Mesembryanthemum Bellidiflorum L. var. Viride Haw.
Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. viride Haw. belongs to the family Aizoaceae. It is also known as Green Trailing Ice Plant or Green Flowering Ice Plant.
Origin
This plant is native to South Africa.
General Appearance
The Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. viride Haw. plant is a perennial succulent. It is a low-growing and spreading plant that is about 10 inches in height and can spread up to 2 feet on the ground. The stems are smooth, glossy, and fleshy. The leaves are green, cylindrical, and finger-like, measuring about 0.75 inches long, and grow closely to the stems. The plant is characterized by its showy, daisy-like, green-colored flowers that bloom in summer.
Uses
Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. viride Haw. is grown for its ornamental purposes. The plant can be used as ground cover, in rock gardens, and to create a natural wall or barrier. It is also suitable for hanging baskets where its trailing stems can create an attractive cascade of greenery.
Light Requirements
Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. viride Haw. prefers full sun to partial shade. It thrives in hot, dry areas with plenty of sunlight. Therefore, it is ideal for growing in regions of the world that receive lots of sunlight throughout the day. Growers should ensure that the plant receives at least six hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
In terms of temperature, the plant prefers a warm to hot one. It grows best in temperatures ranging from 65 to 85 °F during the day, with cooler nighttime temperatures being ideal. Cold temperatures below 50°F can damage the plant or even kill it. Growers should therefore choose planting sites with the appropriate temperature ranges for the plant's growth.
Soil Requirements
Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. viride Haw. prefers well-drained, fertile soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. It can tolerant sandy or gravelly soils as long as they are well-draining. The plant does not grow well in heavy, poorly drained soils that retain water, as this can lead to root rot. Soil should be kept moist but never waterlogged. To ensure adequate drainage, growers can amend soil with sand, gravel, or other coarse materials to improve soil structure.
Cultivation Methods for Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. viride Haw.
Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. viride Haw. is a hardy plant and can be grown in various locations. Ideally, the plant requires a well-draining soil and a sunny position to grow well. The plant is also resistant to high temperatures and drought, making it an excellent choice for areas with high temperatures.
Propagation of the plant can be done either by seed or cuttings. If propagating by seed, the seeds should be sowed in a well-draining potting medium and kept moist. The seeds typically take 7-14 days to germinate. If propagating by cuttings, cut a stem from the plant, strip the leaves at the base of the stem, and plant the stem in well-draining soil. The cuttings should root after a few weeks.
Watering Needs for Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. viride Haw.
Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. viride Haw. is a low-maintenance plant when it comes to watering. The plant requires occasional watering as it is drought-tolerant. Overwatering may lead to root rot and damage the plant. During hot and dry weather, the plant may need more frequent watering. However, the soil should be allowed to dry between watering to promote healthy growth.
Fertilization of Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. viride Haw.
Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. viride Haw. is not a heavy feeder and does not require frequent fertilization. Fertilizers can be added to the soil in the early spring to promote healthy growth. An all-purpose fertilizer can be applied at a rate of 1 tablespoon per square foot of soil. Over-fertilizing the plant may lead to a weak stem and a reduction in the number of flowers produced.
Pruning Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. viride Haw.
Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. viride Haw. is a trailing plant that can be pruned to promote bushy growth. Pruning should be done during the growing season. Cut off the tips of the stems and the dead flowers to promote branching and more blooms. The plant can also be shaped by pruning to fit the desired growing area.
Propagation of Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. viride Haw.
Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. viride Haw. can be propagated through various methods:
Seed propagation
One of the most common methods of propagating Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. viride Haw. is through seeds. The seeds are small and can be sown either in seed trays or directly in the garden bed. It is important to keep the soil moist until the seedlings have come up. Germination usually takes around two weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted once they have developed their true leaves.
Cuttings
An excellent way to propagate Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. viride Haw. is by using stem cuttings. Take a 15cm cutting from a mature plant, and remove the leaves from the lower third of the stem. Dip the cut end of the stem in hormone rooting powder and plant the cutting in a container filled with propagating mix. Cuttings root well in a warm and humid environment, so placing them in a propagating case or under a plastic bag can help with rooting and survival rate. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be potted up into individual pots.
Division
Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. viride Haw. can also be propagated through division. This method involves digging up the parent plant and carefully dividing it into sections with roots. Each section should have a crown and a well-defined root system. The sections can then be replanted in suitable areas. This method is best carried out in spring when the plant is just starting to grow again.
Disease and Pest Management for Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. viride Haw.
Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. viride Haw. is a delicate, low-growing succulent plant that is prone to certain diseases and pests. These can affect the health and appearance of the plant and, if left unchecked, may even lead to its death. Therefore, it is important to take appropriate measures to manage these problems. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect this plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Root Rot: This type of disease is caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or fungal infections. Symptoms may include yellowing or wilting leaves, stunted growth, and soft or mushy roots. To manage root rot, it is important to improve drainage and reduce watering. You may also need to treat the plant with fungicides to curb the spread of infection.
Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. It is often caused by high humidity levels or poor air circulation. To manage powdery mildew, avoid overcrowding plants and ensure adequate air circulation. You may also need to treat the plant with fungicides or prune affected leaves.
Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that appears as circular brown or black spots on the leaves. It is often caused by overwatering or poor air circulation. To manage leaf spot, it is important to reduce watering and avoid getting the leaves wet. You may also need to treat the plant with fungicides or prune affected leaves.
Common Pests
Spider Mites: These are tiny pests that appear as tiny white or yellow specks on the leaves. They are often caused by dry conditions or poor air circulation. To manage spider mites, it is important to increase humidity levels and improve air circulation. You may also need to treat the plant with insecticides or prune affected leaves.
Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that appear as green or yellow specks on the leaves. They are often caused by over-fertilizing or poor plant nutrition. To manage aphids, it may be helpful to remove them manually with a stream of water or treat the plant with insecticides.
Thrips: These are tiny, slender insects that appear as black or brown specks on the leaves. They are often caused by overcrowding plants or using excessive fertilizer. To manage thrips, it is important to remove damaged leaves and treat the plant with insecticides. You may also need to improve plant nutrition and reduce overcrowding.
By following these disease and pest management practices, you can help keep your Mesembryanthemum bellidiflorum L. var. viride Haw. plant healthy and vibrant. Remember to monitor your plant regularly and take timely action if any problems arise.
