Ice Plant 'Coral Carpet'
Ice Plant 'Coral Carpet' (Delosperma cooperi) is a drought-tolerant, succulent perennial ground cover plant. It is native to South Africa and displays beautiful foliage of creamy-white flowers in the summertime. It has a low, ground-hugging habit and blooms continuously from late spring to late summer. The petite 'roses' will keep flowering until the first frost. Its trailing form makes it excellent for rock gardens, as well as for along pathways, slopes, and shrub borders. Ice Plant is also a great choice for a container plant.
Ice Plant is a drought-tolerant perennial. It is best to water the plant deeply but infrequently, every 10- 14 days, allowing the soil to dry out completely in between. Water will be needed more frequently if the weather is hotter or periods of drought persist. Too much water can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Ice Plant 'Coral Carpet' prefers full sun to grow its best. It can grow in partial shade with fewer flowers but will be less compact and trailing compared to its performance in full sun. It's important to give this plant adequate light to keep its foliage and stems tight and neat.
Ice Plant 'Coral Carpet' is best grown in temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) as both temperatures below and above this range can cause poor growth and reduced flowering. If temperatures fall below 55°F (13°C), protect the plant from frost. In warm climates, it can be grown successfully in sheltered areas.
Ice Plant 'Coral Carpet' can tolerate humid conditions, but it will not excel in areas with high humidity. In hot and humid conditions, a little extra care and attention should be taken with this plant to keep it growing well. It can handle dry air, but good air circulation is important.
Ice Plant 'Coral Carpet' prefers slightly acidic, well-draining soils, as it is subject to root rot when grown in waterlogged soils. A potting mixture high in organic matter with the addition of some sand will work best. Be sure to water deeply but not too often to avoid over-watering and promote healthy roots.
Ice Plant 'Coral Carpet' does not require fertilization for it to thrive. However, adding slow release granular fertilizer can help promote blooming and overall health. During the growing season, apply a balanced fertilizer every 6-8 weeks. In the winter, water-soluble fertilizer may be used every other month to replenish the nutrients in the soil.
Ice Plant 'Coral Carpet' is mostly problem free when planted in a location that is well drained and in full sun. However it can be susceptible to some common garden pests such as aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and whitefly. The best way to prevent or treat pest infestations is by using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. If needed, add fungicide to prevent fungal diseases that can affect the plant.
Ice Plant 'Coral Carpet' does not require repotting and should stay in the same container for several years. However, it may need to be repotted if it becomes crowded or outgrows its surroundings. If you valuing a larger, bigger pot with well-draining potting soil, making sure to water only when the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry.
Ice Plant 'Coral Carpet' does not require much pruning, as this plant naturally shapes itself to form a neat and tidy mat. If you need to tidy up the plant, it is best to trim only the dead or dying foliage and stems as it can sustain itself without much maintenance.
Ice Plant 'Coral Carpet' does not require mulching in order to grow well. However, mulching can be beneficial for controlling weeds and helping the soil hold moisture. It is important to use an organic mulch that is not too thick, as this can cause the plant to mildew and rot.
Ice Plant 'Coral Carpet' can be propagated through softwood cuttings, and it can be divided in the spring or fall. Cuttings should be taken in the spring when the stems are still pliable. Take cuttings 5-7 inches long and dip the ends in rooting hormone before planting into a mix of sand and perlite. Keep moist and warm until they have rooted and plant them in separate containers.
This plant needs no added support and since it is a ground cover it will spread as it grows, creating an extensive mat of blooms. If you want to control the growth a bit, you can use organic mulch or stones to set the boundaries.
Ice Plant 'Coral Carpet' does not have a rest period as it is a fast-growing perennial. It will need to be trimmed back occasionally to maintain its dense matting and tidy appearance. Dead or dying foliage should be removed to promote new growth.
Ice Plant 'Coral Carpet' is non-toxic to pets and therefore is safe to have in the home. However, this plant may cause gastrointestinal irritation in pets if ingested, so it is best to keep it away from curious four-legged friends.
Air Plant
Air Plant (Tillandsia spp.) are epiphytic plants that grow without soil or roots connected to the ground. They typically attach to rocks, tree branche...
Aluminum Plant
The Aluminum Plant, Pilea cadierei, is a tropical perennial native to China and Vietnam. It is an attractive, low maintenance houseplant with subtle s...
Arrowhead Plant
The arrowhead plant (Syngonium podophyllum) is an easy to grow plant that is treasured for its unique foliage. It has arrow-shaped leaves that grow on...
Artillery Plant
The Artillery Plant, or Pilea Microphylla, is a flowering species of perennial, tropical shrub native to the American tropics. It can grow up to 3 fee...
Ant Plant
Ant plants are a group of tropical and subtropical epiphytic plants found in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Americas that are named for and inhabited...
Asian Pitcher Plant
Asian Pitcher Plant or Nepenthes spp is a genus of tropical carnivorous plants. They are well known for their mesmerizing pitchers, which are modified...