Delosperma Cooperi Jewel Of The Desert Moonstone, also known as Cooper’s Ice Plant, is a succulent plant that belongs to the family Aizoaceae. It is a low-growing ground cover plant that is native to South Africa. It is popular among gardeners because of its beautiful flowers and low maintenance requirements.
Contents
Taxonomic Information:
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Aizoaceae |
| Genus | Delosperma |
Appearance:
Delosperma Cooperi Jewel Of The Desert Moonstone is a low-growing succulent plant that reaches a height of 6 inches and a width of up to 2 feet. It has fleshy, green leaves that are about 1 inch long and 0.25 inches wide. The leaves are arranged in a rosette pattern and are covered in fine white hairs that give them a fuzzy appearance. The flowers of the plant are star-shaped and can be pink, purple, or white in color. They bloom from spring to fall and can last for several weeks.
Care Guide:
Delosperma Cooperi Jewel Of The Desert Moonstone is a low maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: The plant should be watered deeply but infrequently. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require frequent fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A sandy, loamy soil mix is ideal.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sunlight but can also grow in partial shade. It can tolerate heat and drought conditions.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in hardiness zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases:
Delosperma Cooperi Jewel Of The Desert Moonstone is a relatively pest and disease resistant plant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Overwatering can also lead to fungal diseases like powdery mildew. The plant may also be attacked by mealybugs, spider mites, or aphids. Use a neem oil spray to control these pests.
Habitat:
Delosperma Cooperi Jewel Of The Desert Moonstone is native to South Africa, where it grows in rocky, sandy soils. It is adapted to hot, dry conditions and can tolerate drought and poor soil conditions. The plant is commonly used as a ground cover in rock gardens and xeriscapes.
Question and Answer:
- Q: How often should I water Delosperma Cooperi Jewel Of The Desert Moonstone?
- A: Water the plant deeply but infrequently. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Q: What kind of soil is best for Delosperma Cooperi Jewel Of The Desert Moonstone?
- A: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A sandy, loamy soil mix is ideal.
- Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Delosperma Cooperi Jewel Of The Desert Moonstone?
- A: The plant may be attacked by mealybugs, spider mites, or aphids. Overwatering can also lead to root rot or fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
- Q: Can Delosperma Cooperi Jewel Of The Desert Moonstone grow in partial shade?
- A: Yes, the plant can grow in partial shade but prefers full sunlight.
Related Plants:
- Delosperma Nubigenum
- Delosperma Echinatum
- Delosperma Bosseranum
- Delosperma Lavisiae
References:
- “Delosperma Cooperi – Plant Finder.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c865.
- “Delosperma Cooperi.” PlantZAfrica, www.plantzafrica.com/plantcd/delospercooperi.htm.
- “Delosperma Cooperi – Cooper’s Hardy Ice Plant.” Gardenia.net, www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/delosperma-cooperi-coopers-hardy-ice-plant.
