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Description
Ruschia Tenella, commonly known as Dwarf Ice Plant, is a low-growing 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 ability to spread quickly. This plant produces daisy-like flowers that bloom from spring to fall, and its fleshy leaves are green with a bluish-purple tinge. Ruschia Tenella is a hardy plant that can survive in harsh conditions, making it an ideal choice for xeriscaping.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Aizoaceae |
| Genus | Ruschia |
Appearance
The Ruschia Tenella plant has fleshy, triangular leaves that are about 0.5 inches long and 0.25 inches wide. The leaves are green with a bluish-purple tinge and are arranged in a rosette pattern. The plant produces small, star-shaped flowers that are pink or purple in color and bloom from spring to fall. The flowers are about 0.5 inches in diameter and have yellow centers. The plant grows up to 6 inches in height and can spread up to 2 feet wide.
Care Guide
Water: Ruschia Tenella is a drought-tolerant plant that requires infrequent watering. Water the plant only when the soil is completely dry.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: Ruschia Tenella prefers well-draining soil that is sandy or gravelly. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic.
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not bloom as profusely.
Hardiness Zones: Ruschia Tenella is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ruschia Tenella is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Overwatering can also attract fungus gnats and other pests. If you notice any signs of pests or diseases, remove the affected plant parts immediately and treat the plant with an insecticide or fungicide.
Habitat
Ruschia Tenella is native to South Africa and can be found growing in rocky, sandy areas. It is a hardy plant that can survive in drought conditions and is often used for xeriscaping. It is also used as a ground cover in landscaping due to its ability to spread quickly and tolerate foot traffic.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Ruschia Tenella?
A: Water the plant only when the soil is completely dry. This may be once every two weeks or less depending on your climate and soil conditions.
Q: Can Ruschia Tenella tolerate shade?
A: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not bloom as profusely.
Q: What kind of soil does Ruschia Tenella prefer?
A: Ruschia Tenella prefers well-draining soil that is sandy or gravelly. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic.
Q: Is Ruschia Tenella a good plant for xeriscaping?
A: Yes, Ruschia Tenella is a hardy plant that can survive in drought conditions and is often used for xeriscaping.
Related Plants
- Ruschia pulvinaris
- Ruschia lineolata
- Ruschia intricata
- Ruschia interrupta
References
- “Ruschia Tenella.” PlantZAfrica.com, National Botanical Institute, www.plantzafrica.com/plantqrs/ruschtene.htm.
- “Ruschia Tenella (Dwarf Ice Plant).” World of Succulents, www.worldofsucculents.com/ruschia-tenella-dwarf-ice-plant/.
- “Ruschia Tenella.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c761.
