Common ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum)
Also known as: Common Iceplant, Icicle Plant
The common ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum) stands out for its edible qualities, offering a crisp texture and mildly salty flavor, making it a unique addition to various dishes. The plant is adorned with tiny, translucent, bubble-like structures that cover its leaves, stems, and pods, giving it a distinctive, crystal-like appearance. These features not only enhance its ornamental appeal but also contribute to its potential as a nutritious and visually appealing food ingredient.
In This Article
Attributes of Common ice plant
Lifespan
Annual, Perennial, Biennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
20 cm
Spread
40 cm
Leaf Color
Green Gray Red
Flower Size
3 cm to 5 cm
Flower Color
White
Images of Common ice plant
Quickly Identify Common ice plant
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Look for its distinctive fleshy, translucent leaves covered in glistening glandular cells that resemble ice crystals. The leaves may turn reddish under stress. Flowers are small, white to pinkish, and daisy-like.
Scientific Classification of Common ice plant
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies
Family
Fig-marigold
Genus
Ice plants
Species
Common ice plant
Planting and Growing of Common ice plant
Care Difficulty
Easy
Watering Schedule
Every 2 days
Sunlight Requirements
Full sun
Sunshine Duration
4-8 hours
Ideal Temperature
60-75℉
Soil Type
Potting Mix, Peat Mix
Soil pH
6.5-8.5
Fertilizer Type
Balanced
Pruning Season
Spring, Summer
Pruning Area
Branches, Leaves
Pruning Frequency
2 times a year
Repotting Season
Spring
Pot Type
Ceramic, Plastic
How to Water Common ice plant?
Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, or ice plant, thrives in dry conditions and requires precise watering. Each watering session should involve about 200 milliliters of water, just enough to moisten the soil. Be wary not to soak the plant, as it prefers drier conditions.
What are the symptoms of an underwatered Common ice plant?
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What should I do if my Common ice plant is not getting enough water?
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What are the symptoms of an overwatered Common ice plant?
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How to save an overwatered Common ice plant?
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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Common ice plant?
Mesembryanthemum crystallinum flourishes in environments with full sun to partial sun exposure. Ideal lighting ensures exquisite leaf patterns and robust growth, harnessing energy efficiently through photosynthesis.
More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→
What is the ideal light level?
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How can you achieve ideal lighting?
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What are the benefits of ideal lighting?
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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Common ice plant?
Mesembryanthemum crystallinum thrives best in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. This range ensures optimal photosynthesis and nutrient uptake, promoting healthy growth and vibrant foliage. Keeping the plant within these temperatures also helps in preventing stress conditions and potential diseases.
What Soil is Best for Common ice plant?
Mesembryanthemum crystallinum thrives in well-drained soil. Adequate drainage prevents waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. This characteristic is crucial for the plant to maintain its structural integrity and prevent diseases. The plant prefers sandy or calcareous soil compositions, which contribute to its preference for dry, arid conditions. This texture allows for quick drainage and mimics the plant's natural habitat, supporting its drought-resistant nature. Moderately fertile substratum ensures that Mesembryanthemum crystallinum receives essential nutrients without overwhelming it. This balance promotes steady growth and vibrant foliage while maintaining the plant's resilience to external stressors.
How to Fertilize Common ice plant?
Get about 1 tablespoon of balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half the strength for each watering round. This light dosage ensures that the plant receives nutrients without overwhelming its system, thus maintaining a healthy growth balance.
How to Prune Common ice plant?
Begin by examining your Mesembryanthemum crystallinum for any damaged or unhealthy leaves. Using sharp, sterilized scissors or pruning shears, cut just above the leaf nodes to encourage new growth. Focus on maintaining a balanced shape by pruning outer growth more than the central. Always avoid cutting more than a third of the plant at one time. After removing dead or overly lengthy stems, encourage the plant to grow denser by cutting back longer, leggy stems to allow sunlight to reach lower parts. This process promotes a fuller, healthier appearance. Consider removing some of the oldest growth to allow room for new shoots.
How to Propagate Common ice plant plant?
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Collect seeds from mature plants during the season when seed pods begin to dry. Ensure seeds are fully matured for successful germination.
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Select healthy, young stems for cuttings, ideally with a length of 3-4 inches. Remove any excess leaves to reduce moisture loss.
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Plant seeds in trays filled with potting soil, or insert cuttings into moist soil. Maintain a warm, sunny environment to encourage growth.
How to Repot Common ice plant plant?
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Mesembryanthemum crystallinum should be repotted when you observe that roots are visible on the pot's surface or protruding from the drainage holes. It’s crucial to repot during its active growing seasons, spring or summer, to minimize transplant shock and allow for optimal root development.
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Select a pot that is slightly larger than the existing one to offer adequate room for growth. Ensure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging, a condition mesembs detest. Choosing the right pot promotes healthy drainage and shields roots from rot.
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Opt for a well-draining sandy soil mix to replicate the plant's native arid conditions. Such a mix facilitates quick water drainage and supplies the necessary minerals for growth. It ensures the roots do not sit in water, reducing the risk of root rot and promoting healthy growth.
Toxicity of Common ice plant
Is Common ice plant toxic to humans?
The common ice plant has a low level of toxicity to humans, mainly through consumption. The entire plant contains calcium oxalate, which can lead to adverse effects if ingested. Symptoms may include irritation of the mouth and throat, a burning sensation, difficulty in swallowing, and gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms are notably due to calcium oxalate, which can create needle-like crystals that irritate soft tissues. Since all parts of the plant are toxic, exercising caution is crucial to avoid accidental ingestion, particularly in situations where it is not meant for consumption.
WARNING
The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.
