Mesembryanthemum plants which are
also called ice plants are a group of flowering succulents and they are also part
of the current popular trend in gardening and houseplants. Mesembryanthemum plants
has fleshy leaves, unique shapes and colors, and low maintenance requirements,
all these makes them a great choice for gardens and containers planting.
Furthermore, the Mesembryanthemum
plants are actually members of a genus of flowering plants that are native to a
lot area of southern Africa. Mesembryanthemum plants are considered succulents
because of their fleshy leaves that hold a lot of water, like cactus. Mesembryanthemum
plants are also called ice plants because the leaves in this particular genus
are often shiny and glistening, like ice. Not only that the plant have
interesting and attractive foliage, the plant also have pretty flowers. In
spring or summer the plant will bloom with colorful, daisy-like flowers in red,
white, yellow, pink, and other colors. The plant flowers can be clustered or
single and they tend to be long lasting. The plants grow about four to twelve
inches tall and some spread out horizontally. The shorter varieties of the
plant make a pretty groundcover, while the taller varieties of the plants are really
great for edging and in the rock gardens.
How to Care For Mesembryanthemum Plant
Mesembryanthemum plants are like any other
types of succulents that need warm conditions and it does not tolerate
overwatering or standing water. To actually grow Mesembryanthemums outdoors you
don’t have to live in the tropics or the desert, though you do need frost-free
winters. If your winters are actually too cold, Mesembryanthemum plants do take
well to containers and indoor environments. Make sure you provide your
Mesembryanthemum plant with soil that drains well. A sandy, cactus mix will
work very well. If you’re growing the plant in a container, make sure the pot
can drain. When grown outdoors, Mesembryanthemums will tolerate dry, poor soils
and even salt. Provide the plant sunny spot or full sun. If grown Indoors, a
bright, sunny window should suffice. To water the Mesembryanthemum plant, you
can soak the soil totally but then don’t water again until it has dried out
completely. You can also apply a liquid fertilizer after the Mesembryanthemum plants
finish blooming for the summer.
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