Overview
Mesembryanthemum angulatum Thunb. var. ovatum (Thunb.) Sond. is a succulent plant native to South Africa. It belongs to the family Aizoaceae, commonly known as the ice plant family. This plant is popular in cultivation for its bright and cheerful flowers that bloom in summer, adding color to gardens and landscapes.
Common Names
Mesembryanthemum angulatum Thunb. var. ovatum (Thunb.) Sond. goes by several common names, including sour fig, highway ice plant, and biltong plant. The name sour fig refers to the fruit of the plant, which can be used to make jam or pickles. Highway ice plant is a reference to its ability to tolerate harsh environmental conditions, making it ideal for roadside plantings. The name biltong plant comes from the fact that the leaves can be used to make a spicy biltong, a popular South African snack made of dried and cured meat.
Appearance
Mesembryanthemum angulatum Thunb. var. ovatum (Thunb.) Sond. is a low-growing succulent with fleshy, angular stems that sprawl along the ground. The leaves are small, oblong, and green to gray-green in color. The plant produces bright pink to magenta flowers with yellow centers that bloom in summer. The fruit is a cylindrical capsule that contains numerous small, black seeds.
Uses
Mesembryanthemum angulatum Thunb. var. ovatum (Thunb.) Sond. is primarily grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. Due to its tolerance of harsh environmental conditions, it is often used in roadside plantings to help prevent erosion. Additionally, the fruit of the plant can be used to make jams and pickles, and the leaves can be used to make biltong. Some cultures also use the plant for medicinal purposes, such as to treat fever and coughs.
Light Requirements
Mesembryanthemum angulatum Thunb. var. ovatum (Thunb.) Sond. typically thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions, with at least six hours of direct sunlight exposure daily.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers moderate to high temperatures. The ideal temperature range for growing Mesembryanthemum angulatum Thunb. var. ovatum (Thunb.) Sond. is between 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). It can tolerate some cold temperatures, though, so long as the soil is well-draining, and the plant gets sunlight.
Soil Requirements
Mesembryanthemum angulatum Thunb. var. ovatum (Thunb.) Sond. prefers well-drained, sandy loam or loamy soils that have a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in nutrients and have adequate organic matter. The plant is also tolerant of soils with low fertility, so long as there is regular watering to support growth and development.
Cultivation Methods
Mesembryanthemum angulatum Thunb. var. ovatum (Thunb.) Sond. is a low-growing, succulent plant that can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. It thrives in well-draining soil and prefers a sunny location with good air circulation. The plant can be grown in pots or in the ground, and it is resistant to pests and diseases.
Watering Needs
As a succulent plant, Mesembryanthemum angulatum Thunb. var. ovatum (Thunb.) Sond. does not require frequent watering. It is important to allow the soil to dry out completely between watering, as overwatering can lead to root rot. During the summer months, the plant may need to be watered more often, but it is best to test the soil moisture level before watering.
Fertilization
The plant requires minimal fertilization and can go without it. However, a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer can be applied during the growing season to encourage healthy growth. It is recommended to fertilize the plant no more than once a month, and to avoid fertilizing during the dormant period.
Pruning
Mesembryanthemum angulatum Thunb. var. ovatum (Thunb.) Sond. does not require any significant pruning, but can benefit from occasional pinching to encourage a bushier growth habit. Deadheading spent flowers can also promote continued blooming throughout the growing season. In general, the plant can be left to grow naturally, with minimal interference from pruning.
Propagation of Mesembryanthemum angulatum Thunb. var. ovatum (Thunb.) Sond.:
Mesembryanthemum angulatum Thunb. var. ovatum (Thunb.) Sond. can be propagated through several methods. The propagation methods include:
1. Seeds:
To propagate Mesembryanthemum angulatum Thunb. var. ovatum (Thunb.) Sond. through seeds, the seeds must be collected from the mature plants and sown in a well-draining potting mix. The seeds must be sown during the spring season. The potting mix must be kept moist until the seeds germinate. Germination usually takes 1-2 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown large enough, they can be repotted into larger pots or planted outdoors in well-draining soil.
2. Stem cuttings:
Another method of propagating Mesembryanthemum angulatum Thunb. var. ovatum (Thunb.) Sond. is through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings must be taken from the mature plants during the spring season. The cuttings must be around 4-6 inches long and must have several nodes. The lower leaves must be removed, and the cuttings must be left to dry for a day. After that, the cuttings can be planted in a well-draining potting mix. The potting mix must be kept moist until the cuttings root. Rooting usually takes 2-3 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be repotted into larger pots or planted outdoors in well-draining soil.
3. Division:
Mesembryanthemum angulatum Thunb. var. ovatum (Thunb.) Sond. can also be propagated through division. This method is best done during the spring season. The plant must be lifted from the soil and the root ball must be divided into several clumps. Each clump must have several stems and roots. The clumps can be planted in well-draining soil and must be kept moist until they establish. Once established, the plants can be repotted into larger pots or left to grow in the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Mesembryanthemum Angulatum Thunb. var. Ovatum (Thunb.) Sond.
Mesembryanthemum angulatum Thunb. var. ovatum (Thunb.) Sond., commonly known as trailing ice plant, is an ornamental plant native to South Africa. This plant is known for its low maintenance and drought tolerance, but it is still prone to diseases and pest infestations.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting the trailing ice plant is root rot. This disease is caused by fungi like Phytophthora and Fusarium, which thrive in wet and poorly drained soil. To prevent this disease, make sure to plant the trailing ice plant in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. If root rot has already infected the plant, remove the affected parts immediately and apply a fungicide to the remaining healthy roots.
Another disease that can affect the trailing ice plant is powdery mildew. This disease is caused by fungal spores and is characterized by white powdery patches on the plant's leaves. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid high humidity and ensure good air circulation around the plant. If powdery mildew has already infected the plant, apply a fungicide to the affected areas or remove the affected parts entirely.
Common Pests
The trailing ice plant is also vulnerable to pest infestations like spider mites and mealybugs. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and curling of the leaves. To manage spider mites, apply a miticide to the affected areas or introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings.
Mealybugs, on the other hand, are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant's sap and produce a cottony substance around their bodies. Mealybugs can quickly spread to other plants, so it's essential to remove them immediately. To manage mealybugs, prune the affected areas and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Overall, appropriate disease and pest management is essential to maintain the health and beauty of the trailing ice plant. By taking preventive measures and promptly managing any problems that arise, this plant can thrive for years to come.
