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

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

    By Milo MasonDecember 23, 2022
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    Do you want to grow a beautiful garden? Are you new to gardening? Or perhaps you’re an experienced gardener looking for something new to plant. If so, then Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Opal’ is perfect for you!

    In fact, this succulent herbaceous perennial has some incredible features: from its ability to bloom flowers in different colors to its easy growth; Jewel of the Desert Opal will be sure to become one of your favorites!

    Delosperma 'Jewel Of The Desert Opal' Flowers
    Delosperma ‘jewel of the desert opal’ flowers (author juergenb22 via depositphotos)

    In this article, we’ll be going over everything you need to know about this incredible plant. We’ll cover its growth, care and maintenance requirements, and more!

    in this article:

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

    About Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Opal’

    Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Opal’ is a stunning and low-maintenance plant that is perfect for gardeners of all skill levels. Also known as the ice plant, this succulent is native to South Africa and is known for its bright and colorful flowers. Its small size and ability to thrive in dry conditions make it a great choice for beginners, as it is very easy to care for and maintain.

    This makes it a great option for gardeners in areas with limited water or for those who want to create a low-water garden. Its thick and fleshy leaves help it retain moisture, so it can survive long periods without irrigation.

    Common NameDelosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Opal’
    FamilyAizoaceae
    Plant TypeSucculent
    OriginGarden Origin
    MaintenanceLow
    Height4-6 inches
    Width8-10 inches
    LightFull sun
    Bloom seasonSpring, Summer, Fall, Winter (Early)
    Water needsLow, Moderate
    SoilWell-Drained, Loamy
    TolerantDrought
    ToxicityNon-Toxic
    Hardiness (USDA)5-10

    Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Opal’ Care

    Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Opal’ is very easy to grow and maintain. It is resistant to pests and diseases. It is also hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to -20°F, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.

    Light

    Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Opal’ thrives in full sun conditions. It is a drought-tolerant plant, and the bright light helps it maintain its vibrant colors and blooms. If you are growing this plant indoors, place it in a sunny window or use grow lights to provide enough light.

    Soil

    Delosperma plants prefer well-draining soil. Make sure that the soil does not stay soggy for long periods, as this can lead to root rot. A cactus or succulent potting mix is a good choice, as it is formulated to drain quickly and retain moisture.

    Water

    Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Opal’ is a drought-tolerant succulent and does not require frequent watering. It is important to avoid overwatering this plant, as it is prone to root rot if the soil stays soggy for too long.

    Temperature

    In terms of minimum temperature, Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Opal’ can tolerate temperatures down to -20°F, making it suitable for growing in colder climates as well. However, protecting the plant from extreme cold and frost is important, as this can damage the foliage and flowers.

    Ideal temperatures for this plant range from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. 

    Humidity

    Delosperma plants are not particularly sensitive to humidity. Average to low humidity conditions are considered ideal for this plant (40-60%).

    Fertilizer

    Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Opal’ is a low-maintenance plant that does not require frequent fertilization. In fact, it is best to fertilize it sparingly, as it is prone to fertilizer burn if over-fertilized.

    If you do decide to fertilize, a balanced cactus or succulent fertilizer is a good choice.

    Delosperma 'Jewel Of The Desert Opal' Cheat Sheet
    Delosperma ‘jewel of the desert opal’ cheat sheet (author boggy22 via depositphotos)

    Pruning

    It is generally best to let Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Opal’ grow naturally and only prune it if it becomes overgrown or if any damaged or diseased branches need to be removed.

    It is important to use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant. Make sure to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches and trim back any overgrown branches to maintain the desired shape of the plant.

    Potting and Repotting Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Opal’

    Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Opal’ is a small and compact plant well-suited to growing pots. It is important to choose a pot that is appropriate for the size of the plant and has good drainage.

    Add some compost or organic matter to the soil to improve the soil structure and provide the plant with the nutrients it needs to thrive.

    Jewel of the Desert Opal does not require frequent repotting and can typically be left in the same pot for several years. However, if the plant becomes root-bound or the pot becomes too small, it may be necessary to repot it into a larger container.

    Prepare

    • Choose the right pot. Select a container slightly larger than the current pot and has good drainage. Drainage holes are essential to prevent excess water from accumulating in the soil and potentially causing root rot.
    • Prepare the soil. Mix the potting soil with perlite or sand to improve drainage and aeration.
    • Choose the spot. Place the opal in a spot that receives bright light but is protected from harsh sunlight.
    • Gather your materials. A cactus or succulent potting mix, compost or organic matter, and clean and sharp pruning tools.

    How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

    1. Remove the plant from the pot: Gently lift the Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Opal’ out of the pot and carefully remove any excess soil from the roots.
    2. Prune the roots: If the plant has become root-bound or if there are any damaged or diseased roots, it may be necessary to prune them. Use clean and sharp pruning tools to remove damaged or diseased roots.
    3. Repot the plant: Place a layer of succulent potting mix in the bottom of the new container and then gently place the plant in the pot. Add more potting mix around the roots and firm it down gently.
    4. Water the plant thoroughly and allow it to drain.

    Propagating Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Opal’ by Cuttings (Step-by-Step)

    Propagating Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Opal’ using cuttings is a simple and effective way to grow new plants.

    1. Choose a healthy parent plant: Select a healthy and mature Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Opal’ plant to take cuttings from. Make sure the plant is actively growing and has healthy foliage.
    2. Take cuttings: Using clean and sharp pruning tools, take 4-6 inch cuttings from the parent plant. Make sure to cut just below a leaf node, as this is where new roots will form.
    3. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone: Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone to help stimulate root growth.
    4. Plant the cuttings: Plant the cuttings in the well-draining rooting medium, making sure to leave. 1-2 inches of space between each cutting.
    5. Water the cuttings gently but thoroughly: Allow excess water to drain away from the holes in the bottom of the container.
    6. Place plastic over the top of your propagation tray: Place a piece of clear plastic over your propagation tray to help keep moisture levels high as well as prevent light from reaching your cuttings.

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

    Blooms

    The Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Opal’ produces stunning, showy flowers that are sure to catch the eye of anyone passing by. These flowers come in shades of purple and red, adding a pop of color to any garden. They are also quite large, measuring up to 1 inch in diameter.

    The Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Opal’ flowers appear at the tail end of spring and continue to bloom throughout the fall until the first frost hits, providing enjoyment almost year-round.

    Delosperma 'Jewel Of The Desert Opal' Flowers And Buds
    Delosperma ‘jewel of the desert opal’ flowers and buds (author l. Lika via depositphotos)

    Toxicity

    Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Opal’ is not toxic to humans or animals. It is safe to handle and can be grown around children and pets without any concerns about toxicity.

    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

    Mealybugs

    These pests are small, white, and covered in a cottony substance. They tend to stick to the undersides of leaves and stems, where they suck out plant sap. Mealybugs can cause wilted foliage and stunted growth if left untreated.

    Aphids

    Aphids are small, black, or green insects that suck sap from plants. They will leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew when they feed on your flowers. This can cause sooty mold to grow on your plant’s leaves. The presence of sooty mold indicates that aphids are present in your garden and need to be treated as soon as possible.

    Spider Mites

    These tiny insects can be a nuisance for any plant, but they are especially damaging for succulents like this one. The best way to prevent them from attacking your plants is by using organic pesticides and making sure that your environment does not promote infestation.

    AVOID

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

    Common Problems

    • Overwatering: These plants need very little water and should be watered when the potting medium becomes dry. If you are using a drip system, ensure it does not over-water your plants.
    • Sunburn: They need a lot of direct sunlight but can also get sunburned if exposed to too much of it. To prevent this, ensure your plants are in a well-lit spot and not exposed to direct sunlight for too long.
    • Overfertilization: Succulents need very little fertilization. Too much of it can cause them to get burned or turn yellow. Try to use a fertilizer that is designed for succulents.

    FAQ

    You should use a cactus and succulent mix, which is usually sold in stores. This type of soil is best for your plants because it has very little water retention capacity and does not have any nutrients that could burn your plants.

    The Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Opal’ is an easygoing succulent plant that is easy to care for. It prefers bright sunlight and well-draining soil, and it is drought-tolerant, so it does not need a lot of water. However, be sure to water the plant only when the soil is dry and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

    If your Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Opal’ is turning yellow, then it could be because it is being overwatered. If your succulents are turning yellow, then it could be because they are being overwatered. These succulents are drought-tolerant plants and need much less water when compared to regular plants.

    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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