Ice Plant 'Hardy Yellow'

It is important not to over-water your Hardy Yellow, so allow the soil to dry completely between each watering. Delosperma is designed to be very drought resistant and it stores water within its fleshy stems and leaves. It does not tolerate overwatering. In the winter, water your Hardy Yellow less often, allowing the soil to dry more completely than usual before watering again. When indoors, you should reduce the amount of water you give to your plant since the indoor air is drier and doesn’t need as much watering.

Hardy Yellow loves bright sunshine and prefers direct sunlight, however it’s advised to avoid placing them in very hot, mid-day sun which could scorch their leaves. For optimal growth, it would be great to give the plant at least 4-5 hours of direct sunlight. It can also do well in pots or hanging baskets indoors near a sunny window, as a bright west or east facing window would work great for it.

Hardy Yellow prefers daytime temperatures of 65-75°F (18-24°C) while the nightime temperature should stay above 10°F (-12°C). It is not frost-tolerant and will not survive any temperatures below freezing. It also prefers humid conditions, but will make it in slightly dry indoors.

The ideal humidity for Delosperma is 40-50%. You can measure the humidity in your home with a hygrometer. If the air in your home is too humid, you can easily place pebbles and water in trays to fight the humidity. If the air in your home is too dry, mist the foliage a few days in the week with a spray bottle. Hardy Yellow loves humid environments, making it a great choice for homeowners living in greenhouse or greenhouse-like conditions.

Hardy Yellow thrives best in sandy or gravelly soil with good drainage. It is key to use well-draining soil in order to avoid root rotting and to give the plant the right nutrition it craves. A mix of 1/4 part peat moss and 2/4 part perlite, 2/4 part builder’s sand, and 3/4 part coco-coir makes an amazing planting mix for it.

When it comes to fertilization, it’s important to use a well-balanced liquid fertilizer for flowering plants. Water your plant with the fertilizer during the active growing season and stop its use at least 6 weeks before the rest period. It is best to reduce the amount of fertilizer during the winter months. Do not fertilize when soil is dry.

Be cautious of aphids and mealybugs which can cause significant damage to your Hardy Yellow. To fend them off, you can spray your plant with a solution of neem oil and water. In the event that they are already damaged or infested, you can make a solution of 1 cup of rubbing alcohol and 1 liter of water. Spray this onto the infested areas and the pests should die off eventually. If the issue persists, reach out to your local nursery for additional support.

It is best to repot your Hardy Yellow once a year in the spring or summer months. When repotting, be sure to use a pot with a drainage hole, as too much water could lead to root rot. You should also replace the soil with fresh soil since the old soil won’t have as many of the essential nutrients that your plant needs. It is best to use a well-draining, organic potting soil for optimal growth.

Pruning your Hardy Yellow is more of an art than a science. The best advice is to look for dead or brown leaves, remove them, and the plant should continue to stay healthy. Pruning your Hardy Yellow also encourages new leaf growth, so it is a worthwhile endeavor. Be sure to trim the plant gently, as it is more prone to damage in comparison to other houseplants.

Mulching your Hardy Yellow with some organic peat moss or bark chips can retain moisture in the soil and will help it last longer. This will help the soil sustain itself and will help the plant receive the necessary nutrients.

Hardy Yellow is easy to propagate. When you’re ready for more, cut a stem about 3 inches long, with as much leaves on that stem as possible. Dip the end of the cut stem in water and roll it lightly in a rooting hormone if you have it. Then place the stem in a potting mixture, press in the top, and water. In a few weeks, the leaves should begin to sprout roots.

Trailing Ice Plant can benefit from the use of a stake or a trellis to support its leaves and provide your houseplant with an attractive and bold look. You can provide the support to your Hardy Yellow with the use of a stake, trellis, or hanger to keep your plant upright.

Implementing a rest period, where the plant receives far less water and nutrients, is important to give the plant the energy it needs for flowering. To rest your Hardy Yellow, stop regular waterings and reduce fertilization for a minimum of 6 weeks to aide the plant to form strong roots and produce beautiful flowers. During this time, the leaves may look dull and dry, but this is normal.

Hardy Yellow is not toxic to cats and dogs, so don’t worry about keeping it out of reach of your furry friends. However, it may be best to keep it out of reach anyway, as the leaves are fragile and can drop easily.