Ice Plant 'White Sprite'

Water the Ice Plant 'White Sprite' when the top two inches of soil are dry. If the plant is underwatered you will typically notice brown edges, or with extreme under-watering the entire plant may die. Overwatering is just as damaging for this plant. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, and the plant will eventually yellow and die. The best way to avoid this is by allowing the soil to become somewhat dry before watering it again.

Ice Plant 'White Sprite' prefers full sun, but can tolerate part shade. If grown inside, the plant needs at least six hours of bright light daily or supplemental lighting should be used. Placing the plant near an east or west window with lots of natural light is the best choice for indoor growing. Keeping it farther away from direct sunlight is important to avoid burning of leaves and foliage.

In general, the ideal temperature range for Ice Plant 'White Sprite' is between 50 and 90°F (10-32°C). Avoid temperatures lower than 50°F (10°C). In cold winters it can survive temperatures as low as 40°F (4°C).

ice Plant 'White Sprite' prefers high humidity, but can tolerate average household humidities. To increase the humidity around the plant, mist the leaves with water once or twice a week. You can also group it with other houseplants or put it on a humidity tray.

Ice Plant 'White Sprite' prefers a slightly acidic, sandy soil with good drainage and a pH of 6.0-7.5. It also likes a potting soil formulated for succulents and cacti. The soil should be slightly moist but not overly wet.

Ice Plant 'White Sprite' should be fertilized every two weeks during the spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. In the fall and winter, replace the regular fertilizer with a low-nitrogen fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing as too much fertilizer can cause the plant to become stressed and stop flowering.

Ice Plant 'White Sprite' is relatively pest-free, however, it may become infested with mealybugs, spider mites and aphids from time to time. To remove mealybugs from the plant, spray the affected areas with a mixture of dish soap and water. For spider mites and aphids, you can spray the plant with insecticidal soap. If the infestation is severe, use a miticides or insecticides to remove the pests. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully.

Ice Plant 'White Sprite' should be repotted every two years in early spring. It is best to use a potting soil designed for succulents and cacti. The new plant should be placed in a pot that is just a few inches larger than the current pot. When attempting to remove the root ball from the pot, be careful not to damage the roots as they are fragile.

Ice Plant 'White Sprite' does not typically require pruning as it is a small, low-growing plant. If you want to shape the plant or encourage new growth, cut back the entire plant after it has finished blooming or during springtime, pruning just above a leaf node or joint. Don't prune more than a third of the plant at once or it may harm the plant.

Ice Plant 'White Sprite' should have 2-3 inches of mulch or cedar chips applied around its base. The mulch should be maintained during the growing season. Mulch helps to retain water and keep the soil temperature from fluctuating too much.

Ice Plant 'White Sprite' can be propagated from cuttings or seeds. To propagate from cuttings, take a 4-6 inch stem cutting in the late spring or summer and place the cut end in a damp, sandy potting mix. Place the cuttings in bright indirect light and keep the potting mix evenly moist. Roots will form in 4-6 weeks. When planting seeds, sprinkle the seeds on the surface of a damp, sandy potting mix. Place the pot in bright, indirect light and water as needed. Seeds should sprout in 1-2 weeks.

Ice Plant 'White Sprite' is a low-growing plant that typically does not need support. If you want to add height, you can use a trellis or cane, but be careful not to damage the roots of the plant.

Ice Plant 'White Sprite' should have a resting period during the late fall and winter. During this time, the plant should be watered less often and maintained at a cooler temperature. The resting period is important for the plant as it helps it to survive winter and re-energize for blooming the following season.

Ice Plant 'White Sprite' is not toxic to pets if ingested.