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Description
Drosanthemum Bicolor, also known as Dew Plant or Ice Plant, is a small, succulent plant native to South Africa. It belongs to the Aizoaceae family and is a popular choice for rock gardens, containers, and hanging baskets. The plant features fleshy, green leaves and produces small, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, yellow, and white.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Aizoaceae |
| Genus | Drosanthemum |
Appearance
Drosanthemum Bicolor is a low-growing plant that typically reaches a height of 6 inches and spreads up to 12 inches wide. The plant features small, fleshy, green leaves that are triangular in shape and grow in opposite pairs along the stem. The plant produces small, daisy-like flowers that are about 1 inch in diameter and come in shades of pink, yellow, and white. The flowers bloom in the summer and fall and close at night. The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in hot, dry conditions.
Care Guide
Water: Drosanthemum Bicolor requires infrequent watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter months.
Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilization. Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil. Use a mixture of sand, perlite, and potting soil to provide good drainage.
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: Drosanthemum Bicolor is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Drosanthemum Bicolor is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. To prevent infestations, keep the plant clean and dry and use insecticidal soap as needed. The plant is also susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly-draining soil.
Habitat
Drosanthemum Bicolor is native to South Africa and grows in rocky, sandy soils in full sun. The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in hot, dry conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Drosanthemum Bicolor?
A: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter months.
Q: What type of soil does Drosanthemum Bicolor prefer?
A: The plant prefers well-drained soil. Use a mixture of sand, perlite, and potting soil to provide good drainage.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Drosanthemum Bicolor?
A: The plant is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. It can also suffer from root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly-draining soil.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Drosanthemum Bicolor?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
- Drosanthemum Floribundum
- Drosanthemum Micans
- Drosanthemum Speciosum
References
- “Drosanthemum Bicolor.” PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute, www.plantzafrica.com/plantcd/drosanthbic.htm.
- “Drosanthemum Bicolor.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=276910&isprofile=0&.
- “Drosanthemum Bicolor.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/298610/drosanthemum-bicolor/details.
