Taking cuttings from an existing plant and rooting them to create new plants is one of the simplest and most efficient ways to propagate ice plants. It takes very little time and is really easy to perform.
Cuttings will easily establish roots once placed in the proper soil, even without the use of rooting hormone or powder. There will be no need to repot the cuttings after they have rooted, so they should be planted right where they will stay.
What Tools Do You Need to Collect Cuttings?
The following equipment is required to take cuttings from an ice plant that is already growing:
- Pruners: Shop at your neighborhood plant store for high-quality pruners. For your piece of mind, make sure the pruners you buy are covered by a warranty.
- Invest some effort in finding a nice trowel that is at the very least bend- and rust-proof, much like you would with pruners. That way, you get value for money spent.
The slightly warmer months are the ideal time to take cuttings from your existing ice plant. Therefore, any time from the beginning of spring to fall will be suitable. However, if you reside in an area where the winters are bitterly harsh, you should hold off on gathering cuttings until the summer.
Where Should You Plant Ice Plant Cuttings?
Similar to fully established ice plants, cuttings prefer full sun and often do best in moderately dry environments. In order to prevent the cutting from becoming soggy, you must also make sure that the succulent soil is freely draining. Your cuttings should be able to safely root at temperatures of at least 20 °F.
To gather and root ice plant cuttings, follow these instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Planting Site
Spend some time getting the new spot ready for the cutting. Find a sturdy container with lots of drainage holes at the bottom if you plan to root the cuttings in one.
Find a decent site with adequate drainage soil—not heavy clay soil that can impede drainage—if you wish to root the cuttings in your outdoor garden.
Make a hole in the ground or potting mix with a trowel to accommodate your new cutting after thoroughly preparing it.
Step 2: Take the Cuttings
Cut a portion of the existing plant’s stem that is at least 10 cm long with a sharp pair of pruners.
You’ll probably notice sections along the stem. If there are no segments visible, cut another section that has segments that are visible since roots typically grow along the segments.
Remove the leaves from the bottom two or three segments after you have a decent slice with visible segments.
Alternately, moisten the area where your ice plant is currently growing and carefully remove a part that has already taken root. You can now proceed after trimming the section you pulled out back to two or three stems.
Step 3: Rooting Your Cuttings
As soon as you are done prepping your cutting, plant it in the hole you made in the ground or container. Make sure the cutting is at least 2 cm deep in the potting soil or ground, and then compact the dirt around it.
For the first two weeks, keep the cutting moist but don’t drown it in water or it won’t be able to root. At this point, fertilizing the cutting is not necessary, nor is specific compost required to encourage root growth.
Depending on the climate where you reside, your cuttings ought to begin developing roots after one or two weeks. When you begin to notice new growth on the cutting, that is when you will know the cutting has effectively rooted.
Is it possible to move ice plants?
That concludes our discussion of ice plant propagation, and we hope you are now prepared to begin expanding your collection of ice plants. Your newly propagated ice plants will quickly develop gorgeous succulent-like foliage and bloom all summer long if you give them good care.
Additionally, you can grow as many ice plants as you like from seed and transplant them into your outdoor garden to reduce soil erosion and improve soil structure.
Not only will the ice plants benefit from less soil erosion and a solid soil structure, but also any other succulents and non-succulents you might have in your yard. Now, we’d like to wish you luck growing ice plants!
Can you split an ice plant in two?
Ice plants are succulents, thus they perform well in low soils but cannot withstand damp soil. In reality, the plants are probably going to die if the soil is too damp, especially during the winter. It is advisable to keep in mind while planting this plant because it might become invasive in regions where the soil is persistently dry.
It is possible to grow more ice plants by division, cuttings, or seeds. It is advisable to divide the plants in the spring if you wish to propagate by division. You can take cuttings at any time during the spring, summer, or fall. If seeds are used, scatter them on the soil’s surface rather than covering them; seeds need light to sprout.
How can a new ice plant be started?
There are few plants that can be started more easily than the ice plant. The hardy, resilient ice plant grows well in hot, dry, sunny conditions and poor soil, and it spreads slowly, making it a suitable ground cover for rock gardens and other challenging settings. Even on the hottest days, the succulent ice plant, known as the cool character of the plant world, will feel cool to the touch. You may always propagate ice plants by obtaining a leaf clipping.
Use a razor blade to cut a mature ice plant’s leaf that is plump, healthy, and has at least one to two inches of stem still attached. Before you start, make sure the razor blade is clean. Use a fresh, clean razor blade, or disinfect it with rubbing alcohol. By doing this, the chance of transferring bacteria to an ice plant leaf is completely eliminated.
- There are few plants that can be started more easily than the ice plant.
- The hardy, resilient ice plant grows well in hot, dry, sunny conditions and poor soil, and it spreads slowly, making it a suitable ground cover for rock gardens and other challenging settings.
For two to three days, set aside the ice plant leaf. This will enable the ice plant leaf to produce a callus, which will shield it from becoming infected with rot.
Commercial potting soil designed for cactus and succulents should be used to fill a pot. Any pot will do as long as it has a drainage hole in the bottom that allows water to easily flow through the soil. Apply a little mist of water to the potting mixture using a spray bottle.
Using a little stick or screwdriver, make a tiny hole in the potting soil. Plant the stem and lower portion of the leaf carefully in the hole after dipping the calloused end of the ice plant leaf in rooting hormone. Around the leaf, lightly tamp the earth. It’s acceptable to place multiple ice plant leaves in the same pot, but make sure to provide enough room for the leaves to not touch.
- For two to three days, set aside the ice plant leaf.
- It’s acceptable to place multiple ice plant leaves in the same pot, but make sure to provide enough room for the leaves to not touch.
Put the pot in a bright, indirect area. Avoid placing it on a windowsill or in bright light. Keep the pot away from heaters, air conditioners, open doors, drafty windows, and heating vents. In a warm space, the ice plant will root more quickly. The ideal range for temperatures is between 75 and 80 F.
In between waterings, let the soil’s surface dry up, then water the area until the ground is just damp. Never let the water in the bottom of the pot stand. Ice plants are subject to decay like all succulents.
- Put the pot in a bright, indirect area.
- Never let the water in the bottom of the pot stand.
Keep an eye out for fresh growth, which shows that the ice plant leaf has rooted. Depending on the temperature of the room, this could take a week to two months.
How is an ice plant replanted?
When cultivating an Aizoaceae plant inside, temperature control is less of a concern. When the temperature falls below 2 degrees Celsius, animals in the wild cannot live.
Your plant will thrive if you maintain a temperature range of 10 to 21 degrees Celsius in your home.
HUMIDITY
In general, succulents don’t like places with a lot of humidity. When the air is overly moist, root rot and other fungal issues can arise. A humidifier or routine misting are certainly needed for some of your indoor plants.
Avoid applying these strategies to your ice plant. Also, stay away from putting them in a location like the bathroom that has a lot of natural humidity.
FERTILIZER
The Ice Plant’s blossoms come in a variety of hues, including pink, orange, and yellow. Unless the soil is rich in nutrients, these people might require additional assistance from a fertilizer. To encourage healthy growth, a balanced fertilizer should only be applied in the spring. They don’t require it beyond that, plain and simple!
PROPAGATION
Ice plants can be multiplied in a number of ways, including cuttings, division, and seed germination. One of the simpler ways to create a clone is through stem cuttings. For best outcomes, this procedure should be carried out in the early spring. Uncertain about how to proceed? Not to worry! Later, we’ll have the steps.
GROWTH
The Aizoaceae family doesn’t really get very big. Ice plants only grow to a height of six inches and a width of four feet, being more like a shrub. They can actually reach this mature state in less a month if all of their needs are addressed. Ice plant species that can spread out and grow lanky can be controlled by routine trimming.
POTTING
The Ice Plant doesn’t require repotting due of its hardiness. The roots remain quite tiny and don’t become overcrowded. If the roots of your Aizoaceae become too damp, for example, you might have to move them to another container. For ice plants, saturation is a big issue. You should repot the plant if it can’t dry up soon in order to prevent fungus growth and root rot.
Are ice plants rooted deeply?
The succulent evergreen has three-sided leaves that grow into a thick, mushy mat of green on the plant with dazzling blossoms. The common ice plant has a growth range of six inches to one foot with a root structure that spreads quickly. It is a fantastic choice as a groundcover due to its striking foliage and warm season color. Depending on the kind, the common ice plant bears tiny, aster-like flowers in hues of red, pink, purple, or magenta. From early July until the fall, the flowers are spectacular. Its blooms do not set seed and are infertile. Use it in sunny gardens, train it to fall down a wall, or plant it near pools and water features or in rock gardens. In severely degraded locations, the common ice plant can also be used as a bank cover by embedding roots in the ground. As a result of its tolerance for salty environments, it is a great choice for beachside landscaping. When the plant is young, cover it with chicken wire to prevent rabbits from eating it. The ice plant is indigenous to South Africa, Chile, and the Pacific coast from Oregon to Baja California. Its scientific name, Chilensis, is derived from Chile’s Latin name. In some places, the plant has the potential to spread rapidly.
Should I trim my ice plant back?
Although iceplants are known for being completely unfettered, some careful trimming will promote even healthier and more brilliant growth. To prune your plant, abide by following guidelines:
- After blossoms have faded, prune in the fall.
- Cut the plant back to a uniform height, removing all faded ice blooms, using sharp, clean pruning shears. As a result, seed production will be reduced, and plants will be able to conserve energy for a more colorful appearance.
- Trim off any dead foliage you come across. This will keep your plants looking neat and orderly.
- Iceplants can wither back under extremely cold conditions. If this occurs, proceed and cut it to the ground. It’ll come back in the spring.
Are ice plants regenerated annually?
Are Ice Plants Resurrected Each Year? Although this plant remains evergreen for the majority of the year, the winter months cause the foliage to die back. But throughout the early to late spring season, fresh growth appears from the seed.
Do ice plants require full sunlight?
Ice plant quickly creates a low carpet of succulent foliage that adds texture and interest even when these sun-loving perennials are not in bloom, making them ideal for sunny slopes or rock gardens. Once established, there are few plants that are simpler to manage because they don’t need any specific maintenance. The term “ice plant” refers to the tiny, shimmering spots that appear to be ice crystals on the leaf. Ice plant, which may reach a height of 6 to 8 inches, blooms all summer long with vivid daisy-like flowers in purple, pink, or yellow. It resists drought and deer. Zones 5-9.
If you have any inquiries about caring for ice plants, please email us, and one of our specialists will respond.
Ice Plant Growing Instructions
Ice plants need a bright location with at least 6 to 8 hours of daily direct sunlight. Although it can survive little shade, it doesn’t blossom as much.
Put it in a soil that drains nicely. The ice plant despises clay and poorly draining soils; if it is planted in an area where there is persistent standing water, it frequently perishes. Ice plants should be planted on a hillside or slope where the soil will swiftly drain after a storm for the greatest results. It works well on raised beds and mounds as well.
Pruning the ice plant is not a concern. This low-maintenance groundcover doesn’t require fertilizing in the majority of soil types, although you can if you’d like.
Add these types to your Ice Plant to complete it:
Agave A few Agaves scattered around the bed will provide an Ice Plant border drama and interest.
Island poppies Iceland Poppy can be used to add splashes of vibrant spring color to your Ice Plant.
Together, Sedum Sedums and Ice Plant make a wonderful combo because they are both equally tolerant of drought and have beautiful leaves.
Varieties: Our Favorites
On sunny, well-drained areas, the classic type of Ice Plant’s gem-like, reddish-purple flowers spread a colorful carpet. From June through September, it blooms. It expands to be 24 inches broad and 6 inches tall. Zones 6-10
Garnet is a wonderful member of the Jewel of the Desert family and blooms from spring to fall with reddish-pink flowers. The Jewel of the Desert Garnet has a 24 inch width and a 6 inch height. Zones 5-9
With the snow-white blossoms of the ice plant “Desert Moonstone,” you may cool up hot, sunny areas of your landscaping. The center of each blossom is bright yellow. It blooms from spring through fall and is 6 inches tall and 24 inches broad. Zones 5-9
A must-have choice for rock gardens and slopes, “Peridot” ice plant has bright yellow flowers with white centers. It grows to a 6-inch-tall, cheery groundcover that can withstand drought. From late spring through early October, it blooms. Zones 5-9
This variety features blossoms that are colorful! The flower has a white center that heats to a golden-yellow, then an orange, and ultimately a red color at the margins. It expands to be 24 inches broad and 6 inches tall. Zones 5-9
‘Jewels of the Desert Topaz’ ice plant produces multitudes of amber flowers with white centers all through the summer. It is hardy in Zones 5-9. It grows just 6 to 8 inches tall, like other ice plant kinds.
This perennial groundcover has many benefits, including slow growth, tolerance to dryness, and lengthy flowering. It blooms intermittently from spring to fall, reaching heights of 6 inches and a width of 24 inches. Zones 6-9
Wow! Hot pink flowers are intermittently available all season long on this simple groundcover. Furthermore, it is almost “plant it and forget it” easy to maintain. The Wheels of Wonder Hot Pink ice plant spreads out to be 24 inches wide and 6 inches tall. Zones 6-9
If you want vibrant orange blossoms in your garden, plant this low-maintenance groundcover. It grows 6 inches tall and 24 inches broad and blooms intermittently during the spring, summer, and fall. Zones 6-9