Product Details
Highlights
'Crystal' (Mesembryanthemum cordifolium f. variegatum) (previously Aptenia) (Schwantes): A variegated cultivar of the Heartleaf Ice Plant from South Africa. Its glossy, heart-shaped leaves are lined in white and it grows either as a creeping ground cover in warm climates (zone 10+) or a lovely trailing variety in hanging pots.
In full to partial sun the stems of this Ice Plant can grow up to 24.0" long. They're easy to prune, if desired, and stem cuttings will readily grow roots if transplanted in gritty soil (more info). Its magenta flowers are beautiful to behold and attractive to pollinators, opening by afternoon and closing each night.
Don't be fooled by the name "Ice Plant", as this soft succulent needs protection from freezing temperatures. It can easily overwinter indoors as long as it is near a sunny window. A. cordifolia is partially dormant in the winter, so reduce watering frequency and ensure that it is in well-draining pots and soil.
Mesembryanthemum thrives in sandy soil year-round and can tolerate droughts, but regular water in spring and summer will encourage more vigorous growth.
Product Size
2.0" Pot
Current Primary Color
Green
All Seasonal Colors
White
Bloom Color
Pink Bloom
Grow Zone (Hardiness)
Zone 10 (30F)
Recommended Light Conditions
Bright Indoor Light, Filtered / Partial Sun
Maximum Height
Over 12"
Growth Habit / Shape
Hanging / Trailing, Low Growing / Creeping
Seasonality
Winter Dormant Partial
Special Characteristic
Easy to Propagate, Pet Safe, Fast Grower, Variegated
THIS PLANT IS HARDY IN ZONES 10+
WHAT IS MY HARDINESS ZONE?
Videos
Questions & Answers
Popular Questions
If you scroll down on any of our plant listings, you'll find a section called "PRODUCT DETAILS". There, you'll find a list beginning with the item "COLOR - PRIMARY". Near the bottom of this list is an item called "PRODUCT FORMAT". That will tell you what size pot the plant ships in or what size plug if that's relevant.
With these tips in mind, you'll have no trouble growing this plant. Be sure to contact us if you run into any unexpected trouble and feel free to look through our FAQ for more tips.
Source: https://mountaincrestgardens.com/faqs...
Source: http://www.llifle.com/Encyclopedia/SU...
1) More light. These plants definitely stretch the meaning of "partial sun" to its max. If it catches a little late morning sun, as well as the sun it already gets, that may push it over the edge to blooming.
2) Cut back on the water. Drought can encourage plants to bloom and mild cases of overwatering can discourage succulents from doing so, even if other symptoms of overwatering are not visible.
… See full answer »
You'll want to give it a good amount of light. Try a south or east facing window, or use a grow light. Then, water only when the the soil is completely dry and when the leaves get slightly wrinkly or lose some of their firmness. Too little light and too much water are the most common care problems people face when overwintering soft plants indoors.
