Brainy Gardener

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

    What's Hot

    Botrytis Blight: How to Recognize, Treat and Prevent the Gray Mold

    January 28, 2023

    Solving the Powdery Mildew Puzzle: How to Protect Your Houseplants

    January 28, 2023

    Crassula Red Pagoda: Growing And Care Guide

    January 27, 2023
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest
    Brainy Gardener
    • Home
    • Houseplants
    • Succulents and Cacti
    • Bromeliad
    • Contact
    Brainy Gardener
    Home»Succulents and Cacti»Delosperma congestum ‘Gold Nugget’: Growing and Care Guide

    Delosperma congestum ‘Gold Nugget’: Growing and Care Guide

    By Milo MasonJanuary 3, 2023
    Share
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email

    Delosperma congestum ‘Gold Nugget’ is a beautiful flowering succulent native to South Africa. The plant produces large, bright yellow flowers in the summer months (sometimes in spring) and can survive in full sun and partial shade.

    Delosperma Congestum 'Gold Nugget' Planted Outside
    Delosperma congestum ‘Gold Nugget’ planted outside (“2016.04.30 15.04.51 DSC03930 – Flickr – andrey zharkikh” by Andrey Zharkikh from Salt Lake City, USA is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)

    In this article, we’ll take a look at the delosperma congestum ‘Gold Nugget,’ how to grow it, what it needs, and some tips on caring for this lovely little plant.

    in this article:

    • care
    • pruning
    • repotting
    • propagation
    • blooms
    • pests
    • common-problems

    About Delosperma congestum ‘Gold Nugget’

    Delosperma congestum ‘Gold Nugget’ has become popular because of its gorgeous flowers and the ability to tolerate neglect, making it an excellent option for enthusiasts who are busy or have limited time to care for their plants.

    The plant itself is fairly small—it only reaches about 6 inches tall and 4 inches wide—but it will flower prolifically if given enough water and sun.

    The leaves of this succulent are blue-green in color with a pointed tip, which gives them an almost star-like appearance when viewed from above. They stay small, only reaching about half an inch in height. The leaves are green but turn red in the winter months, adding further interest to the garden.

    Botanical NameDelosperma congestum ‘Gold Nugget’
    Common NameDelosperma ‘Gold Nugget’
    FamilyAizoaceae
    Plant TypeSucculent
    OriginGarden Origin
    MaintenanceLow
    Height1-2 inches
    Width8-12 inches
    LightFull sun
    Bloom seasonSpring (Late), Summer
    Water needsLow, Moderate
    SoilWell-Drained, Loamy
    TolerantDrought
    Toxicitynon-toxic
    Hardiness (USDA)6-9

    Delosperma congestum ‘Gold Nugget’ Care

    Delosperma congestum ‘Gold Nugget’ is a rare variety that cannot be found in most garden stores or nurseries due to its slow growth rate and high demand from collectors. Because of this rarity, it is becoming more difficult for collectors to find them for sale online.

    If you are lucky enough to see these plants for sale at a nursery, they can be expensive because they are so difficult to grow—but they’re worth every penny! They look great planted in groups or even individually on your windowsill or patio deck.

    Light

    This plant needs full sunlight to grow properly. However, in an area with not have enough hours of sunlight in the summer months, you can use artificial lights instead. The amount of artificial light required will depend on how much natural light is available.

    Soil

    This plant does best in well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. The ideal pH for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.5, but it can tolerate a range between 5.5 and 8.0.

    Water

    Water Delosperma sparingly and only when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can cause root rot disease or cause the plant to get leggy with long stems and few leaves at the top of the plant. You’ll know if your plant needs more water if its leaves start curling up at the edges or if they turn brown and wither away completely.

    Temperature

    It is important to keep the temperature around this plant between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature goes below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant will likely not thrive, and its growth will slow down.

    Humidity

    The humidity should be around 50%, especially during winter.

    Fertilizer

    In order to keep your plants healthy, you should fertilize them every two weeks during their growing season (spring to fall) with a balanced fertilizer such as 20-10-20 or 10-20-10.

    Delosperma Congestum 'Gold Nugget' Cheat Sheet
    Delosperma congestum ‘Gold Nugget’ Cheat Sheet (“File:Delosperma congestum 1.JPG” by Ghislain118 http://www.fleurs-des-montagnes.net is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.)

    Pruning

    The Delosperma congestum ‘Gold Nugget’ requires very little pruning. If you want your plant to grow and flower, you should prune it twice a year. The first time should be in spring, and the second time should be in late fall or early winter.

    You can cut off dead branches or pin them off, so they don’t grow back. You also need to keep an eye out for any diseases or pests affecting your plant and remove them immediately before they damage your plant’s health.

    Potting and Repotting Delosperma congestum ‘Gold Nugget’

    If you notice that your plant has grown too large for its container, it’s time to repot it. However, if you’re not sure whether or not your plant needs repotting, there are other signs that can help you decide:

    1. The plant is growing slowly.
    2. The leaves on your plant are yellowing.
    3. The soil on top of the roots is dry and hard.
    4. The pot has become cracked or damaged from overwatering or poor drainage.

    Prepare

    • Prepare the soil. The soil should be made with sand, peat moss, and perlite.
    • Prepare the pot. Choose a pot that is 1 inch larger than the plant’s current pot. This will give your plant room to grow and enough space for the roots to spread out.
    • Choose the spot. Place your plant in an area where it will get plenty of light.
    • Gather the tools. Sharp knife, spade, trowel, and watering can.

    How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

    1. Take the ice plant out of its current pot.
    2. Add some potting soil to the bottom of your new pot and add water until it’s moist but not dripping wet.
    3. Plant your Delosperma congestum ‘Gold Nugget’ into the potting soil, making sure that the base of the plant is in contact with the soil and that there is no space between roots and soil.
    4. Water again after planting to ensure that it’s well-watered.

    Propagating Delosperma congestum ‘Gold Nugget’ (Step-by-Step)

    1. Select a healthy, vigorously growing plant and make a clean cut just below the node. Be sure to leave at least two nodes on each cutting.
    2. Allow cuttings to dry for 24 hours before planting them in a good quality potting mix or seed starting mix in an open container or bag.
    3. Water the pot slightly and place them in a warm, sunny location to root. Allow them to dry slightly between watering; do not let the soil become saturated or waterlogged.
    4. Once roots begin to grow, transplant them into larger pots. Grow plants in full sun or partial shade.

    Blooms

    Delosperma congestum ‘Gold Nugget’ flowers are bright yellow and daisy-like. The flowering season lasts from spring to fall.

    This plant has earned the Award of Garden Merit because of the beauty of its flowers.

    Related: Delosperma ‘Kelaidis’: Growing and Care Guide

    Toxicity

    Delosperma congestum ‘Gold Nugget’ is not toxic to humans or animals.

    NOTE: This page is not intended as a substitute for veterinary advice. The toxicity of an ingested substance varies depending on the amount ingested, the animal’s weight, and its sensitivity to specific allergens. Contact your veterinarian or local animal poison control center immediately if you think your pet may have ingested a toxic substance.

    Common Pests

    Aphids

    These tiny insects tend to congregate in groups on the undersides of leaves and damage the plant tissue. They leave behind a sticky residue that can interfere with photosynthesis and quickly cause the plant to lose vigor. To treat this pest, use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.

    Mealybugs

    Mealybugs are small insects that live on plants and suck out their juices. They are usually clustered on stems or leaves, where they appear white or yellow as they feed on sap. You can treat these pests with insecticidal soap or neem oil as well.

    Spider Mites

    Spider mites are minuscule arachnids that feed on plant tissue by piercing it with mouthparts and sucking out the juices. This causes damage to leaves; you may see webbing between them as well as brown spots.

    AVOID

    • Overwatering
    • Placing under harsh sunlight
    • Using poorly drained potting mediums
    • Fertilizing during dormancy

    Common Problems

    • Overwatering: Watering the plant too much will cause it to rot. In a warm and humid area, you may want to mist it once a week so it doesn’t dry out too much. If you live in a cold and dry area, you should only water it when the soil feels dry, at least 1 to 1/2 inches below the surface.
    • Sunburn: Despite their sun-loving nature, Delosperma can burn if exposed to direct sunlight for too long. To prevent this, ensure that it gets plenty of shade from other plants or structures in your garden. You can also cover it with a shade cloth if necessary.
    • Overfertilization: Overfertilization can cause nutrient burns on your plant’s leaves or roots—serious problems that require immediate attention! Be sure to follow package instructions when applying fertilizer, and do not apply more than directed by the manufacturer.

    FAQ

    The plant needs to be in full sun and well-drained soil. Water only when the top of the soil feels dry to your touch. Don’t water from overhead or allow water to collect on leaves to prevent disease.

    The plant can be planted in the spring or fall. If you are planting in the fall, ensure the soil is warm and dry before planting. Plant the center of each pellet about one inch deep into the soil that has been amended with compost.

    Water when the top 1 or 1 1/2 inches of soil feel dry to your touch. Don’t water from overhead or allow water to collect on leaves to prevent disease.

    Share. Facebook Pinterest Tumblr Email
    Milo Mason

    Milo Mason is a self-proclaimed plant whisperer. With a passion for gardening, houseplants, and all things outdoors, Milo has been cultivating indoor plants for the past five years with an interest in perennials and succulents. He enjoys sharing his insights and research on plant species when it comes to care tips.

    Related Posts

    Crassula Red Pagoda: Growing And Care Guide

    The Ultimate Defense Against Mealybugs on Houseplants

    Delosperma ‘Wheels Of Wonder – Golden Wonder’: Growing And Care Guide

    Comments are closed.

    Don't Miss

    Botrytis Blight: How to Recognize, Treat and Prevent the Gray Mold

    Solving the Powdery Mildew Puzzle: How to Protect Your Houseplants

    January 28, 2023

    Crassula Red Pagoda: Growing And Care Guide

    January 27, 2023

    Earwigs: Guide To Identify, Control, And Prevent

    January 27, 2023
    About Us
    About Us

    Brainy Gardener is a gardening blog that offers practical, real-life tips and inspiration to help you know how to garden successfully. The website has in depth, well written and clear articles on all sorts of topics and plants, from hydroponics to specific plants like daisies or succulents, houseplants, plant problems

    Email Us: info@brainygardener.com

    Our Picks

    Botrytis Blight: How to Recognize, Treat and Prevent the Gray Mold

    January 28, 2023

    Solving the Powdery Mildew Puzzle: How to Protect Your Houseplants

    January 28, 2023

    Earwigs: Guide To Identify, Control, And Prevent

    January 27, 2023

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest gardening tips from Brainy Gardener.

    © 2023 BrainyGardener.com. All rights reserved.
    • Home
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms of Use
    • Contact

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.