Aizoaceae
Hardy Ice Plant: Ground Cover Plant
Delosperma cooperi
Give it full sun and sharply draining, sandy or gravelly soil. Water only occasionally, letting the soil dry out between waterings, and cut back further in winter. Avoid heavy clay and soggy soil, which quickly leads to root rot.
Every 14 days
Direct sun
10° - 35°C
20% - 50%
Categories
What is Hardy Ice Plant?
Hardy Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi) is a easy-care plant from the Aizoaceae family. Delosperma cooperi, the hardy ice plant, is a low, mat-forming succulent native to the arid grasslands of South Africa. Its fleshy, cylindrical leaves are dusted with tiny glistening papillae that resemble ice crystals, and from early summer through fall the foliage all but disappears beneath a blan...
Hardy Ice Plant grows up to 15cm, spread of 60cm, watering every 14 days, 10°C – 35°C, 20–50% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Hardy Ice Plant tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Hardy Ice Plant is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Hardy Ice Plant?
TLDR: Hardy Ice Plant needs Direct sun, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between 10-35°C with 20-50% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Hardy Ice Plant?
Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings; reduce watering in winter dormancy.
How Much Light Does Hardy Ice Plant Need?
Provide full, direct sun for at least 6 hours daily. Flowering drops off sharply in partial shade.
What Is the Best Soil for Hardy Ice Plant?
Plant in sandy, gravelly, or otherwise sharply draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5-7.5). Never let roots sit in wet clay.
What Pot Should You Use for Hardy Ice Plant?
Unglazed terracotta pots with generous drainage holes suit it best, helping excess moisture evaporate quickly.
What Is Hardy Ice Plant and Where Does It Come From?
Delosperma cooperi, the hardy ice plant, is a low, mat-forming succulent native to the arid grasslands of South Africa. Its fleshy, cylindrical leaves are dusted with tiny glistening papillae that resemble ice crystals, and from early summer through fall the foliage all but disappears beneath a blanket of vivid magenta-pink, daisy-like flowers. Remarkably drought-tolerant and cold-hardy down to USDA zone 6a, it is a favorite groundcover for rock gardens, slopes, and xeriscapes.
How to Propagate Hardy Ice Plant?
Stem Cuttings
Avoid overwatering the cutting; ice plants root best when kept on the dry side.
- 1 Snip a 5-8 cm stem tip with a clean, sharp tool.
- 2 Let the cut end callus over in a dry spot for 1-2 days.
- 3 Insert the callused end into well-draining, sandy potting mix.
- 4 Water very lightly until new growth confirms rooting.
Materials needed:
Clump Division
Division works best on established, multi-stemmed clumps and re-establishes quickly.
- 1 Dig up a rooted section of the spreading mat in early spring.
- 2 Separate a portion with healthy roots attached.
- 3 Replant immediately in well-draining soil at the same depth.
- 4 Water lightly to settle the soil, then resume normal dry-soil watering.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Hardy Ice Plant Grow?
TLDR: Hardy Ice Plant can reach up to 15cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
15cm
Spread
60cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Semi-evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Hardy Ice Plant?
TLDR: Hardy Ice Plant is susceptible to 4 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Meaning & Symbolism
A symbol of resilience and vibrant beauty flourishing under harsh, dry conditions.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
