Ice plants (Delosperma and Lampranthus species) are succulent perennials known for their vibrant, daisy-like flowers and drought-tolerant nature, making them popular groundcovers for sunny, dry areas. Propagating ice plants is straightforward.
Why Propagate Ice Plant
Propagating ice plants offers several advantages. It significantly reduces costs compared to purchasing new specimens, allowing for the expansion of existing garden beds or establishing new groundcover areas. Sharing plants with friends is easy. Propagation also provides an opportunity to replace older, less vigorous plants, ensuring your garden maintains a fresh and healthy appearance.
Propagating Ice Plant from Cuttings
Propagating ice plants from cuttings is an effective method. The best time to take cuttings is during the active growing season, typically in spring or summer. Select healthy, non-flowering stems that are about 3 to 6 inches long from a vigorous parent plant.
Using clean, sharp shears or a knife, make a straight cut just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the bottom 1 to 2 inches of the cutting to expose the nodes, as new roots will emerge from these points. Allow the cuttings to “callus” by leaving them in a warm, dry location for a few days to a week; this helps prevent rot once planted.
Prepare a well-draining potting mix, such as a succulent or cactus mix, or a blend of sand and regular potting soil. Insert the callused end of each cutting about 1 inch deep into the soil, ensuring at least one or two nodes are buried. Dipping the cut end in rooting hormone can encourage faster root development. Place the potted cuttings in a bright location with indirect sunlight and water lightly, keeping the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged.
Propagating Ice Plant from Seeds
Propagating ice plants from seeds is another viable method, though slower than using cuttings. Seeds can be sown indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost, or directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
Ice plant seeds require light to germinate, so they should be surface-sown and gently pressed onto the soil rather than covered deeply. A sterile seed-starting mix is recommended, and the soil should be kept consistently moist but not soggy. An ideal germination temperature range is between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Germination usually occurs within 15 to 28 days.
Once seedlings emerge, ensure they receive ample light, either from a sunny windowsill or under grow lights for about 16 hours daily. When seedlings develop a few true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be carefully pricked out and transplanted into individual pots or cell trays.
Caring for Your New Ice Plants
Once your ice plant cuttings have rooted or seedlings have developed, proper care ensures their establishment. For plants started indoors, a hardening-off period is beneficial before transplanting them outdoors. This involves gradually acclimating them to outdoor conditions over about a week, starting with a sheltered location and slowly increasing their exposure to sun and wind.
Newly established ice plants require consistent moisture, but avoid overwatering, as they are succulents prone to rot. Water deeply when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, then allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Ice plants thrive in full sunlight, needing at least six hours of direct sun daily for robust growth and abundant blooms.
They do not require heavy fertilization; a light application of a balanced fertilizer in spring can encourage growth. Young ice plants are ready for transplanting into their final garden location in spring or early summer, allowing them ample time to establish before colder weather arrives. Ensure the final planting site has well-draining soil to support their long-term health.