Icicle plants, often recognized by specific varieties like Dorotheanthus bellidiformis ‘Mezoo Trailing Red’, are popular ornamental succulents. These plants are appreciated for their distinctive appearance, featuring fleshy, often variegated leaves that can display a frosted or icy look. Their vibrant colors and characteristic trailing habit make them a favored choice for various garden and home settings. Many gardeners find them appealing due to their relatively easy care requirements and the cheerful splash of color they provide.
Icicle Plant Care
Icicle plants thrive with adequate light exposure, performing best in full sun (at least six hours of direct sunlight daily) to maintain compact growth and vibrant leaf coloration. While they can tolerate partial shade, insufficient light often results in leggy, stretched growth and reduced foliage color intensity. Indoors, a south-facing window is ideal for consistent bright light.
Proper watering is crucial for these drought-tolerant succulents, as they are susceptible to overwatering. Use the “soak and dry” method: allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings before thoroughly saturating it. Wilting or shriveled leaves indicate underwatering, while soft, mushy stems and leaves are signs of excessive moisture and potential root rot. Ensure water drains freely from the pot to prevent standing water around the roots.
Icicle plants require a well-draining soil mix to prevent waterlogged conditions. A sandy loam or a specialized succulent and cactus mix is suitable for their root systems. Incorporating perlite or coarse sand can further enhance drainage in standard potting soil. Avoiding heavy, compacted soils is important, as poor drainage can quickly lead to root rot.
Icicle plants prefer warm conditions and are sensitive to cold temperatures. They grow best in average temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius) during their active growing season. While they tolerate typical indoor humidity, high humidity is not an issue if the soil drains well. Protecting them from freezing temperatures is crucial, as prolonged exposure below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) can cause damage or death.
Fertilizing icicle plants is not a frequent requirement, as they are not heavy feeders. A light feeding during their active growing season (spring and summer) can support healthy growth. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half or quarter strength, every two to four weeks. Avoid fertilizing during dormant winter months or immediately after repotting, as this can stress the plant.
Propagating Icicle Plants
Propagating icicle plants is straightforward, primarily achieved through stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Select healthy, non-flowering stems approximately three to six inches long, using clean, sharp shears to make a cut just below a leaf node. Removing the lower leaves prepares the cutting for rooting.
After taking cuttings, allow them to air dry for a few days until a callous forms over the cut end. This step prevents rot when the cutting is planted. Once calloused, place the cuttings directly into a well-draining succulent potting mix. Alternatively, they can be rooted in water by placing the cut end just above the water line until roots develop, then transfer to soil.
Maintain lightly moist soil during the rooting process, avoiding overwatering. Roots develop within two to four weeks, after which the new plants can be cared for as mature specimens.
Common Problems and Solutions
Icicle plants are generally robust, but pests like aphids and mealybugs can be concerns. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects often found clustered on new growth, causing distorted leaves and stunted development. Mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses in leaf axils and can weaken the plant. Both can be addressed by gently wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by applying insecticidal soap to affected areas.
Overwatering is a major problem, often leading to root rot, a fungal disease that can devastate the plant. Symptoms include mushy stems, yellowing leaves, and a general decline in plant health. Preventing root rot involves following the “soak and dry” watering method and ensuring good soil drainage. If root rot is suspected, remove the plant from its pot, trim away any soft, diseased roots, and repot in fresh, dry soil.
Best Uses for Icicle Plants
Icicle plants are versatile and can enhance various settings with their vibrant foliage and trailing growth habit.
Hanging baskets: Their cascading stems create colorful displays.
Containers: They thrive as standalone specimens or as a “spiller” in mixed arrangements.
Rock gardens: Their drought tolerance and well-draining preference suit these environments.
Ground cover: Their dense growth makes them effective in sunny, well-drained areas.
Indoor display: Their trailing nature allows them to be displayed on shelves or in elevated planters.