Photo: Shaun SwanepoelCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
African Ice Plant Plant Care
Aizoon africanum (L.) Klak
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Originating from South Africa, this plant's most distinctive feature is its unique succulent leaves that have a powdery, silvery coating. Aizoon africanum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking appearance and ability to thrive in dry, arid environments.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun
50–80°F
20–60%
At a glance
How do you care for African Ice Plant?
Water African Ice Plant every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 20–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the African Ice Plant?
African Ice Plant (Aizoon africanum) belongs to the Aizoaceae family within the Aizoon genus. African Ice Plant is native to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana. African Ice Plant is also known as Baby Sun Rose.
African Ice Plant displays a low-growing, mat-forming succulent growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. African Ice Plant produces small, daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, white, or pink.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a African Ice Plant?
Aizoon africanum requires watering every 14–21 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the African Ice Plant Need?
African Ice Plant thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the African Ice Plant Prefer?
Aizoon africanum grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. African Ice Plant prefers humidity levels of 20–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
20–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a African Ice Plant?
Sandy, well-draining soil mix with added perlite and gravel for good drainage. Good drainage is essential for African Ice Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a African Ice Plant?
Feed African Ice Plant every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a African Ice Plant?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a African Ice Plant?
African Ice Plant can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to aizoon plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the African Ice Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list African Ice Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the African Ice Plant?
African Ice Plant is susceptible to mealybugs, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the African Ice Plant Need?
African Ice Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. African Ice Plant is native to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana. In cooler regions, grow African Ice Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
African Ice Plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Aizoon genus — compare its care with other Aizoon species on PlantoScan.
Aizoon is part of the Aizoaceae plant family — browse all Aizoaceae genera and species.
African Ice Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Aizoon africanum (L.) Klak, family Aizoaceae (first published in in Taxon 66(5): 1163. 2017.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list African Ice Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Shaun Swanepoel, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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