Species heartleaf iceplant
glossy, red flower with orange stamens, and fleshy, green leaves

heartleaf iceplant

Mesembryanthemum cordifolium

Heartleaf iceplant is an evergreen variety of succulent native to southern Africa. Its heart-shaped leaves are typically bright green, and become covered in a glittery white powder in the sun, hence the name 'iceplant'. In summer, yellow, daisy-like flowers appear, creating an eye-catching display. It grows fast and spreads rapidly to become a groundcover, requiring little maintenance and looking best when left untouched. Heartleaf iceplant is both drought tolerant and frost hardy, making it an excellent choice of low-care groundcover.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Cutting,Division,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

10 - 11

Flowers:

Purplish-red Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,purple,gray,gray

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Easy

watering

Water heartleaf iceplant (Mesembryanthemum cordifolium) regularly, but be careful not to overwater as it is susceptible to root rot. Water lightly every 2-3 days in the hot summer months and once a week in the cooler months, taking care to water at the base of the plant without wetting the foliage. The soil should feel moist, but not soggy. In the hotter months, it may be necessary to water twice each week. If kept too wet, the leaves may become yellow and wilted due to root rot; in this case, reduce watering. In the winter months, it is best to water once every 7-10 days or when the soil feels dry.

sunlight

The heartleaf iceplant species (Mesembryanthemum cordifolium) requires full sun exposure, meaning it should be planted in an area where it will receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The amount of sunlight it gets will depend on your specific location and the season. In the summer, the plant may require more sunlight than during the winter months when the days are shorter. For optimal growth, the heartleaf iceplant should be exposed to at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, but an even better option would be 8 hours. That being said, it can tolerate slightly less than 6 hours of direct sunlight if needed.

pruning

The heartleaf iceplant (Mesembryanthemum cordifolium) is a succulent species that can be grown indoors and outdoors. For healthy growth, pruning should be done regularly depending on the overall size and shape of the plant. If the plant is growing in a shape that you don't want, you can prune it back to the desired shape. Prune repeatedly throughout the growing season to encourage a mature, bushier plant. Once your heartleaf iceplant has grown to the size you prefer, you can begin removing the leaves that have died off. In the spring and summer months, the plant may flower so you can prune those deadheads from the stems. Watch for any overcrowding on the stems or in clusters, as these may require some light pruning to thin them out. Prune the dead or dying stems at the base. In the late autumn and early winter months, prune away any foliage that looks to be diseased, dead, or damaged. Pruning back dead leaves and stems to the point of new growth can improve the vigor and growth of the plant. You may also want to thin out the plant a bit for more airflow if you feel needed. Pruning the heartleaf iceplant should be done regularly and only when necessary. If done too often it can weaken the plant, so care should be taken while pruning. Pruning should happen twice a year; once in early spring and once in late autumn or early winter. Pruning should be done carefully and with clean shears or scissors to avoid damaging the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Mesembryanthemum cordifolium typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Mesembryanthemum cordifolium typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map