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    Home»Succulents and Cacti»Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Moonstone’: Growing and Care Guide

    Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Moonstone’: Growing and Care Guide

    By Milo MasonDecember 23, 2022
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    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.

    Delosperma 'Jewel Of The Desert Moonstone' (Ice Plant)
    Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Moonstone’ (Ice Plant) (“沙座蘭屬 Delosperma karrooicum [維也納大學植物園 Vienna University Botanical Garden]” by 阿橋花譜 KHQ Flower Guide is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.)

    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.

    in this article:

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

    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.

    Botanical NameDelosperma cooperi ‘Jewel of the Desert Moonstone’
    Common NameDelosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Moonstone’
    FamilyAizoaceae
    Plant TypeSucculent
    OriginGarden Origin
    MaintenanceLow
    Height4-6 inches
    Width8-10 inches
    LightFull sun
    Bloom seasonSpring (Late), Summer, Autumn, Winter (Early)
    Water needsLow, Moderate
    SoilWell-Drained, Loamy
    TolerantDrought
    Toxicitynon-toxic
    Hardiness (USDA)5-10

    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.

    Delosperma 'Jewel Of The Desert Moonstone' Cheat Sheet
    Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Moonstone’ Cheat Sheet (“Delosperma herbeau 4zz” by Photo by David J. Stang is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.)

    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

    • Prepare the soil. A well-draining soil mix that is slightly sandy or gravelly.
    • Prepare the pot. Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent the plant from retaining too much moisture.
    • Choose the spot. A south-facing window is ideal, as it will provide the most light. But any location with some sunlight will do just fine.
    • Gather the tools. You will need potting soil, a trowel or shovel, and some water. 

    How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

    1. Remove the Ice plant from its old pot: Gently lift it out of its old pot and place it on a clean surface.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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)

    1. 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.
    2. Apply rooting hormone: Dip the end of the cutting into rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
    3. 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.
    4. 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).

    Related: Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Garnet’: Growing and Care Guide

    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

    Common Problems

    • Overwatering: This ice plant does not require frequent watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, among other problems. Only water when the soil is dry to prevent any problems from occurring.
    • Sunburn: Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Moonstone’ is a sun-loving plant that thrives in full sun. However, protecting the plant from excessive heat and direct sunlight is important, as this can lead to sunburn and other problems. Provide the plant with adequate airflow and shade it from the hottest part of the day.
    • Overfertilization: Overfertilizing this plant can lead to excessive growth and reduced flowering. To prevent overfertilization, use a balanced fertilizer sparingly and avoid using fertilizers with high nitrogen levels.

    FAQ

    Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Moonstone’ is a low-growing, drought-tolerant plant native to South Africa. It is known for its bright, showy flowers and attractive evergreen foliage.

    Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Moonstone’ is an easy-going succulent that is easy to care for. It thrives in full sun with well-draining soil and is drought-tolerant, so it does not require frequent watering. It is also a low-fertilization plant, so it is best to fertilize it sparingly.

    Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Moonstone’ can be easily propagated using cuttings. To do this, cut the stem of a healthy plant and place it in a container with soil or in an open container of water. You should place the cutting in a bright location that receives indirect sunlight. After two or three weeks, when roots begin to form, you can transfer the cutting to its own pot.

    1. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. ASPCA
    2. Royal Horticultural Society. RHS
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    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.

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