Disphyma papillatum Plant Care
Disphyma papillatum Chinnock
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Disphyma papillatum, commonly known as Chatham Island ice plant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Aizoaceae and is endemic to the Chatham Islands of New Zealand. It is a succulent, prostrate herb with flattened, pimply, trailing stems, leaves that are triangular in cross-section, and white to pink, dark blue or purple daisy-like flowers.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
30–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Disphyma papillatum?
Water Disphyma papillatum every 14–21 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 Disphyma papillatum Native To?
What Is the Disphyma papillatum?
Disphyma papillatum (Disphyma papillatum) belongs to the Aizoaceae family within the Disphyma genus. Disphyma papillatum is native to the Chatham Islands of New Zealand.
Disphyma papillatum displays a low spreading succulent growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Disphyma papillatum produces small daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Disphyma papillatum?
Disphyma papillatum 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 Disphyma papillatum Need?
Disphyma papillatum thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Disphyma papillatum Prefer?
Disphyma papillatum grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Disphyma papillatum prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
30–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Disphyma papillatum?
Sandy, well-draining soil mix with added perlite and gravel. Good drainage is essential for Disphyma papillatum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Disphyma papillatum?
Feed Disphyma papillatum 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 Disphyma papillatum?
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 Disphyma papillatum?
Disphyma papillatum can be propagated through stem cuttings, division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to new zealand ice plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Disphyma papillatum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Disphyma papillatum, 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 Disphyma papillatum?
Disphyma papillatum is susceptible to mealybugs, aphids, 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 Disphyma papillatum Need?
Disphyma papillatum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Disphyma papillatum is native to the Chatham Islands of New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Disphyma papillatum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Disphyma papillatum 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 Disphyma genus — compare its care with other Disphyma species on PlantoScan.
Disphyma is part of the Aizoaceae plant family — browse all Aizoaceae genera and species.
Disphyma papillatum 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: Disphyma papillatum Chinnock, family Aizoaceae (first published in in New Zealand J. Bot. 9: 337. 1971.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Disphyma papillatum, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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