Overview
Mesembryanthemum intonsum Haw. var. rubicundum Haw. is a succulent plant species that is native to the Cape Province in South Africa. It is a popular plant for cultivation due to its vibrant flowers and unique foliage.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as African Daisy, Cape Daisy, Pink Ice Plant, and Lapidaria margaretae Haw.
Uses
The plant is grown for ornamental purposes and is often used as a groundcover due to its mat-forming habit. The flowers are pink and bloom from early spring to late summer, providing long-lasting color to the garden. The plant is also drought-tolerant and can thrive in harsh conditions, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping.
General Appearance
Mesembryanthemum intonsum Haw. var. rubicundum Haw. is a low-growing, spreading succulent that forms dense mats of foliage up to 4 inches in height. The leaves are bright green, cylindrical, and fleshy, and are arranged alternately along the stem. The flowers are pink and daisy-like, with a diameter of 1-2 inches. They are borne singly at the tips of the stems and have a bright yellow center.
The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure, as it needs a lot of light to produce its vibrant flowers. It is a hardy plant and is relatively easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for beginner gardeners.
Light Requirements
Mesembryanthemum intonsum Haw. var. rubicundum Haw. requires a lot of sunlight to grow and thrive. Therefore, it is best to place the plant in an area that receives plenty of full sun throughout the day. Without adequate light, the plant may become leggy and weak, which can hinder its growth and production.
Temperature Requirements
This succulent plant can tolerate a range of temperatures, including hot and dry conditions. However, the ideal temperature range for Mesembryanthemum intonsum Haw. var. rubicundum Haw. is between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Extreme temperatures can be harmful to the plant, causing damage or even death. During colder months, it is best to protect the plant from frost and cold drafts.
Soil Requirements
The soil requirements for Mesembryanthemum intonsum Haw. var. rubicundum Haw. are specific, as it needs well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. A soil mixture that is equal parts sand, perlite, and potting soil is perfect for this plant. It is crucial to ensure that the soil dries out entirely before watering as soaking the plant's roots can lead to root rot and hinder its growth.
Cultivation:
Mesembryanthemum intonsum Haw. var. rubicundum Haw. thrives in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH level. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate high temperatures. It is ideal to grow the plant in containers or raised beds. Before planting, mix organic matter such as compost, peat, or well-rotted manure with the soil to enhance nutrient levels and water retention capacity.
Watering needs:
Watering the plant is essential, especially during the growing season. Mesembryanthemum intonsum Haw. var. rubicundum Haw. requires regular watering to maintain moisture in the soil, but it is crucial to avoid overwatering. Overwatering can cause root rot and other fungal infections, which can lead to the death of the plant. Watering should be reduced during the dormant season.
Fertilization:
The plant benefits from a balanced fertilizer application every six weeks during the growing season. Use a liquid fertilizer during the water application for efficient absorption and reduced leaching. Mesembryanthemum intonsum Haw. var. rubicundum Haw is sensitive to excess nutrients, so be careful not to over-fertilize as this can cause foliage burn and nutrient toxicity.
Pruning:
Mesembryanthemum intonsum Haw. var. rubicundum Haw. requires pruning to encourage bushy growth and maintain an attractive shape. Deadhead regularly to remove spent flowers and promote the growth of new blooms. Prune back woody stems to approximately half their length in early spring to encourage new growth from the base. Avoid pruning during the dormant season.
Propagation of Mesembryanthemum intonsum Haw. var. rubicundum Haw.
Mesembryanthemum intonsum Haw. var. rubicundum Haw. can be propagated by seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Mesembryanthemum intonsum Haw. var. rubicundum Haw. should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination occurs. The ideal temperature range for germination is 18-21°C. The seedlings should be kept in bright light, but not direct sunlight, and watered sparingly until they have established a good root system. Once established, the plants can be gradually acclimated to full sunlight and normal watering habits.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings of Mesembryanthemum intonsum Haw. var. rubicundum Haw. can be taken from mature, healthy plants in the spring or summer. The cuttings should be approximately 5-7 cm long and taken from the tips of the stems. The bottom leaves should be removed, leaving only 1-2 sets of leaves near the top of the cutting.
The cuttings should be allowed to callus over for several hours before being planted in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The cuttings should be kept in bright light, but not direct sunlight, and in a warm, humid location. The roots should begin to form within several weeks. Once the new plants have established a good root system, they can be gradually acclimated to full sunlight and normal watering habits.
Disease Management
Mesembryanthemum intonsum Haw. var. rubicundum Haw. is generally a hardy plant, but it can suffer from certain diseases, especially if the conditions are not suitable. Here are some common plant diseases that can affect this plant:
- Root rot: Overwatering can cause root rot, which can eventually kill the plant. To avoid this, make sure the soil is well-draining and let the soil dry out partially between waterings.
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes circular spots on the leaves. To prevent leaf spot, avoid overhead watering and make sure there is good air circulation around the plant. Remove infected leaves as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Powdery mildew: This is another fungal disease that can affect this plant. It appears as a white powder on the leaves and stems. To prevent powdery mildew, keep the plant dry, make sure there is good air circulation, and avoid putting the plant in a humid area.
Pest Management
Mesembryanthemum intonsum Haw. var. rubicundum Haw. can also be affected by a few common pests. Here are some problems that you might encounter:
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can quickly damage a plant. To control aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or spray the plant with a strong jet of water to knock the aphids off the plant.
- Spider mites: These tiny mites can cause damage by sucking sap from the plant. To control spider mites, you can use insecticidal soap or a miticide. You can also spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge the mites.
- Whiteflies: These small, flying insects can cause damage by sucking sap from the plant. To control whiteflies, use yellow sticky traps or apply a systemic insecticide.
