Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Moonstone’ is a beautiful, low-maintenance plant perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners. Part of the Ice Plant family, Delosperma, this succulent is native to the deserts of South Africa and is known for its bright, colorful flowers that bloom year-round and its ability to thrive in hot, dry climates.
In this article, you’ll learn how to grow and care for Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Moonstone’. You’ll also find tips on how to water, sunlight needs, temperature tolerances, and more.
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About Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Moonstone’
A cultivar of the Delosperma cooperi, the Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Moonstone’ is an evergreen succulent that blooms from late spring to the first frost with intense flower colors.
This plant blooms bright purple/pink flowers in spring and fall and lasts for years if properly cared for. In addition to being an attractive addition to your home landscape or garden, this plant is also drought tolerant and can survive in very hot temperatures, making it perfect for an outdoor environment as a groundcover.
Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Moonstone’ Care
The Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Moonstone’ is an easy plant to care for. It requires very little maintenance and can even survive in harsh conditions without much attention.
Light
Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Moonstone’ is very adaptable. In its native habitat, it grows in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. However, note that this plant will flower more profusely in full sun. Indoors, place it in a sunny window facing the south or west side.
Soil
It does best in well-draining soil that is slightly sandy or gravelly. Avoid using heavy, clay-based soils, as these can retain too much moisture and cause the plant to rot.
Water
This is a drought-tolerant plant and does not require frequent watering. In fact, it is best to allow the soil to dry out slightly between sessions to prevent the plant from getting too much moisture.
Water Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Moonstone’ once a week or so, depending on the weather and the humidity in your area. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water the plant more frequently to keep the soil moist. In cooler, wetter weather, you may be able to water the plant less often.
Temperature
Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Moonstone’ is a hardy succulent that can withstand a wide range of temperatures. In its native habitat, it grows in hot, dry climates and can tolerate extreme heat and drought. However, it is important to protect the plant from extreme temperatures, whether it is indoors or outdoors.
Ideal temperatures for ice plants range from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Humidity
This plant requires little to no humidity to thrive. Try to maintain moisture levels between 40-60%, and you should be fine. Avoid placing this plant in humid areas around the house, like kitchens or bathrooms.
Fertilizer
Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Moonstone’ is a low-maintenance plant that does not require frequent fertilization. However, if you do choose to fertilize, it is best to use a balanced fertilizer with a formula of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20.
Pruning
Remove any damaged or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are growing in an awkward direction or crossing over each other.
Try to prune this plant early on in the spring when the flowers are absent.
Potting and Repotting Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Moonstone’
For repotting, choosing a pot slightly larger than the plant’s root ball is a good idea, as Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Moonstone’ tends to grow fairly slowly.
This plant does not need to be repotted frequently. If you do need to repot the plant, try to do so in early spring, after the plant has finished flowering.
Prepare
How to Repot (Step-by-Step)
- Remove the Ice plant from its old pot: Gently lift it out of its old pot and place it on a clean surface.
- Loosen the root ball: Gently massage the roots with your fingers or use a sharp knife to cut away any damaged or diseased roots carefully.
- Place the plant in its new pot: Place the ice plant in the new pot and fill in around the roots with soil. Gently press down.
- Water the plant: Water the plant well after repotting to help it settle into its new home.
Propagating Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Moonstone’ by Cuttings (Step-by-Step)
- Choose healthy cuttings: Select a healthy stem from your Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Moonstone’ plant and cut off a 4-6 inch section using sharp pruning shears. Make sure to choose a stem that has healthy, undamaged leaves and is not too woody.
- Apply rooting hormone: Dip the end of the cutting into rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
- Plant the cutting: Fill a small pot or container with well-draining soil mix and place the cutting into the soil, ensuring that the cut end is buried about 1 inch deep. Gently press down on the soil to remove any air pockets.
- Water and cover the cutting: Cover the cutting well with a plastic bag or propagating cover to create a humid environment. Place the pot in a warm, well-lit location, such as a sunny window or under grow lights.
Blooms
Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Moonstone’ is prized for its bright, showy flowers. These flowers are typically a uniformly white color that stands out against the green backdrop of the foliage. They appear almost year-round (late spring to early winter).
Toxicity
Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Moonstone’ is generally considered non-toxic to humans and animals. This makes it a safe plant to grow in gardens and landscapes where children and pets may be present.
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, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap. They’re tiny, greenish-black insects that can cause leaves to curl and turn yellow. If you notice these pests on your ice plant, use an organic insecticide or neem oil to eliminate them.
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny, spider-like insects that feed on plant sap. These tiny insects are typically green or brown in color, and they will suck the sap from your plant’s leaves. This causes the leaves to become dry and brittle, stunting growth or even killing the plant if left untreated.
Thrips
Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on plant sap. They can be seen as small black specks on the leaves and stems, eventually leading to leaf curling.
AVOID
- Overwatering
- Placing under harsh sunlight
- Using poorly drained potting mediums
- Fertilizing during dormancy
