Understand how to grow, care, and style your home with this hardy and drought-tolerant Ice Plant succulent care guide.
Ever wondered what shimmering flowers under natural sunlight, dusted with frost, would feel like? That’s the Ice Plant, which is a flowering succulent shrub from South Africa that grows delicate flowers from pink and purple to a deep, bright orange. And it’ll leave you mesmerized just with a little care.
Ice Plant Key Facts
| Common Name | Crystalline Ice Plant |
| Botanical Name | Delosperma spp., Lampranthus spp. |
| Family | Aizoaceae |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous, perennial |
| Mature Size | 3–6 in. tall, 12–24 in. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Full |
| Soil Type | Sandy and well-drained |
| Soil pH | Neutral |
| Bloom Time | Spring, summer, fall |
| Flower Color | Pink, red, purple, yellow, orange |
| Hardiness Zones | 4–11 (USDA Zones), depending on type |
| Native Area | Africa |
Ice Plant Information
A plant that thrives in the sun and has its name after ice? That’s the fun fact. The leaves of the Ice Plant have specialized cells with water-storage tissues that resemble tiny ice crystals. When light reflects off these cells, the foliage sparkles as if dusted with frost.
The name isn’t much of a mystery; Delosperma cooperi originates from Greek words. “Delosperma” derives from the words “delos,” meaning visible, and “sperma,” meaning seed. “Cooperi” is a tribute to the 19th-century English botanist William Cooper, who made significant contributions to botanical knowledge.
Another cool fact is that Ice Plants aren’t just amazing to look at, they also make stellar ground covers, keeping soil from washing away and holding slopes steady.
Propagating Ice Plant Succulent
Ice plants spread like wildfire by stem cuttings or division.
Cuttings: Take a 2–3 inch tip of a stem and allow it to callus. After it has callused, you can plant it in sandy soil and keep it in bright sun. Water it lightly until the roots form.
Division: Uproot the plant in spring. Carefully split it at the roots, replant each half at the same depth, and gently pat the soil down before moistening.
Plant Requirements
Know Your Variety
There are many varieties of ice plants with a range of color options; for example, some Delosperma cooperi flowers are magenta, while others have a yellow and pink-white starburst color.
While each Ice Plant has its own distinct features and hardiness zone, they all grow well in sun and well-drained soil with very little care. So all you need to do is find your vibe, and you’re good!
Light
Ice plants will tolerate full sun to partial shade. If the ice plants are not getting enough light, they may result in leggy growth, and flowers will not be abundant. Keeping it anywhere that provides them at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day will promote healthy growth and flowering.
Soil
The soil is the foundation. Choose soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH and good drainage to prevent waterlogging and root rot. A sandy or gravelly mix with minimal nutrients best mimics their natural habitat.
A DIY rescue for you – 1 part potting soil, 1 part perlite or coarse sand, and 1/2 part organic matter (optional).
Tip: Avoid clay-heavy soil at all costs—ice plants dislike wet feet and can rot quickly if drainage is poor.
Watering
Though drought-tolerant, ice plants still benefit from deep watering every two weeks during their growing season to develop strong roots. Let the soil dry completely before you water again—better safe than soggy.
During winter dormancy, cut watering to a bare minimum—think once a month or not at all if your soil naturally stays slightly moist.
Temperature and Humidity
Ice Plants love it warm and dry. Ideal range: 65–80°F (18–27°C). They tolerate dips to 20°F (-6°C), but anything colder risks damage. In snowy regions, mulch well or grow them in pots you can bring indoors.
Ice Plant Care
Fertilizer
Ice plants typically do not require heavy fertilization. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the cost of flowers.
Compost or a slow-release fertilizer made for flowers can be helpful. But container-grown ice plants are likely to need feeding, as the soil nutrients in pots become depleted more quickly than garden soil. Weak growth or a lack of blooms can be signs that feeding is necessary.
Pruning & Mulching
Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the ice plant to help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. This will help to decrease weed growth. Deadheading spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prevent the plant from directing energy toward seed production, and you can prune the plant to shape or control its size.
Also, avoid organic mulches like bark or wood chips, as they trap too much moisture. Instead, use gravel or small stones that match the plant’s natural habitat.
Pest and Disease Management
Ice plants are generally resistant to many pests and diseases. However, you should always keep a close eye on potential issues like aphids or mealybugs. In the case of pest infestations, treat them promptly with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
The real villain is root rot from soggy soil. As the saying goes, “When in doubt, don’t water.”
How to Get Ice Plants to Bloom
Blooming Months
They begin blooming in late spring, around June, and the show can last for weeks. Some species may bloom again later in summer and continue into October.
Ice plant blooms vary by species. In general, ice plants feature showy, daisy-like flowers with numerous narrow petals that come in varied, vibrant colors. Ice plants are used in rock and desert gardens, as ground cover, or spilling over the sides of containers.
If your ice plant isn’t blooming, it might be craving more sun. Shift it to a brighter spot, reduce watering slightly, and avoid too much fertilizer—that usually does the trick.
With these care tips, you can help your Ice Plants thrive in the right environment. Plant one, give it the basics, and you’ll soon have a carpet of blooms bright enough to stop traffic. So, what’s your pick?
