Introduction

Ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum) is a succulent plant that is native to South Africa. It鈥檚 a low-growing ground cover that produces small, daisy-like flowers in the summer. Ice plant is valued for its attractive, silver-green leaves and its ability to grow in poor soil conditions. In this article, we will discuss how to propagate ice plant.

Propagation by Seeds

One of the most common ways to propagate ice plant is by seeds. First, collect the seeds from mature ice plant plants in late summer. Then, soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting. This will help to remove any potential inhibitors that can inhibit germination.

Fill a seeding tray with a cactus mix soil and gently tap the tray to evenly distribute the soil. From there, sprinkle the seeds atop the soil and press them to ensure contact. Do not cover the seeds with soil, as they need light to germinate.

Next, sprinkle water onto the soil using a spray bottle or watering can. Keep the soil moist, but not wet. You can cover the tray with plastic wrap or a clear lid to help retain moisture, but make sure to remove the cover once you see seedlings emerge.

The seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots once they have grown big enough to handle, typically within 4 to 6 weeks. Keep the plants in a sunny location and continue to water them regularly. They should be ready to be planted in the ground within 6 to 8 weeks.

Propagation by Cuttings

Another way to propagate ice plant is by cuttings. Use sharp, clean scissors or shears to cut a non-flowering stem of about 4 to 6 inches long from a mature ice plant plant. Remove the leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder.

Fill a small pot with a well-draining cactus mix and make a hole in the center. Insert the cutting into the hole and firm up the soil around the stem. Water the soil until it鈥檚 moist but not waterlogged.

Keep the pot in a sunny location and check the moisture of the soil regularly. The cutting should root within 3 to 4 weeks. Once it has rooted, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or planted in the ground.

Propagation by Division

The third way to propagate ice plant is by division. This method is usually used to rejuvenate old plants that have become too large or woody. It鈥檚 best to divide ice plant in the spring when new growth begins to emerge.

Dig up the plant and remove it from the soil. Use sharp, clean scissors or shears to cut the plant into smaller sections, making sure each section has a portion of roots attached. Replant the sections in the ground at the same level as they were previously planted.

Water the newly divided ice plant thoroughly and keep it in a sunny location. Within a few weeks, the plant should begin to grow new leaves and the roots should start to spread out into the surrounding soil.

Conclusion

Ice plant is an easy-to-grow plant that can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, and division. By using any of the three methods outlined above, you can start growing your own ice plant at home. Whether you're growing ice plant as a ground cover or as an accent plant in your garden, its unique foliage and lovely flowers will make a beautiful addition to your landscape.