Overview of Mesembryanthemum brevipes Schltr.
Mesembryanthemum brevipes Schltr. is a low-growing, succulent plant that belongs to the family Aizoaceae. This species is commonly called the short-stemmed ice plant and is native to southern Africa, specifically the regions of Namibia and South Africa.
Appearance of Mesembryanthemum brevipes Schltr.
The short-stemmed ice plant has thick, fleshy leaves that are elliptical to ovate and vary in color from bright green to bluish-green. The plant grows only up to a height of 10-15 centimeters and spreads horizontally due to its trailing stems. The flowers of the M. brevipes Schltr. are showy and can range in color from white to pink, with the center of the flower being yellow.
Uses of Mesembryanthemum brevipes Schltr.
One of the major uses of M. brevipes Schltr. is as an ornamental plant. Due to its attractive foliage and colorful flowers, it is commonly planted in gardens and rockeries around the world. In addition to being an ornamental plant, the short-stemmed ice plant is also used as a ground cover due to its ability to spread rapidly and form dense mats.
The plant may also have several medicinal properties. The juice of the leaves is used to treat a variety of ailments, including sunburn, bruises, and insect bites. The leaves and stems of the plant contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which make it useful in the treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Moreover, the plant is found to have blood glucose-lowering properties, which may make it useful in the treatment of diabetes.
Common names of Mesembryanthemum brevipes Schltr.
Besides the short-stemmed ice plant, M. brevipes Schltr. has several other common names in different languages. In Afrikaans, it is known as “rankvygie,” while in German, it is called “Kurzstieliger Mittagsblum.
Light Requirements
Mesembryanthemum brevipes Schltr. thrives in bright indirect sunlight. It requires at least six hours of sunlight per day. Direct sunlight may cause leaf burn on the plant. Therefore, it is best to place it near a south-facing window where it can receive enough light without being exposed to direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Mesembryanthemum brevipes Schltr. is between 60-75°F (15-24°C). The plant cannot tolerate temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or above 85°F (29°C) for an extended period. Therefore, it is essential to keep the plant away from cold draughts and direct heat sources like radiators and heaters.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. You can prepare the soil mix by combining potting soil, sand, and perlite in equal parts. Avoid using soil mixes containing too much organic matter, which may retain excess moisture and lead to root rot.
It is also essential to choose a pot with good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Water the plant only when the top layer of soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot and eventually kill the plant.
Cultivation of Mesembryanthemum brevipes Schltr.
Mesembryanthemum brevipes Schltr. is a lovely trailing succulent that is easy to grow and maintain. It is native to South Africa and can be grown outdoors in warm climates or indoors as a houseplant. Here are some cultivation methods to follow for a healthy plant.
Soil: The plant thrives in well-draining soils with low fertility. A blend of sandy and rocky mixes can be used to grow the Mesembryanthemum brevipes. The soil's pH level should be neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
Temperature: Mesembryanthemum brevipes Schltr. prefers warm temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F. It can tolerate temperature fluctuations of up to 10°F or drop in temperature as low as 50°F.
Light: The Mesembryanthemum brevipes Schltr. requires bright light to thrive. It can tolerate full sun exposure but can also grow under bright indirect sunlight. Insufficient light can cause the leaves to become a light green or yellow, leading to stunted growth.
Watering Needs of Mesembryanthemum brevipes Schltr.
The Mesembryanthemum brevipes Schltr. has moderate water needs and is drought-tolerant. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant's demise. The following are some tips to follow.
Frequency: Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch. During the growing season, typically in summer, water once a week. However, reduce the watering frequency to once every two or three weeks in winter when the plant becomes semi-dormant.
Method: Water until the excess water seeps out of the drainage holes and discard the drained water. Avoid getting water on the plant's leaves as this can cause them to rot.
Fertilizer for Mesembryanthemum brevipes Schltr.
Mesembryanthemum brevipes Schltr. requires minimal fertilization, and too much can cause damage to the plant. As such, the following are some guidelines to follow when fertilizing:
Frequency: Fertilize the plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every four to six weeks during the active growing season, which is from late spring to early fall. Avoid fertilization during the dormant period.
Ratio: Dilute the fertilizer to half or a quarter of the package directions as Mesembryanthemum brevipes Schltr. requires low nutrient content to thrive. Additionally, use a fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium and low in nitrogen to avoid excessive vegetative growth.
Pruning Mesembryanthemum brevipes Schltr.
Mesembryanthemum brevipes Schltr. requires no special pruning techniques and will continue growing in a trailing manner unless pruned. The following are guidelines to follow:
Frequency: Prune the plant as necessary to remove dead or damaged leaves or to encourage branching.
Method: Prune the plant near or above the leaf node with sharp, sterile scissors. Avoid removing too many leaves at once, as this can cause stress to the plant and affect its growth.
Propagation of Mesembryanthemum brevipes Schltr.
Mesembryanthemum brevipes Schltr. can be propagated through various methods. These methods include:
1. Seed propagation
This is the easiest and most common way to propagate Mesembryanthemum brevipes Schltr. Seeds can be sown directly in pots or trays filled with well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, and the pot or tray should be placed in a warm and sunny location. Germination usually occurs within two to four weeks.
2. Stem cutting propagation
Mesembryanthemum brevipes Schltr. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cut a healthy stem from the parent plant, preferably from the top, and remove the leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the stem. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with well-draining soil mix. The pot should be placed in a warm and sunny location, and the soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Roots should develop within three to four weeks.
3. Division propagation
Mesembryanthemum brevipes Schltr. can also be propagated by dividing the parent plant. This process involves carefully removing the parent plant from its pot and separating the root ball into two or more sections, each with its stem and leaves. Each section should then be planted in a pot filled with well-draining soil mix and placed in a warm and sunny location. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged.
4. Grafting propagation
Grafting is another way to propagate Mesembryanthemum brevipes Schltr. In this method, a healthy stem from the parent plant is grafted onto the rootstock of another plant. This technique is usually used for propagation of a variety that is difficult to root from cuttings or for creating a stronger plant with more desirable characteristics.
Disease Management
The plant Mesembryanthemum brevipes Schltr. can be affected by various diseases such as blight, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. Blight is a fungal disease that causes wilting and yellowing of leaves. Leaf spot is caused by a bacterial infection that produces brown or black spots on leaves. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that produces a white powdery coating on leaves.
To manage blight, remove and destroy infected plants and avoid over-watering. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. To manage powdery mildew, increase air circulation and avoid over-fertilizing. Fungicides can also be used to prevent the spread of these diseases.
Pest Management
The plant Mesembryanthemum brevipes Schltr. is also susceptible to pest infestations such as spider mites and mealybugs. Spider mites are tiny pests that produce webbing and cause leaves to yellow and fall off. Mealybugs are small insects that produce a white, waxy substance and feed on plant sap.
To manage spider mites, wash the plant with a strong stream of water and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. To manage mealybugs, remove them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestations and isolate infected plants to prevent the spread of pests.
