Delosperma congestum ‘White Nugget’ is a hardy, low-maintenance succulent that makes for a stunning addition to any garden. Native to South Africa, this plant is native to dry areas with low rainfall, making it an excellent choice for desert-like regions.
In this article, we’ll discuss Delosperma congestum ‘White Nugget’ care requirements and provide tips for growing this plant in your own garden.
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About Delosperma congestum ‘White Nugget’
Delosperma congestum ‘White Nugget’, also called Delosperma congestum ‘Alba,’ is native to South Africa and can be found in the wild in rocky outcroppings, on hillsides, and on rocky slopes.
Its leaves are shaped like small spoons with a blunt ends and are dark green with silver veins.
The plant is very rare in cultivation, which makes it even more desirable for collectors. It has beautiful flowers bloom from late fall to early summer, with white petals and yellow centers that contrast nicely against the dark green leaves.
This plant is very popular among avid collectors of succulents because of its rarity, beauty, and ease of care.
Delosperma congestum ‘White Nugget’ Care
This succulent grows well as a groundcover or container plant and makes for a good choice for beginners looking for an easy-care plant that can thrive in their home environment without much effort on their part!
Light
This plant requires at least six hours of sunlight per day, with more light increasing the color of the blooms. In an area with only a few hours of sun, consider adding a grow light for supplemental lighting.
Soil
Use well-draining potting soil that contains a healthy mix of organic matter. This plant does not like clay soil and will have problems if it is planted in it.
Water
Water the plant regularly from spring to fall but allow it to dry out somewhat between sessions. During winter months, water only when the soil dries out completely.
Temperature
The temperature requirements for this plant are moderate temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (16°C and 27°C) with cold winter temperatures below 40°F (4°C).
Humidity
The humidity requirements for this plant are moderate humidity levels of around 50% relative humidity.
Fertilizer
The plant should be fertilized regularly during the growing season with an all-purpose or a slow-release fertilizer. The plant does not need much fertilizer during the winter months when it is dormant.
Pruning
The best time to prune your Delosperma congestum ‘White Nugget’ is late winter or early spring. You can also do this during the summer, but it will depend on whether or not the plant has flowered and produced seeds. If it has yet to bloom, it’s better to prune it after the blooming season ends (usually around October or November).
Potting and Repotting Delosperma congestum ‘White Nugget’
The best season for repotting is spring or fall. This plant should be repotted every two years. It does not need to be repotted in the spring, but it can be if you want to give it a new look.
If your plant has been growing well in its current pot and there are no signs that it needs more room, then there is no need for you to change its pot size right now. However, if your plant has outgrown its current pot and looks like it is ready for an upgrade, then now might be a good time to think about repotting your plant into a larger one.
Prepare
How to Repot (Step-by-Step)
- Remove the plant from its current container.
- Gently shake off any loose soil, and then use a soft brush to dust off any remaining dirt gently.
- Choose an appropriate-sized pot for your plant, and fill it with a mixture of half-coarse sand and half-perlite.
- Place the plant in the pot, so your new medium completely covers its roots.
- Water your plant thoroughly until water begins running out of its drainage holes at the bottom of its new container.
Propagating Delosperma congestum ‘White Nugget’ (Step-by-Step)
- Obtain the desired number of cuttings from the parent plant.
- Place the cuttings in a well-drained container filled with potting soil and water them thoroughly when you are finished.
- Cover the container with plastic wrap or another type of covering and place it in an area where it will receive indirect sunlight for 12 hours per day.
- Remove any dead leaves or dying stems from the cuttings once they begin sprouting new growth (this will be after three weeks).
- Once your new plants have developed strong roots, transplant them into a permanent pot to grow on their own!
Blooms
Delosperma congestum ‘White Nugget’ flowers are white with a yellow throat. The plant blooms in late spring and early summer, giving interest to the garden that lasts almost the entire year.
Toxicity
Delosperma congestum ‘White 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 can be very destructive, especially if they lay eggs in a plant’s tissue. They can cause discoloration, stunting, and leaf drop.
Mealybugs
These pests are also known as cottony cushion scales because of their habit of coating themselves in white wax as protection from predators. They feed on leaves and stems, causing yellowing or browning leaves and stem dieback.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny spider-like insects that suck sap from plants, causing yellowing leaves and leaf drops.
AVOID
- Overwatering
- Placing under harsh sunlight
- Using poorly drained potting mediums
- Fertilizing during dormancy
