Water
Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a common cause of root rot for heart-leaf ice plant. Reduce watering significantly in winter when the plant is dormant.
Also known as Aptenia · Baby Sun Rose · Heart-Leaf
Heart-leaf ice plant (Mesembryanthemum cordifolium) is a vigorous, succulent groundcover prized for its trailing stems, fleshy heart-shaped leaves, and bright, daisy-like
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade.
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering and compact growth.
Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings.
25% intensity
Drought tolerant once established, but may require occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.
Well-draining
50% intensity
Prefers warm temperatures.
75% intensity
Ideal growing temperatures range from 18-24°C. Can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but protect from frost.
Fertilize during growing season.
50% intensity
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks from spring to early autumn.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a common cause of root rot for heart-leaf ice plant. Reduce watering significantly in winter when the plant is dormant.
Prune to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth, typically after flowering. Remove any dead, damaged, or leggy stems. Pruning can also help prevent the plant from becoming too sprawling and unruly.
Easily propagated from stem cuttings. Take 5-10 cm cuttings from healthy stems in spring or summer. Allow the cut end to callus over for a day or two before inserting into well-draining potting mix.
Roots usually form within a few weeks.
Repot young plants annually or every two years in spring. Mature plants can be repotted less frequently, perhaps every 3-4 years, or when rootbound. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a cactus or succulent blend.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Heart-Leaf Ice Plant (Mesembryanthemum cordifolium)
Where Heart-Leaf Ice Plant (Mesembryanthemum cordifolium) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Aizoaceae |
| Genus | Mesembryanthemum |
| Species | Mesembryanthemum cordifolium |
Similar in genus Mesembryanthemum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
