How to Care for Red Apple Aptenia

An herbaceous ground cover, Aptenia cordifolia "Red Apple" is a succulent perennial from the southern region of the African continent. Also known as ice plant, despite its tenderness to cold, the species and cultivar are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 9 to 12. Red Apple blooms spring to summer, producing sparse red blooms over the mat of thick green foliage.

8-inch-deep pot (optional)
Sand (optional)
Loam (optional)
Peat moss (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Plant Red Apple in sandy or gravelly ground if available. The plant also adapts to average topsoil as long as it drains within one hour of irrigation or average rainfall. Place it in a site exposed to partial or full sun.
- 2
  Irrigate the plant whenever the soil surface dries in the summer. Aptenia survives drought, but the lack of moisture impairs its flower production. Water it in winter after the soil completely dries.
- 3
  Grow Red Apple where night temperatures stay close to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant needs a minimum daytime temperature of 65 degrees. Alternatively, grow it as a houseplant. Plant it in a pot 8 inches deep to accommodate the root system. Use a blend of 2 parts sand, 1 part loam and 1 part peat moss as the potting mix.

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