Ice plants are popular groundcovers known for their vibrant, daisy-like blooms and fleshy foliage. These plants create a colorful carpet in gardens. Their ability to spread quickly makes them suitable for covering large areas, including slopes and rock gardens.
Understanding Ice Plant Water Needs
Ice plants are succulents, which shapes their water requirements. Their thick, fleshy leaves and stems store water to endure dry periods. Originating from arid regions of southern Africa, ice plants are naturally drought-tolerant. This means they do not require frequent watering once established, utilizing their stored water.
Practical Watering Guidelines
Established ice plants require a “deep and infrequent” watering approach. They generally need water every two weeks, or when the top few inches of soil feel dry. During periods of high heat or drought, weekly watering might be necessary. Water ice plants in the morning, allowing the foliage to dry before the afternoon sun, to prevent fungal issues.
Before watering, check the soil moisture by inserting a finger a few inches into the soil. If the soil feels dry, water thoroughly until the root ball is saturated and excess water drains away. Newly planted ice plants require more consistent moisture to establish their root systems. During this initial phase, water them daily or every few days, depending on sunlight exposure, ensuring the soil does not become waterlogged.
Factors Affecting Watering Needs
Several environmental and planting factors influence how much and how often ice plants need water. Soil type is a primary consideration, as ice plants require well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Sandy, gravelly, or loamy soils are ideal, while dense clay soil can be detrimental due to its poor drainage. Climate also plays a role; plants in hotter, drier regions with more intense sun exposure will generally require more frequent watering than those in cooler, more humid environments.
Sun exposure directly impacts water usage; ice plants in full sun (at least six hours daily) will transpire more water and dry out faster than those in partial shade. Container-grown ice plants also have different watering requirements compared to those planted directly in the ground. Soil in pots dries out more quickly, necessitating more frequent watering, typically every few days or when the potting mix is dry.
Recognizing Watering Issues
Improper watering can lead to signs of distress in ice plants. If underwatered, leaves may appear shriveled, dry, or wrinkled, and the soil will be completely parched. The foliage might also droop, and in severe cases, leaves can turn brown and crispy or fall off. To remedy underwatering, provide a thorough watering until the soil is saturated, and remove any dried leaves to encourage new growth.
Conversely, overwatering can cause yellowing leaves, which may also become soft, swollen, or translucent. A common consequence of overwatering is root rot, where the roots become mushy, dark brown, or black, inhibiting the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients. The stem base might also feel mushy, and the plant may wilt despite wet soil. If root rot is suspected, improving air circulation and adjusting watering frequency are important steps. Severely affected roots can be trimmed, and the plant repotted into fresh, well-draining soil.