Ice plants, such as Delosperma and Lampranthus, are popular, vibrant, low-maintenance ground covers. These succulents are admired for their dazzling, daisy-like blooms and remarkable drought tolerance, making them suitable for various climates. While robust, understanding their specific nutritional needs and fertilization can significantly enhance their health, vigor, and flowering potential.
Ice Plant Nutrient Requirements
Ice plants thrive in lean, well-draining soils, indicating their inherently low nutrient demands. Many can flourish without supplemental feeding. Over-fertilization is a common issue, leading to detrimental effects like excessive leafy growth at the expense of blooms or even root damage.
A slight nutrient boost may be beneficial in certain situations, such as in poor soil, containers, or to encourage more prolific flowering. Signs of nutrient deficiency, like yellowing leaves or stunted growth, also indicate a need for feeding. Plants require macronutrients: nitrogen (N) for foliage, phosphorus (P) for root development and flowering, and potassium (K) for overall health, water regulation, and disease resistance.
Selecting the Right Fertilizer
When selecting fertilizer, the NPK ratio (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium) is a key consideration. Ice plants benefit from formulas with lower nitrogen and a balanced or higher proportion of phosphorus and potassium, promoting vibrant flowering over excessive leafy growth. Fertilizers for succulents and cacti, often with ratios like 2-7-7 or 1-1-2, are suitable choices.
Both liquid and granular forms are available. Liquid fertilizers dilute easily and provide quick nutrients, which plants can absorb efficiently. Slow-release granular fertilizers gradually release nutrients, offering consistent support and reducing over-fertilization risk. Avoid high-nitrogen or quick-release options, which can cause leggy growth, fewer blooms, and root burn. Organic alternatives, like compost or compost tea, can also gently amend the soil.
Application Guidelines and Best Practices
Timing is important when fertilizing ice plants. Do so during their active growing season, typically spring or early summer. Once or twice annually, in spring and possibly mid-summer, is usually sufficient. Avoid fertilizing during dormancy, as new growth stimulated late in the season can be vulnerable to cold damage.
For liquid fertilizers, always dilute to half or quarter strength of the manufacturer’s recommendation; a common dilution for succulents is 0.5 mL per gallon of water. Apply the diluted solution to moist soil to help distribute nutrients evenly and prevent root burn. For granular fertilizers, sprinkle sparingly (one to two tablespoons per plant) around the base, mix into the topsoil, and water thoroughly. “Less is more” applies to ice plants; over-fertilization can cause stunted growth, yellowing or browning leaf tips, or a visible salt crust on the soil.