Ice Plant Plant Care
Drosanthemum acuminatum L.Bolus
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Drosanthemum acuminatum is a succulent plant known for its distinctive cylindrical leaves that are densely packed along trailing stems. Originating from the arid regions of South Africa, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its vibrant pink, purple, or white flowers that bloom in abundance.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Ice Plant?
Water 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 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
What Is the Ice Plant?
Ice Plant (Drosanthemum acuminatum) belongs to the Aizoaceae family within the Drosanthemum genus. Ice Plant is native to South Africa.
Ice Plant displays a low mat-forming succulent growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Ice Plant produces bright daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Ice Plant?
Drosanthemum acuminatum 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 Ice Plant Need?
Ice Plant thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ice Plant Prefer?
Drosanthemum acuminatum grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Ice Plant prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Ice Plant?
Sandy, well-draining soil mix with added perlite and coarse sand. Good drainage is essential for Ice Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ice Plant?
Feed Ice Plant every 2 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 2 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 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 Ice Plant?
Ice Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ambiguous dewplant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Ice Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list 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 Ice Plant?
Ice Plant is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. 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 Ice Plant Need?
Ice Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Ice Plant is native to South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Ice Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
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 Drosanthemum genus — compare its care with other Drosanthemum species on PlantoScan.
Drosanthemum is part of the Aizoaceae plant family — browse all Aizoaceae genera and species.
Ice Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Drosanthemum Species
Other Drosanthemum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Drosanthemum acuminatum L.Bolus, family Aizoaceae (first published in Notes Mesembryanthemum 3: 153. 1939.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 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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