Photo: Eduardo Chacón MadrigalCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Trailing Ice Plant Plant Care
Lampranthus spectabilis (Haw.) N.E.Br.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Lampranthus spectabilis is a stunning succulent with fleshy, triangular leaves that range in color from vibrant green to shades of purple and pink. Originating from South Africa, this plant is beloved for its eye-catching foliage and ability to cascade over containers or rock walls.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
50–70°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Trailing Ice Plant?
Water Trailing 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 50–70°F (10–21°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Trailing Ice Plant Native To?
What Is the Trailing Ice Plant?
Trailing Ice Plant (Lampranthus spectabilis) belongs to the Aizoaceae family within the Lampranthus genus. Trailing Ice Plant is native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. Trailing Ice Plant is also known as Ice Plant.
Trailing Ice Plant displays a low-growing, spreading succulent growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Trailing Ice Plant produces bright, daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Trailing Ice Plant?
Lampranthus spectabilis 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 Trailing Ice Plant Need?
Trailing Ice Plant thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Trailing Ice Plant Prefer?
Lampranthus spectabilis grows best at temperatures of 50–70°F. Trailing Ice Plant prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–70°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Trailing Ice Plant?
Sandy, well-draining soil mix with added perlite and coarse sand. Good drainage is essential for Trailing Ice Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Trailing Ice Plant?
Feed Trailing 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 Trailing Ice Plant?
Repot every 1-2 years in 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 Trailing Ice Plant?
Trailing Ice Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ice plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Trailing Ice Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Trailing 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 Trailing Ice Plant?
Trailing Ice Plant is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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 Trailing Ice Plant Need?
Trailing Ice Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Trailing Ice Plant is native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Trailing Ice Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Trailing 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 Lampranthus genus — compare its care with other Lampranthus species on PlantoScan.
Lampranthus is part of the Aizoaceae plant family — browse all Aizoaceae genera and species.
Trailing Ice Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Lampranthus Species
Other Lampranthus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Lampranthus spectabilis (Haw.) N.E.Br., family Aizoaceae (first published in in Gard. Chron., ser. 3, 87: 212. 1930.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Trailing 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: Eduardo Chacón Madrigal, 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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