Contents
Description
Mesembryanthemum Digitatum Subsp. Digitatum, also known as the finger-like ice plant, is a succulent plant that belongs to the family of Aizoaceae. This plant is native to South Africa and is commonly found growing along the sandy coastal regions of the country. The plant has finger-like leaves that are green in color and can grow up to 10cm in length. The flowers of this plant are small and white in color and bloom during the summer months.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Aizoaceae |
| Genus | Mesembryanthemum |
Appearance
The finger-like ice plant has finger-like leaves that are green in color and can grow up to 10cm in length. The leaves are succulent and have a cylindrical shape with pointed tips. The plant has small white flowers that bloom during the summer months. The flowers have a diameter of approximately 2cm and can grow in clusters.
Care Guide
To care for the finger-like ice plant, it is important to provide it with well-draining soil, as the plant is susceptible to root rot. The plant should also be provided with full sunlight, as it requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day. The plant should be watered sparingly and only when the soil is completely dry, as overwatering can lead to root rot. The finger-like ice plant does not require fertilization, as it can obtain nutrients from the surrounding soil. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The finger-like ice plant is susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites. These pests can be controlled through the use of insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant is also susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil.
Habitat
The finger-like ice plant is native to South Africa and is commonly found growing along the sandy coastal regions of the country. The plant is well adapted to the harsh coastal conditions and can tolerate salt spray and high winds.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the minimum amount of sunlight required for the finger-like ice plant?
A: The finger-like ice plant requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Q: Is fertilization necessary for the finger-like ice plant?
A: No, fertilization is not necessary for the finger-like ice plant.
Q: What are the common pests that affect the finger-like ice plant?
A: Mealybugs and spider mites are common pests that affect the finger-like ice plant.
Q: Where is the finger-like ice plant native to?
A: The finger-like ice plant is native to South Africa.
Related Plants
- Mesembryanthemum Crystallinum
- Mesembryanthemum Edulis
- Mesembryanthemum Guerichianum
- Mesembryanthemum Leucanthum
References
- Cactus Art Nursery. (n.d.). Mesembryanthemum digitatum subsp. digitatum. Retrieved from https://www.cactus-art.biz/schede/MES/Mesembryanthemum_digitatum/Mesembryanthemum_digitatum_subsp_digitatum/Mesembryanthemum_digitatum_subsp_digitatum.htm
- PlantZAfrica. (n.d.). Mesembryanthemum digitatum subsp. digitatum. Retrieved from http://pza.sanbi.org/mesembryanthemum-digitatum-subsp-digitatum
- RHS. (n.d.). Mesembryanthemum digitatum subsp. digitatum. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/18998/Mesembryanthemum-digitatum-subsp-digitatum/Details
