Ice Plant

Ice plants need to be kept in moderately moist soil and should be allowed to dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot and fungal problems. The best way to ensure balanced moisture is to water when the top inch of soil has dried out. If using a spray bottle, mist the foliage to prevent stressing the plant and nourish its upper layers.

Ice plants prefer full sun exposure, although they will tolerate short periods of light shade. If kept in an indoor pot, provide as much light as you can get from either grow lights, a bright window, or potting on a balcony - be sure to rotate the plant regularly so it grows evenly. When weather warms up, slowly transition the plant from indoors to an outdoor bright spot.

This popular succulent will appreciate temperatures between 50-90°F (10-32°C) and can handle humidity as long as it's drafty and not too humid. Exposed to freezing temperatures and frost can cause damage to its foliage.

Ice plants do not require high levels of humidity, but do best when averaged between 40-60%. As with other succulents, avoid misting the leaves as this can cause fungal issues.

The ideal growing medium for the Ice Plant is a fast-draining, cactus potting mix with equal parts sand and peat moss. For younger plants, a light fertilizer or an all-purpose fertilizer diluted to half the usual strength should be applied once every 10-12 weeks for partial sun and once every 7-10 weeks for full sun.

Ice plants enjoy a bit of fertilizer in the springtime to encourage lush foliage and additional blooms. Choose a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at the half dosage recommended on the package. Fertilize every other month until mid-summer then feed monthly until the plant becomes dormant in the winter.

Ice plants can come under attack by mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects. Treat infestations by regularly checking the plant and removing any bugs or eggs. For severe infestations, use an insecticidal soap. Chemical sprays are not recommended as these may damage the delicate foliage.

Ice plants don't like to be troubled with frequent repottings, but will need repotting every two years to refresh the soil and make sure it is free draining. Springtime is the best time of year to transfer the plant into a new pot that is slightly bigger than the old one.

Ice plants look best when they have neat and attractive shapes. Once the flowers have wilted, trim them off at the base of the stem. If overgrown, prune during late winter or early spring to encourage branching. Pruning back to the basal upright shoots will rejuvenate the plant and its fine foliage.

Ice plants do not require mulching but will benefit from an occasional top dressing of an organic material such as compost or shredded bark to help hold in humidity and keep the soil cool and moist.

Ice plants are easily propagated from stem cuttings or leaves. To propagate from stem cuttings, place a cutting in a moist, gritty soil and firm it in. Place it in a warm and bright spot out of direct sun and lightly water on a regular basis until the cutting is well rooted and established. Leaf cuttings can be propagated in the same way.

Ice plants are relatively sturdy plants, but in areas of excessive wind they may need some support. Use stakes to support taller varieties or to keep the plant from falling over.

Ice plants require little to no maintenance and are semi-evergreen in mild climates. When the plant blooms lead to dormancy (in the form of a rest period) it will partly lose its leaves and may appear to die back. This is normal and should not alarm you as it is a necessary part of its growth cycle.

Ice plants are not toxic to pets. However, it is best to keep pets away from all plants as ingestion could cause the pet to get sick.