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Hardy Ice Plant Plant Care
Delosperma cooperi (Hook.f.) L.Bolus
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This succulent species is known for its vibrant purple-pink flowers that cover the plant in a stunning display. Originating from South Africa, Delosperma cooperi is sought after by plant collectors for its low maintenance nature and ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
55–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Hardy Ice Plant?
Water Hardy Ice Plant every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 55–80°F (13–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Hardy Ice Plant Native To?
What Is the Hardy Ice Plant?
Hardy Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi) belongs to the Aizoaceae family within the Delosperma genus. Hardy Ice Plant is native to South Africa. Hardy Ice Plant is also known as Trailing Iceplant and Cooper's Ice Plant.
Hardy Ice Plant displays a spreading, mat-forming growth habit, reaching up to 0.3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Hardy Ice Plant produces vibrant purple-pink, daisy-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Hardy Ice Plant?
Delosperma cooperi requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Hardy Ice Plant Need?
Hardy Ice Plant thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hardy Ice Plant Prefer?
Delosperma cooperi grows best at temperatures of 55–80°F. Hardy Ice Plant prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
55–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hardy Ice Plant?
Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Hardy Ice Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Hardy Ice Plant?
Feed Hardy Ice Plant every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Hardy 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 Hardy Ice Plant?
Hardy Ice Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, division.
Is the Hardy Ice Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Hardy 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 Hardy Ice Plant?
Hardy Ice Plant is susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, spider mites. 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 Hardy Ice Plant Need?
Hardy Ice Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. Hardy Ice Plant is native to South Africa.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 6a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Hardy 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 Delosperma genus (family Aizoaceae) — search all Delosperma species in the plant lookup.
Hardy 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: Delosperma cooperi (Hook.f.) L.Bolus, family Aizoaceae (first published in in Fl. Pl. South Africa 7: t. 261. 1927.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hardy 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: © PlantoScan.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 6a – 10b, 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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