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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFor hardy ice plants in the genus Delosperma, start with full sun and sharply drained soil. These low-growing succulents tolerate dry conditions, but persistent moisture—especially in winter—can cause problems. “Ice plant” is also used for other plants, so check the botanical name before applying this care advice.
First, identify which “ice plant” you have
This guide covers hardy Delosperma, a genus of low-growing, spreading succulents in the ice plant family, Aizoaceae. North Carolina State Extension describes the genus as native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, with fleshy foliage and showy flowers (NCSU Gardener Plant Toolbox: Delosperma).
The common name is not enough to identify a plant: both D. cooperi and D. nubigenum are called hardy ice plant, and other genera share the name. Oregon State University Extension distinguishes Delosperma from Carpobrotus edulis, another plant called ice plant that it identifies as invasive (Oregon State Extension: Groundcovers). Do not assume that warning applies to every Delosperma; check the exact plant and local guidance.
Choose a site with sun and excellent drainage
Light
Plant Delosperma in full sun. NCSU defines full sun in its plant profiles as at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. A sunny site supports the flowering these plants are grown for.
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- Pothos are fast-growing plants often adding 12 to 18 inches of length in a month.
- Air-purifying and fast-growing
- Gorgeous variegated foliage with creamy white and green tones. Be aware that pothos plants are toxic to pets
Soil and placement
Very well-drained soil is essential. Sand and shallow, rocky ground suit the genus; D. cooperi guidance specifically favors dry, sandy soil and cautions against heavy or poorly drained soil (NCSU: Delosperma cooperi). Useful settings include rock gardens, borders, edging, slopes, groundcover areas and containers, provided water drains freely.
If a planting spot stays wet after rain, choose a better-drained location or a container with drainage rather than trying to compensate with a fixed watering schedule. The extension guidance identifies persistent wetness, not a universal irrigation interval, as the key risk.
Rank #2
- Ice plants are hardy perennials.
- Ice plant seeds are easy to grow and form succulents that require very little water to stay healthy and green.
- Dense bright red flowers will cover this low ground cover profusely. This will be a carpet of red flowers!
- It is a perennial only in frost-free areas, but they grow quickly, bloom quickly, and can be an annual in all other areas.
- They like a sunny location, and they work well on the edge or the edge of a sidewalk or driveway.
Water sparingly and skip routine fertilizer
Delosperma is drought tolerant, and NCSU advises against overwatering and fertilizing. Adjust watering for rainfall, soil drainage and whether a plant is newly established; the cited extension sources do not set a universal schedule, volume or fertilizer rate. Avoid keeping the roots continually wet.
Check the species before planting for winter
Hardiness varies among species and cultivars, so do not rely on one zone range for every plant sold as ice plant. NCSU describes D. nubigenum as growing well in zone 5 and suitable for colder climates (NCSU: Delosperma nubigenum). That is not a guarantee for other species or cultivars.
Rank #3
- Ice Plant - A lovely compact succulent with short, upright stems bearing thick, triangular, blue-green leaves in neat opposite pairs. The foliage glistens like ice crystals in bright light. This clumping succulent grows 10–20 cm tall, spreads 20–30 cm wide, and blooms bright yellow daisy-like flowers in late spring to summer
- Strong Root System - Growing in our California farm, every succulent is carefully nurtured by gardener expert. Each succulent is fully rooted in 2 inch starter planter with succulent & cacti soil mix. They are larger, better established and much more resilient than less-established succulents. The plant container and soil are included
- Easy to Care - Corpuscularia lehmannii/Ice Plant can grow indoors or outdoors. Though its name is a little misleading, it is not cold hardy succulent. Move them indoors before frost and place them near the window to get as much sun as they can or under artificial sunlight will help them maintain their color and shape. Like other succulents, Ice Plant can't tolerate overwatering. Be sure to use the ''soak and dry'' method to water it. Water thoroughly when soil is dry
- Ideal Decor - With unique strong leaves, Ice Plant is a great choice as decorative houseplant by your desktop indoor. From boy to girl, from women to old lady, everyone like it. Choosing Ice Plant succulent plant bonsai as a unique sincere present for Mother's Day or Birthday to you family, friends, colleagues, etc
- Important Notes - Succulents may vary from pictures shown as they are living plants and grow differently throughout the year. Once you receive the package, please take it inside he house soon. Succulents' leaves are very fragile and may fall off during shipping. If your plant is missing some leaves upon arrival, just know they will grow back over time
Winter moisture and snow cover also matter. NCSU and the University of Florida IFAS Extension note that D. cooperi can struggle to return after a wet winter (UF/IFAS Extension: Hardy Ice Plant). Oregon State Extension says the Delosperma types in its profiles are not suitable where long-term snow cover occurs. Before planting, compare the botanical name with local winter conditions and local growing guidance.
Allow room for a spreading mat
These plants spread as groundcovers, but their mature dimensions differ. NCSU recommends the following spacing for the named species; the figures should not be assumed to fit every cultivar.
Rank #4
- Low-growing, spreading succulent
- USDA Zones 5-10 – hardy and heat tolerant
- Thrives in full sun (6+ hours daily)
- Prefers well-draining, sandy soil
- Low maintenance and highly drought tolerant once established
| Plant | NCSU spacing | Flower description |
|---|---|---|
| Delosperma cooperi | 16–24 inches apart | Purplish-pink flowers over a long season |
| Delosperma nubigenum | 10–14 inches apart | Yellow flowers in spring |
The NCSU genus profile describes a spread of about 1–2 feet. Treat that as general genus guidance, not a precise mature size for every selection. Leave enough room for plants to fill in without crowding neighboring plants.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Propagate by seed or stem cutting
NCSU lists seed and stem cuttings as propagation methods for Delosperma and D. cooperi; for D. nubigenum, it lists stem cuttings. The cited extension pages do not give a consistent calendar or detailed sowing and rooting procedure, so timing and technique should be checked for the species and local conditions rather than guessed.
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- When received, the plant will be in seasonal condition with appropriate foliage. If shipped between November 1st and March 1st, the plant may be dormant and trimmed.
- Brilliant, Long-Lasting Blooms – Produces masses of colorful, daisy-like flowers that blanket the plant from spring through fall.
- Low-Growing Groundcover – Forms a dense mat of succulent foliage, ideal for edging, rock gardens, and slopes.
- Drought & Heat Tolerant – Thrives in full sun and dry, well-drained soils with minimal watering once established.
- Deer Resistant & Easy Care – Requires little maintenance and naturally deters deer and other browsing wildlife. Perfect for Sunny Landscapes – Great for borders, containers, and xeriscapes where bright color and low upkeep are desired.
A quick checklist before planting
- Confirm the botanical name; “ice plant” alone is ambiguous.
- Choose a sunny site with very well-drained soil.
- Avoid heavy ground and locations that remain wet, especially through winter.
- Check species- or cultivar-specific hardiness against local snow and winter moisture.
- Space plants according to their identity and expected spread.
- Use water in response to establishment and conditions; do not overwater or apply routine fertilizer.
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