The Delosperma ‘Fire Spinner’ is a very colorful and compact addition to any sunny, dry spot in your garden. This low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant has brilliant red flowers appearing in the summer and reappearing until fall. It can be grown as an accent or mass planted as a groundcover. The Fire Spinner Ice Plant adds color, texture, and interest to any garden.
This article will discuss how to grow, care for, and propagate Delosperma ‘Fire Spinner’ Ice Plant.
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About Delosperma ‘Fire Spinner’
This tropical beauty thrives in hot, dry environments. Delosperma Fire Spinner Ice Plant (Delosperma spp) is one of several varieties of colorful succulents native to South Africa. Affectionately referred to as ice plants, these perennials prefer full sun and will provide year-round interest to your garden. Add a splash of color to your summer garden with a fire spinner ice plant.
Fire Spinner Ice Plant produces rosettes of deep green succulent foliage that form tightly packed clusters, giving it a bushy appearance.
Related:
| Botanical Name | Delosperma ‘Fire Spinner’ |
| Common Name | Ice Plant |
| Family | Aizoaceae |
| Plant Type | Succulent |
| Origin | South Africa |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Height | 0-1 feet |
| Width | 1-2 feet |
| Light | Direct sunlight |
| Bloom season | Spring (late), Summer(early) |
| Water needs | Low |
| Soil | Well-Drained |
| Tolerant | Drought |
| Toxicity | Non-Toxic |
| Hardiness (USDA) | 6-10 |
Delosperma ‘Fire Spinner’ Care
One of the biggest benefits of Delosperma ‘Fire Spinner’ is its ease of care. This hardy plant is able to tolerate a wide range of conditions, including drought and heat, making it an incredible choice for those who don’t have a lot of time to devote to plant care.
Light
Delosperma ‘Fire Spinner’ prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. In fact, this plant is able to thrive in a wide range of lighting conditions, making it a great choice for gardens with varying levels of sunlight.
However, it may not bloom as profusely in shadier areas, so if you are looking for the most vibrant flowers possible, it is best to plant it in a location with plenty of sun.
Soil
Delosperma ‘Fire Spinner’ prefers well-draining soil with a neutral pH. It is tolerant of various soil types, including sandy and rocky soil, but it is important to ensure that the soil does not become soaked, as this can lead to root rot.
Water
Delosperma ‘Fire Spinner’ is a drought-tolerant plant that is able to withstand long periods without water. However, it is important to water the plant regularly during its first growing season to help it establish a strong root system. After the first year, it can generally be allowed to dry out somewhat between watering.
Temperature
Delosperma ‘Fire Spinner’ is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can withstand extreme heat and can tolerate temperatures up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a great choice for gardens in warmer climates or for areas that experience high heat during the summer months.
In terms of cold tolerance, Delosperma ‘Fire Spinner’ is generally hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 6-10. It can tolerate frost, but it is best to protect the plant during extreme cold spells, especially if it is young or has not yet become established.
Humidity
Delosperma ‘Fire Spinner’ does not have specific requirements and is able to tolerate both high and low humidity levels. However, if the air is particularly dry, it may be helpful to mist the plant occasionally to provide some extra moisture.
Fertilizer
Delosperma ‘Fire Spinner’ is a low-maintenance plant that does not require a lot of fertilization to thrive. In fact, it is generally recommended to avoid over-fertilizing this plant, as too much fertilizer can lead to overly lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
If you do choose to fertilize Delosperma ‘Fire Spinner’, it is best to use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer with a ratio of around 10-10-10.
Pruning
Remove any dead or damaged stems and shape the plant to your desired size and shape. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears when pruning Delosperma ‘Fire Spinner’. Make sure to cut the stems at a 45-degree angle, just above a leaf node. This will help to encourage new growth and keep the plant healthy.
Potting and Repotting Delosperma ‘Fire Spinner’
It is important to choose a large pot to accommodate the plant’s root system. A container that is too small may not provide enough space for the plant to grow and may lead to stunted growth.
Delosperma ‘Fire Spinner’ does not require frequent repotting and can generally be left in the same pot for several years.
Prepare
How to Repot (Step-by-Step)
- Water the plant: Water the plant well a few hours before repotting to help make the root ball easier to handle.
- Gently remove the Ice Plant from its current pot: Carefully lift the plant out of its pot, being careful not to damage the roots.
- Prune the roots: If the roots are overly tangled or encircling the root ball, gently loosen them and trim off any damaged or diseased roots.
- Place the plant in the new pot: Place the Ice Plant in the new pot, making sure it is centered and at the same depth as it was in the previous pot. Fill in around the roots with the prepared potting mix and gently tamp down to secure the plant in place.
- Water the plant: Water the plant well to help settle the soil and encourage new growth.
Propagating Delosperma ‘Fire Spinner’ using Cuttings (Step-by-Step)
Delosperma ‘Fire Spinner’ can be easily propagated using cuttings, which allows you to create new plants that are identical to the parent plant.
- Use a sharp knife to cut a 4-6 inch section just below a leaf node. Make sure to sterilize your tools.
- Dip the base in rooting hormone (optional).
- Fill a pot or container with a well-draining potting mix and make a hole for the cutting.
- Place the cutting in the hole and gently tamp down the soil around it to secure it in place.
- Water the cuttings well, ensuring the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Blooms
One of the main attractions of Delosperma ‘Fire Spinner’ is its beautiful flowers, which bloom from late spring to early fall. The flowers are small and daisy-like, with bright purple or orange petals and white centers.
Toxicity
Delosperma ‘Fire Spinner’ is not known to be toxic to humans or animals, making it a safe choice for gardens where children and pets may be present. However, as with any plant, it is always a good idea to exercise caution and keep an eye on small children and pets when they are around plants to be safe.
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
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap from plants. They can cause distorted or stunted growth and leave a sticky residue.
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny, eight-legged insects that can be difficult to see. They feed on the sap of Ice Plants and can cause yellow or white spots on the foliage.
Slugs and snails
Slugs and snails are common pests that can damage Delosperma ‘Fire Spinner’ by eating the leaves and stems.
AVOID
- Overwatering
- Placing under harsh sunlight
- Using poorly drained potting mediums
- Fertilizing during dormancy
