Corpuscularia lehmannii, commonly known as Ice Plant, is a succulent native to the semi-arid regions of South Africa. This perennial plant is low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping or container gardening. Its foliage consists of segmented, chunky, gray-green to blue-green leaves that are trigonous, or three-angled, giving them a unique appearance. This guide provides the necessary specifics for successfully cultivating this succulent.
Essential Environmental Requirements
A healthy Ice Plant requires conditions that closely mimic its arid native habitat. Light exposure is paramount, requiring at least six hours of full, direct sun daily. Insufficient light will cause the plant to become etiolated, resulting in stretched stems and a loss of the characteristic compact, blue-green coloration.
The soil medium must prioritize drainage to prevent root rot. A specialized cactus or succulent potting mix is appropriate, often amended with non-organic grit like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to increase porosity. This gritty composition ensures that water moves quickly through the container.
The Ice Plant is adapted to warm conditions, with an ideal temperature range between 60°F and 80°F. It is not cold-hardy and must be protected from freezing temperatures. It is suited for outdoor cultivation in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 through 11, where it can tolerate short periods of temperatures as low as 20°F to 30°F if the soil remains dry.
Watering and Feeding Practices
The primary principle for watering the Ice Plant is the “drench and dry” method. When watering, thoroughly soak the soil until water runs freely from the drainage holes, ensuring the entire root ball is hydrated. After this deep watering, the soil must be allowed to dry out completely before moisture is reintroduced.
The frequency of watering depends heavily on the season and environmental conditions. During the active growing period in spring and summer, the plant will require water more often. Conversely, when the plant enters its winter dormancy, watering should be significantly reduced, often to once a month or less. A visual cue that the plant needs water is a slight wrinkling or shriveling of the leaves.
Fertilization is generally a secondary concern. If growth appears sluggish, a light feeding can be beneficial during the active spring and summer growing season. Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer formulated for succulents, applied once every four to six weeks. Avoid applying fertilizer during the winter dormancy period.
Propagation and Repotting
Propagating Corpuscularia lehmannii is most reliably done through stem cuttings. A healthy, non-flowering stem should be cleanly cut using a sterile tool, ensuring the segment has at least two leaf nodes. The cutting must then be left in a dry, shaded area for one to two days, allowing the cut end to form a protective callus.
Once the wound has dried and sealed, the cutting can be planted in the same well-draining succulent soil mix as the parent plant. Water sparingly until a robust root system develops, after which the regular “drench and dry” routine can be resumed. Division is another viable method, achieved by gently separating the plant into sections, each with its own established roots.
Repotting is an infrequent necessity, usually only required every two to three years. The plant signals a need for a new container when it becomes root-bound or the existing soil no longer drains efficiently. When repotting, select a container only slightly larger than the current one and ensure it has adequate drainage holes. This task is best scheduled for the spring or early summer while the plant is actively growing.