Care for Non-Variegated Aptenia

Culture

• The heartleaf ice plant grows outdoors only in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 11, but will grow indoors in pots in any zone. It requires daytime temperatures of 65 degrees Fahrenheit or above and nighttime temperatures no lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Whether indoors or out, this herbaceous perennial requires full, direct sunlight for at least six to eight hours per day. Fast-draining, sandy loam soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 provide the plant with an adequate balance of moisture retention and oxygen permeation.

Potted Heartleaf Ice Plants

• Proper watering practices prove crucial to the survival of potted heartleaf ice plants. Excess water results in rotting roots and stems while insufficient water causes these tissues to wilt. Wait until the plant's soil becomes dry, but before the plant begins to wilt, to apply water from a watering can. An application of 15-15-15 granular fertilizer administered in the late winter or early spring and again in the fall will replenish soil nutrients. Transplant the ice plant into a pot 2 inches larger if its roots begin to show through the drainage holes in its current pot.

Garden Heartleaf Ice Plants

• Outdoor growing heartleaf ice plants require supplemental water only when the top 4 to 6 inches of soil becomes dry. If the soil remains constantly moist, the roots will starve for oxygen and begin to rot. A 15-15-15 granular fertilizer applied in the late winter or early spring and again in the fall will replenish lost soil nutrients. Reduce competition for soil moisture, nutrients and sunlight by periodically weeding around your ice plant. Control feeding slugs and snails by setting out slug and snail traps around the plant.

Problems

• In some areas of the United States, the heartleaf ice plant tends to grow quickly and is invasive in some areas. Check the plant's invasive status at your local county extension office before planting it in your garden. Also, note that the heartleaf ice plant tends to wane after two or three years, even with proper care. Although the plant propagates readily through cuttings or seed, if you don't wish to hassle with starting new plants, you'll have to purchase new specimens.