The foliage is fleshy and succulent-like, morphing into a darker color as fall temperatures drop.
Ironically, ice plants are cold-sensitive, but many types are evergreen in warm, dry regions.
Warning
Ice plant is considered invasive, especially in parts of coastal California where it is widespread.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Ice Plant Care
Here are the basic requirements for successfully growing ice plants.
Sun-starved plants tend to get leggy with weak growth.
Be sure to provide them with at least six hours of direct sunlight.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Soil
Dry soil with excellent drainage is essential for an ice plant.
The soil does not need to be rich in nutrients.
Water
Once established, water your ice plant sparingly during the growing season.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
If you live in a snowy climate,winter mulchingmight be recommended.
They grow best in dry climates.
Ice plants can also do well with no feeding whatsoever.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Weak growth or a lack of blooms can be signs that feeding is necessary.
Propagating Ice Plants
Ice plants can spread and self-seed to propagate naturally if you let them.
Often, you’ll find stems that have spread and rooted in the soil away from the parent plant.
They also are easily propagated by division.
Here’s how to propagate by stem cuttings.
Here’s how to propagate by division.
Or, a mixture of standard peat-based potting mix and sand or fine gravel works well.
A thin layer of fine gravel placed over the potting mix will help keep the leaves dry.
If growing ice plant in containers, move the pots into a sheltered, frost-free location for the winter.
They can be kept alive indoors through the winter, but do not make great permanent houseplants.
Reduce watering in the winter, as the plants tend to enter a semi-dormant period.
These plants spread quickly, so it’s typical to divide andrepot them each spring.
Common Pests
Aphidsandmealybugscan be an occasional problem with ice plants.
Treat small infestations by dabbing with cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Some species also might bloom for a second time later in the summer and last into October.
What Do Ice Plant Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Ice plant blooms vary by species.
How to Encourage More Blooms
Encourage blooming by providing ice plants with plenty of light.
However, a subpar environment can result in some common issues.
double-check the soil dries out between waterings.
Yellow Leaves
Yellowing ice plant leaves are another common consequence of overwatering.
In addition to letting the soil dry out between waterings, confirm the plant has sharp soil drainage.
Ice plants are perennials, coming back each year, though their hardiness zones vary by species.
Most ice plant species have a fairly quick and aggressive growth and spread rate.
Ice plants are known to spread between 1 and 2 feet a year.
Ice plant is considered non-toxic to animals and pet-safe.
Invasive to Avoid: Iceplants.California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Carpobrotus edulis.California Invasive Plant Council.
Delosperma Cooperi.Missouri Botanical Garden.
Highway iceplant.Plant California Alliance.
