Ice Plant 'Livingstone Daisy'

Livingstone Daisy is a succulent and does not need frequent watering. It should be watered thoroughly when the soil has become completely dry. It should be allowed to drain well, and excess water should be poured away. Overwatering the plant will lead to root rot.

Livingstone Daisy needs lots of light but can tolerate average lighting. It should be grown in bright, indirect sunlight, and it can cope with some direct morning sun, making it an ideal choice for conservatories and windowsills in south-facing rooms. This plant should be avoided from intense mid-day summer sunlight.

Livingstone Daisy prefers temperatures between 50-85 ˚F (10-30 ˚C). It does best in moderate climates where there is no extreme frozen temperatures. During the winter months, the plant should be kept away from cold draft. It should not be grown outdoors in areas where frost and snow occur.

Livingstone Daisy does not require high humidity levels. If it is grown in an area with very low humidity, it can survive with some modifications such as being placed in a pebble-filled tray with water or using a humidifier to raise the humidity levels.

Livingstone Daisy does best in a well-draining soil mixture. A potting mix designed for succulents and cacti is the best choice. Alternatively, you can make your own soil mix by combining one part potting soil, one part coarse sand, and one part perlite or vermiculite.

Livingstone Daisy requires minimal fertilizing. A slow-release fertilizer designed for cacti and succulents should be applied during the late spring months. An organic liquid fertilizer made of fish emulsion and kelp extract can also be used during the warmer months. Make sure to not overwater, and to dilute fertilizers appropriately to avoid burning the roots.

Livingstone Daisy is generally pest-free, but it is still important to regularly check the plant for any potential insects. Common pests include mealybugs, mites, and aphids. They can be eliminated by using insecticidal soap, neem oil, or rubbing alcohol to the affected parts. If the infestation is advanced, some chemical treatments may be required.

Livingstone Daisy should be repotted in autumn or spring when its roots have filled the pot. The soil should be completely dried before repotting, and it should be carefully transferred into a new pot that is only one size larger than the current one. Make sure to use a potting mix designed for succulents and cacti for best results.

For best results, Livingstone Daisy should be pruned twice a year, in the spring and autumn. Pruning will help promote denser growth and keep the plant in a neat, compact shape. Leave at least two to three leaves per stem when pruning to ensure proper regrowth.

Livingstone Daisy does not respond well to heavy mulching and should only be lightly mulched with organic materials such as bark chips, sphagnum moss, and compost. This will help to preserve soil moisture while also encouraging vitamin-rich microbial life in the soil.

Livingstone Daisy can be propagated from its stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the sides of the stem near the leaves, as this will have the highest success rate. The cuttings should be soaked overnight in water to encourage root formation, and then placed in a potting mix designed for succulents. It should be watered lightly but regularly to encourage root formation.

Livingstone Daisy does not usually require external support, owing to its low-growing and creeping nature. However, some varieties may need support if they become top-heavy with blooms.

Livingstone Daisy does not usually experience a prolonged period of dormancy during the winter months, but it may slow down its growth. During the winter, it should be kept in cooler and drier conditions than its warmer-season requirements. It should also be watered more sparingly than during the spring and summer months.

Livingstone Daisy is not toxic to pets, making it an ideal choice for those who have both pets and plants. However, as with all plants, it is advisable to keep it out of reach of animals.