply essential nutrients to the plant. The pH ranges between 6.0 and 7.5 which is ideal for its growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best under an average temperature of about 25oC during the day time and 15oC to20oC at night for optimal growth. Lower temperatures can slow growth and make the plant more susceptible to frostbite. Temperatures that are too high can prompt flowering and seed set.
Cultivation Methods
Gasoul crystallinum requires a well-drained soil mix that is high in organic matter. The plant prefers bright light and warm temperatures and can grow well in full sun. It can also tolerate partial shade, but it may become leggy and less vigorous in low light conditions.
Propagation is easiest via stem cuttings, which should be taken in the early summer. These cuttings should be around 10 cm long and should be rooted in a moist soil mixture for best results.
Watering Needs
The plant prefers a moderate amount of water, and the soil should be allowed to dry between watering intervals. It is better to water deeply once every week than to water lightly every day. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can be fatal for the plant.
Fertilization
Gasoul crystallinum benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. A weak solution of liquid fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season. The plant is susceptible to salt accumulation in the soil, so it is essential to flush the soil thoroughly with water between fertilization sessions.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to promote the bushy growth habit of the plant. Regularly pinch back the tips of the plant as it grows to encourage branching. Deadheading spent flowers can also help to promote more blooms. In the late winter, the plant can be cut back by half to encourage vigorous growth in the following growing season.
Propagation of Gasoul crystallinum (L.) Rothm.
Gasoul crystallinum (L.) Rothm. is propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, and division.
Propagation through Seeds
The seeds of Gasoul crystallinum are small and can be easily collected from the plant after they have ripened. The collected seeds can be sown in pots, trays, or directly in the ground. However, before sowing, the seeds may require stratification to break the dormancy of the seeds. To stratify the seeds, they need to be kept moist and cold for a particular period, usually ranging between 30 to 90 days. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in well-draining soil, kept moist, and placed in a warm and brightly lit area. The seeds will germinate within 1 to 4 weeks.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Gasoul crystallinum can be propagated through stem cuttings, which are taken from a healthy plant during its active growth phase. The cuttings should have at least two nodes, and the lower leaves need to be removed. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged and kept in a warm and humid environment. The cuttings will start developing roots in 2 to 4 weeks. After the roots are established, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly in the ground.
Propagation through Division
Gasoul crystallinum can also be propagated through division, which involves separating the plant into several sections, each having a healthy root system and shoots. The division is typically done during the plant's dormant phase, which is usually during the fall or early spring. The plant is dug out of the ground, and the root system is gently washed to remove the soil. The plant can then be divided into several sections, each having at least one healthy shoot and root system. These divisions can be planted in individual pots or directly in the ground. The newly planted divisions should be kept moist and in a shaded area until new growth appears.
Disease Management
Gasoul crystallinum is generally resistant to diseases. However, it can be affected by some common fungal and bacterial diseases.
Fungal Diseases
The most common fungal disease affecting Gasoul crystallinum is powdery mildew, which leads to the appearance of white powdery spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is recommended to regularly apply fungicides containing sulfur or potassium bicarbonate.
Bacterial Diseases
Bacterial blight is another disease that can affect Gasoul crystallinum, leading to the appearance of water-soaked lesions on the leaves and stem. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy the infected parts of the plant and use copper-based fungicides.
Pest Management
Gasoul crystallinum is also relatively resistant to pests. However, there are a few pests that can attack the plant, such as aphids and spider mites.
Aphids
Aphids can infest Gasoul crystallinum, causing distorted leaves and stunted growth. To manage this pest, it is recommended to use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
Spider Mites
Spider mites can also infest Gasoul crystallinum, leading to the appearance of yellow stippling on the leaves. To manage this pest, it is recommended to use a miticide, like insecticidal soap, or to hose down the plant with water.
