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!
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:
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.
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.
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
How to Repot (Step-by-Step)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone: Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone to help stimulate root growth.
- Plant the cuttings: Plant the cuttings in the well-draining rooting medium, making sure to leave. 1-2 inches of space between each cutting.
- Water the cuttings gently but thoroughly: Allow excess water to drain away from the holes in the bottom of the container.
- 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.
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.
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
