The Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Peridot’ is a great choice if you want to add some color to your garden. These evergreen succulents are easy to grow, drought tolerant, and bloom in shades of yellow almost year-round.
In this article, we’ll talk about how to care for this striking plant and what it needs in terms of light, soil, water, and temperature.
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About Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Peridot’
The Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Peridot’ is a succulent known for its bright green foliage and vibrant yellow flowers. It is a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a dash of vibrancy to their outdoor space. The plant is also relatively small, making it suitable for containers or small gardens.
It can be grown both as a small-scale groundcover or as a potted plant. The plant features small, rounded leaves that are mostly bluish-green in color.
If you are a beginner gardener or simply looking for an easygoing succulent to add to your collection, the Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Peridot’ is a great choice.
Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Peridot’ Care
The plant is fairly easy to care for, though it does need some sunlight and water. As long as you provide it with some basic levels of care, it will practically grow overnight.
Light
In full sun, the Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Peridot’ will thrive and produce an abundance of vibrant purple flowers. In partial shade, the plant may not flower as heavily, but it will still do well and remain healthy.
Soil
For soil, this plant prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH level. To ensure proper drainage, mix in some sand or perlite to the soil to help improve aeration. Use a soil mix specifically formulated for succulent plants, as this will help to prevent the soil from becoming too compact and retaining excess moisture.
Water
Let the soil dry out between waterings. This plant is more forgiving of under-watering than it is of over-watering, so it is better to err on the side of caution.
Temperature
Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Peridot’ is well-suited to various climates. It can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C) and as high as 110°F (43°C).
However, for best results, maintain temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Humidity
This plant is quite tolerant of dry air and does not require high humidity levels to thrive. Therefore, average room conditions are perfectly fine for this plant.
Fertilizer
Ice Plant is not particularly demanding regarding fertilization and can do well with minimal feeding. However, if you do choose to fertilize your Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Peridot’, it is best to use a balanced fertilizer diluted by half.
Pruning
It is generally not necessary to prune this plant at all, as it has a compact, well-behaved growth habit. However, if you notice any damaged or diseased branches on your plant, removing them as soon as possible is a good idea to prevent the problem from spreading to the rest of the plant.
Potting and Repotting Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Peridot’
The Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Peridot’ Ice Plant is a small, compact plant that is well-suited to potting. In fact, it is a popular choice for container gardens, as it adds a splash of color without taking up too much space.
It does not require frequent repotting, as it is a slow-growing plant. In general, it is only necessary to repot the plant if it has outgrown its current pot or if the soil has become too compact and is no longer draining well.
Prepare
How to Repot (Step-by-Step)
- Remove the plant from the pot: Gently lift the plant out of its pot and loosen the roots.
- Prune any damaged or diseased roots: If you notice any damaged or diseased roots, remove them carefully.
- Place the ice plant in the new pot: Place the succulent in the new pot and fill in around the roots with the well-draining soil mix. If desired, you can mix in some sand or perlite to improve aeration and drainage.
- Water the plant: Water the ice plant well to help it settle. Be sure to avoid over-watering the plant, as it is prone to rot in soil that remains too moist.
Propagating Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Peridot’ by Cuttings (Step-by-Step)
- Take a cutting: Choose a healthy stem on your ice plant and use a clean pair of scissors or pruning shears to cut a piece about 3-4 inches long. Be sure to make the cut just below a leaf node, as this is where new roots are most likely to form.
- Apply rooting hormone (optional): If you are using a rooting hormone, dip the cut end of the cutting into the hormone to help encourage root growth.
- Plant the cutting: Fill a small pot with the well-draining soil mix and make a hole large enough to accommodate the cutting. Plant the cutting in the hole and gently press down on the soil to secure it in place.
- Water the cutting: Water the planted cutting well and place the pot in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Be sure to avoid over-watering the cutting, as it can develop root rot in soil that remains too moist.
Blooms
One of the standout features of the Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Peridot’ Ice Plant is its vibrant lemon-yellow blooms. These flowers appear in abundance almost year-round (late spring to early winter) and add a splash of color to any garden or container.
Toxicity
The Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Peridot’ Ice Plant is not toxic to humans or pets. It is generally regarded to be a safe plant for use in gardens and homes, even if ingested.
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
These tiny, sap-sucking insects can be identified by their green, black, or brown bodies and long antennae. They typically appear in clusters on new growth or flowers and cause stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and deformed blooms.
Mealybugs
These small, white insects feed on the sap, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. You can try using a natural insecticidal soap or neem oil to control mealybugs.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, eight-legged arachnids that can cause serious damage to plants by sucking the sap from them. This causes leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions and often attack ice plants when temperatures rise above 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 Celsius).
AVOID
- Overwatering
- Placing under harsh sunlight
- Using poorly drained potting mediums
- Fertilizing during dormancy
