Ice Plant 'Fire Spinner'

Water Fire Spinner when the soil begins to dry out, approximately every 7-8 days. During the hot summer months, it may need to be watered more often than this. Avoid over-watering, as too much water can cause root rot. It’s best to check the soil with your finger and wait until it feels dry before adding any water, as overwatering is the most common mistake people make with this houseplant.

Fire Spinner needs at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day to stay healthy and vibrant. If not receiving enough light, its foliage will become pale and the flowers may not open. Placing it in an area with bright but filtered sunlight would be ideal, or it can be taken outside for a few hours each day.

Fire Spinner is best kept between 65-75 Fahrenheit and 18-21 Celsius. It is strongly recommended to keep it out of cold drafts or direct heat sources. During the winter months, the plant may become dormant and can handle temperatures as low as 55 Fahrenheit (12 Celsius). Be aware that low temperatures can cause the foliage to drop. In the warmer months, it can handle temperatures as high as 90 Fahrenheit (32 Celsius) but not for too long or it will start to suffer.

Fire Spinner thrives when kept in humid environments, but it is very tolerant of normal household levels. If exposed to dry air, it will require a bit more water to avoid dehydration and wilting, however, it is generally not necessary to mist the foliage. This succulent should not be kept in a terrarium or closed environment.

Fire Spinner prefers a loose, well-draining soil. A cactus and succulent potting mix, acidic soil, or equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and sand all work well. To create an even better mix, add a little bit of peat moss or coconut coir, which will help retain moisture. Do not use regular garden soil, as this will be too heavy and will cause the roots to suffocate.

It is not necessary to fertilize Fire Spinner regularly, but if the plant is looking lack-luster, feed it with a water-soluble fertilizer formulated for cacti and succulents. During the summer months, a fertilizer can be applied every other month. It is important to avoid over-fertilizing, as this can burn the plants. A diluted mix that is half of the recommended dosage is recommended.

Fire Spinner is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, however, it is possible for it to be attacked by common household pests such as aphids, mealybugs, whitefly, and spider mits. These can be easily treated with insecticidal soaps and neem oil, both of which can be found at most garden supply stores. It is important to be diligent and inspect the plant regularly for any signs of infestation.

Fire Spinner does not need to be repotted often, as it does not like excessive root disturbance. If it is becoming rootbound, wait until the plant is actively growing and repot into a slightly bigger container filled with well-draining soil. Be sure to keep the roots moist during the repotting process to avoid any transplant shocks.

This succulent rarely needs to be pruned unless the stems become overly long and straggly or there are signs of overcrowding. If Fire Spinner is getting too large for its container, prune the stems and remove dead leaves. When pruning, always use sterilized cutting tools and avoid leaving any wounds open for pests or diseases to enter.

Fire Spinner does not need to be mulched but it will help retain moisture in the soil. A light layer of organic mulch will help to keep the soil cool, suppress weed growth, and decompose over time to release nutrients into the soil.

Fire Spinner can be propagated through stem cuttings or offset divisions. To propagate through cuttings, use a sharp, sterile knife to cut a stem that is 4-5 inches in length. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining soil and keep it away from direct sunlight. Water it regularly until it’s fully rooted, then gradually reduce waterings. Offset divisions can be done by gently pulling apart an overcrowded plant, then replanting the individual offsets in separate pots. These can then be kept in a bright location and watered regularly until roots have formed.

Fire Spinner does not need a lot of support as it is a low-growing succulent that will naturally cascade downwards. Taller plants may need some extra support from a stake or trellis, however, this is not necessary.

Fire Spinner does not require a rest period, however, it may go dormant and stop blooming during the winter months. During this time, reduce watering and do not fertilize until growth resumes in the spring.

Fire Spinner is not toxic to pets, but it is always best to keep houseplants out of reach of curious cats and dogs, as they will often chew on the foliage or stems.