Ice Plant 'Table Mountain'

Table Mountain Ice Plant is a drought-tolerant succulent and prefers infrequent and deep watering. Consistent and proper watering is a must with this variety, however. If the area gets a good amount of rainfall, no additional watering is necessary as long as the soil drains well. During its active growth period, water the soil deeply to saturate the roots. If growing in a container, the soil should be watered right before drying out. Throughout the winter months, water the succulent only once or twice.

Table Mountain Ice Plant is best suited for full sun and will produce its densest foliage in areas with an ample amount of direct sunlight. But be sure to find the balance between too much and too little sunlight - too much light can result in burnt foliage, and too little light results in leggy stems and smaller foliage growth. In areas where full sun exposure isn’t possible, it’s best to opt for a partial sun or partial shade setting for the best appearance.

Table Mountain Ice Plant is very tolerant and will survive in temperatures from around 20°F (-6 °C) to 85°F (30°C). It’s best to keep this variety in a cool environment when temperatures in the summertime are soaring.

Table Mountain Ice Plant loves humidity and can tolerate a wide variety. It can tolerate dry air and mild humidity, but loves those higher humidity levels. This variety likes to stay relatively dry when it comes to water, but loves those damp air environments. To really bring out those vibrant red edges, giving your succulent plant an occasional misting will do the trick.

Table Mountain Ice Plant should be planted in a cactus and succulent potting mix. This type of soil blend should be well-draining and comprised of 1 part organic material, 1 part sand, and 1 part perlite (or pumice). You can also add a slow-release, organic fertilizer to the planting mix to feed the roots every few months.

Table Mountain Ice Plant should be fertilized during its active growing season from early spring until late fall. A balanced, water soluble fertilizer should be used every two weeks at a quarter strength. Over-fertilizing can cause root burn. During the winter months, reduce fertilizing to once a month at a quarter strength. Avoid fertilizing during the summer months, and opt for an organic supplement to promote healthy growth.

Table Mountain Ice Plant is very resilient and rarely plagued with any common pests or diseases. However, if left in damp or overly humid conditions or if over-watered, it could be vulnerable to pests such as mealybugs and aphids or diseases such as root rot and powdery mildew. To prevent pests and diseases, make sure the succulent is not in a wet environment and that the soil is slightly moist. If pests do occur, it is best to treat the entire plant with an organic insecticide or fungicide. As a preventative, you can spray the entire succulent with a soap and water mixture every few weeks.

Table Mountain Ice Plant should be repotted every two to three years. Repotting this variety is easy and can be done by removing the succulent from its container and removing any excess soil which may have formed on its roots. Transfer the succulent to its next pot and fill it with a succulent soil blend like cactus and succulent mix. Be sure to give the pot a quick bottom watering to prevent the plant from drying out too quickly.

Table Mountain Ice Plant does not need to be pruned and in fact, the foliage of the succulent should be left in a neat and organized manner. If the foliage does become too long, it can be trimmed along its longest stems. When trimming the stem, it is best to cut it near the base of the new growth and shape the desired appearance. Any discolored and damaged foliage should also be removed.

Mulching is not necessary for Table Mountain Ice Plant, however, if used, it should be in minimal levels to avoid rotting the plant's roots. Mulch will also keep the soil warmer in the cold winter months.

Table Mountain Ice Plant can easily be propagated by stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, or by growing from seed. To propagate this variety through stem cuts, gently take a cutting of the stem near the base and place it in a pot filled with a succulent soil mix. Make sure to cover the stem cuttings with the soil and give it a light misting. Provide lots of indirect sunlight and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Leaves can either be propagated in soil like mentioned above or in a glass of water. To propagate through seeds, mix seeds with sand or soil to promote even dispersal, then spread the mixture over the soil and cover lightly. Do not water the soil, instead, keep it lightly misted and provide plenty of indirect sunlight.

Table Mountain Ice Plant does not usually require any form of support, however, if the stems are too long to keep upright by themselves, then it would be best to provide a support like twigs or a trellis.

Table Mountain Ice Plant does not require a rest period and can thrive year-round with consistent care and maintenance. However, If the temperatures are too hot, the succulent might go into a dormancy period, meaning new growth will be slower. Swapping out its soil from time to time or giving it a light trim will encourage healthy growth and a strong and sturdy appearance.

Table Mountain Ice Plant is non-toxic to both humans and animals. If ingested, it can cause mild stomach upset so it is best to keep away from children and pets.