Ice Plant

Oscularia piquetbergensis (os-kuh-LAR-ee-a pee-ket-berg-EN-sis)

Family: Aizoaceae Unknown Groundcover

Oscularia piquetbergensi s or Ice Plant is a succulent, perennial, groundcover and is a part of the ice plant family (Aizoaceae). This species of subshrub is found in the subtropical climates of the Southwest Cape Provinces of Africa and in mountain ranges that consist of sandstone rocks. The genus name is derived from the Latin word, Osculum , which means "small mouth." This references the toothed leaves of another one of its species. The specific epithet, piquetbergensis , references the town of Piquetberg, (that is now spelled Piketberg) and the area and mountain range where the plants are primarily found. This plant is drought and poor soils tolerant. It prefers full sun, well-drained, sandy or rocky soil with an acidic pH. If grown as a houseplant succulent potting mix is recommended. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out between watering. The plant is USDA Plant Hardy from zones 9b to 11. Bring the plant indoors before the first frost. The plant is propagated by stem cuttings or seeds. The Ice Plant has a mounding and trailing habit. It grows up to 5 inches tall and 24 inches wide.The plant has reddish stems and small, succulent, sickle-shaped, grayish-green leaves with reddish margins that are club-shaped at the tips. The leaf margins are usually toothless; however, some Ice Plants with inconspicuous teeth have been reported. The flowers bloom in the spring and early summer and are usually pink or lavender-pink, daisy-like with a yellow-gold cone center. They grow on red stems up to 8 inches tall, have a mild scent, and open in the afternoon. The fruits are woody capsules that will open in wet weather to ensure propagation and close in dry weather. The seeds are ovoid and brown. This plant may be grown as a houseplant or container plant. Consider using this ornamental in a hanging basket and allow its attractive red stem to cascade down the planter. In warmer climates, it could be planted outdoors as a groundcover, accent plant, or along slopes and embankments. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor for mealybugs and aphids. Overwatering can cause root rot and other fungal diseases.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 43 attributes.