Contents
Description
Delosperma Lineare, commonly known as the prostrate ice plant, is a succulent plant that belongs to the Aizoaceae family. It is native to South Africa and is often used as a ground cover due to its low-growing, spreading habit. The plant produces small, daisy-like flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. It is a popular plant among gardeners and is known for its attractive foliage and vibrant flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukarya||————|————-|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Tracheophyta|| Class| Magnoliopsida|| Order| Caryophyllales|| Family| Aizoaceae|| Genus| Delosperma|| Species| Delosperma Lineare |
Appearance
Delosperma Lineare has fleshy, needle-like leaves that grow in opposite pairs along the stem. The leaves are blue-green in color and have a waxy texture. The plant can grow up to 6 inches tall and can spread up to 2 feet wide. The flowers are typically pink or purple in color and have a diameter of about 1 inch. They bloom in clusters and are attractive to bees and butterflies.
Care Guide
Delosperma Lineare is a relatively low-maintenance plant that thrives in well-draining soil and full sunlight. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: The plant is drought-tolerant and only needs to be watered sparingly. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s best to let the soil dry out between waterings.- Fertilization: The plant doesn’t require fertilizer, but you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a year in the spring.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. You can add sand or perlite to improve drainage.- Sunlight: The plant needs full sunlight to thrive. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not bloom as well.- Hardiness Zones: Delosperma Lineare is hardy in zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Delosperma Lineare is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Here are some common pests and diseases to watch out for:- Root Rot: Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, which can lead to the plant’s death. To prevent this, make sure the soil is well-draining and allow it to dry out between waterings.- Mealybugs: These pests can suck the sap from the plant and cause stunted growth. You can control mealybugs by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap.- Aphids: These pests can also suck the sap from the plant and cause distorted growth. You can control aphids by spraying the plant with neem oil.
Habitat
Delosperma Lineare is native to South Africa and is commonly found in rocky, arid environments. The plant is well-adapted to drought and can survive in harsh conditions. In cultivation, it is often used as a ground cover in rock gardens, xeriscapes, and other dry landscapes.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Delosperma Lineare tolerate frost?
A: No, Delosperma Lineare is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures.
Q: Can Delosperma Lineare be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Delosperma Lineare can be grown indoors in a sunny window. However, it may not bloom as well as it would in full sunlight.
Q: How often should I water Delosperma Lineare?
A: Delosperma Lineare is drought-tolerant and only needs to be watered sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Q: How can I propagate Delosperma Lineare?
A: Delosperma Lineare can be propagated by division or by stem cuttings. To propagate by division, simply separate the plant into smaller clumps and replant them. To propagate by stem cuttings, take a cutting from the stem and place it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist until the cutting roots.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that are similar to Delosperma Lineare:- Delosperma Cooperi- Delosperma Nubigenum- Delosperma Echinatum- Delosperma Bosseranum- Delosperma Sutherlandii
References
– “Delosperma Lineare” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281720&isprofile=0&pt=2- “Prostrate Ice Plant – Delosperma Lineare” Gardening Know How. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/prostrate-ice-plant/prostrate-ice-plant.htm- “Delosperma Lineare” PlantZAfrica. http://pza.sanbi.org/delosperma-lineare
