The Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Topaz’ is a beautiful succulent plant with gorgeous flowers that grow in great numbers at the ends of its stems.
This article will tell you all about this stunning succulent plant and its care in the garden.
in this article:
About Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Topaz’
Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Topaz’ flowers are a unique salmon pink color with white centers, making them stand out against the foliage. They bloom in late summer and fall, which makes them a great addition to any garden setup.
The leaves are dark green or bluish-green and shaped like teardrops, with a slight curve at the tip.
You should be able to find these plants at any local nursery or garden center, though they may cost more than other types of succulents because they are somewhat rarer.
Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Topaz’ Care
The popularity of this plant has risen due to its ease of care, drought tolerance, and long blooming period. It can survive in almost any condition but needs well-draining potting soil to thrive.
Light
The Jewel of the Desert Topaz needs bright light. The best way to provide this is with a south-facing window. If you can’t provide a south window, then the sunniest window in the house is the next best option.
Soil
This plant prefers well-drained soil that is sandy loam, loam, or clay loam. The soil should have moderate levels of organic matter and a pH level between 5.5 and 7.5 (slightly acidic).
Water
It can go for weeks without water if necessary. However, it will still need some water during this time and should not be allowed to dry out completely. If you are unsure about how much your plant needs, feel free to check its soil every few days or so.
Temperature
Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Topaz’ grows best when temperatures are between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 27 Celsius).
It is a perennial, which means it will survive winter months with protection from freezing temperatures. However, it will not tolerate temperatures below -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Humidity
The ideal humidity level is around 40-60 percent, which is considered moderate.
Fertilizer
You should fertilize this plant once per month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength at a one-quarter cup per gallon of water every two weeks from March through September (or when needed).
Pruning
It is important to prune your plant properly in order to keep it looking healthy and attractive. You may need to prune your plant at different times during the year, depending on where you live and how fast it grows.
Potting and Repotting Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Topaz’
The best season for repotting is spring when the plant is actively growing.
If your plant has outgrown its pot (which means it has roots poking out through drainage holes) or has been in its current pot for more than one year, it’s time to repot.
Prepare
How to Repot (Step-by-Step)
- Remove the plant from its container, remove any dead or dying leaves, and discard them in the trash or compost bin.
- Fill a pot with a mixture of potting soil and perlite, or use a commercial cactus mix.
- Dig a hole in your potting soil twice as large as the diameter of your plant’s root ball and deep enough to accommodate it comfortably.
- Place your plant in the center of its new container and spread out its roots evenly around the sides.
- Gently pack down around each root with your fingers until it is firmly seated in place.
Propagating Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Topaz’ (Step-by-Step)
- Cut a healthy plant in spring, just below a node (the place where leaves grow)
- Remove any leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, leaving only two sets of leaves on top.
- Dip the base in rooting hormone, then stick it in a medium-sized pot filled with well-draining soil
- Place the pot in indirect sunlight and keep it moist until you see new growth.
Blooms
Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Topaz’ has blooms that are a light pink color with white centers. The flowers are somewhat small and grow in clusters on short stems. The flower heads are very compact and look like they’re made up of many tiny flowers.
The blooms appear in spring and summer, but you can also get them to bloom in fall if you take care of your plant properly.
Toxicity
Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Topaz’ is non-toxic. It’s safe for children and pets.
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, soft-bodied insects that come in a range of colors. They can be green, black, brown, red, or peach colored, and they have long antennae. They feed on the sap of plants by inserting their needle-shaped mouthparts into the plant tissue. Feeding results in the secretion of a sweet fluid called honeydew which ants or other insects then consume. If left uncontrolled, aphids can cause leaves to curl and turn yellow and die back.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are oval-shaped insects with soft bodies covered by a white powdery substance called “wax.” They are usually found feeding on succulent stems and leaves but can also be seen feeding on the roots of plants. Mealybugs can also spread disease if they are not controlled quickly enough, so it is important that you take steps to remove these pests as soon as possible!
Spider Mites
Spider mites look like tiny spiders when viewed under a microscope, although they do not have eight legs like true spiders do. They are usually found feeding on the underside of leaves, where they leave tiny webbing. If a plant suffers from spider mites, it is important that you take steps to remove them quickly.
AVOID
- Overwatering
- Placing under harsh sunlight
- Using poorly drained potting mediums
- Fertilizing during dormancy
