Photo: Matteo BellucciCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Turnip-rooted Ice Plant Plant Care
Delosperma napiforme (N.E.Br.) Schwantes
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This succulent's most distinctive visual feature is its small, cylindrical leaves that resemble tiny pickles. Originating from South Africa, Delosperma napiforme is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique appearance and ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
30–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Turnip-rooted Ice Plant?
Water Turnip-rooted Ice Plant every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 30–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Turnip-rooted Ice Plant Native To?
What Is the Turnip-rooted Ice Plant?
Turnip-rooted Ice Plant (Delosperma napiforme) belongs to the Aizoaceae family within the Delosperma genus. Turnip-rooted Ice Plant is native to the French island of Réunion.
Turnip-rooted Ice Plant displays a low-growing, spreading succulent growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Turnip-rooted Ice Plant produces daisy-like flowers in vibrant shades of pink, purple, orange, or yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Turnip-rooted Ice Plant?
Delosperma napiforme 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 Turnip-rooted Ice Plant Need?
Turnip-rooted Ice Plant thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Turnip-rooted Ice Plant Prefer?
Delosperma napiforme grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Turnip-rooted Ice Plant prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
30–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Turnip-rooted Ice Plant?
Sandy, well-draining soil mix with added perlite and gravel for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Turnip-rooted Ice Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Turnip-rooted Ice Plant?
Feed Turnip-rooted 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 Turnip-rooted 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 Turnip-rooted Ice Plant?
Turnip-rooted Ice Plant can be propagated through propagate through stem cuttings or division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to hardy ice plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Turnip-rooted Ice Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Turnip-rooted 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 Turnip-rooted Ice Plant?
Turnip-rooted 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 Turnip-rooted Ice Plant Need?
Turnip-rooted Ice Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Turnip-rooted Ice Plant is native to the French island of Réunion. In cooler regions, grow Turnip-rooted Ice Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Turnip-rooted 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 — compare its care with other Delosperma species on PlantoScan.
Delosperma is part of the Aizoaceae plant family — browse all Aizoaceae genera and species.
Turnip-rooted 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 napiforme (N.E.Br.) Schwantes, family Aizoaceae (first published in in Möller's Deutsche Gärtn.-Zeitung 42: 258. 1927.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Turnip-rooted 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: Matteo Bellucci, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 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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