Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Amethyst’ is a stunning and unique ice plant that is perfect for adding a pop of color to your garden or landscape. With its vibrant purple flowers and low-maintenance care requirements, this plant is an excellent choice for both seasoned gardeners and those just starting out.
In this article, we’ll help you get started with growing Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Amethyst’. We’ll also cover how to care for this ice plant so that it can thrive in your garden or landscape for years to come.
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About Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Amethyst’
Delosperma Jewel of the Desert Grenade is a beautiful flowering succulent plant native to South Africa.
One of the best things about this plant is its almost ever-blooming state. Its flowers adorn the leaves almost year-round (from early spring to late winter), bringing a splash of color to any garden. Coupled with its ease of care, this is an incredible addition to any space, as long as it’s provided with some modicum of care.
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Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Amethyst’ Care
In terms of its suitability for beginners, Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Amethyst’ is a great choice. Its low-maintenance care requirements make it an easy plant to care for, even for those who are new to gardening. Additionally, it is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, meaning you won’t have to worry about dealing with common garden issues.
Light
It is best to plant Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Amethyst’ in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. This will help the plant grow and flower to its full potential. However, if you live in an area with particularly hot summers, it may be beneficial to provide some afternoon shade to protect the plant from excessive heat.
Soil
Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Amethyst’ prefers well-draining soil. It is important to plant it in soil that allows excess water to drain away, as this will help prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged and potentially rotting.
A well-draining soil mix can be achieved by adding compost, perlite, or sand to the soil to improve drainage.
Water
Water Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Amethyst’ deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil moisture level. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water the plant more frequently to keep the soil from drying out completely.
Temperature
Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Amethyst’ is a hardy plant that is able to withstand extreme temperatures, making it a versatile plant that can thrive in a variety of climates. It is generally hardy to USDA zones 5-10, which means it can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°F (-23°C) easily.
In terms of ideal temperatures for growth, Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Amethyst’ prefers warm weather and can thrive in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F (16°C to 27°C).
Humidity
Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Amethyst’ generally prefers moderate humidity levels and will thrive in environments with humidity levels ranging from 30% to 50%.
Fertilizer
A balanced all-purpose fertilizer, such as a 20-20-20 formula, can be used to provide Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Amethyst’ with the nutrients it needs. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying fertilizer, as applying too much can lead to over-fertilization and potentially damage the plant.
Pruning
Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Amethyst’ is a low-maintenance plant for pruning, and it does not require frequent pruning to thrive. However, there are a few simple steps you can take to keep the plant looking its best:
- Deadhead the flowers.
- Trim away dead or dying foliage.
- Prune for shape.
Potting and Repotting Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Amethyst’
Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Amethyst’ does not require frequent repotting to thrive. In general, it is a good idea to repot the plant every two to three years, or whenever the roots become overcrowded in the current pot.
When repotting Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Amethyst’, it is important to choose a large pot to accommodate the plant’s root system and drainage holes to prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged. A pot that is 2-3 inches larger in diameter than the current pot should be sufficient.
Prepare
How to Repot (Step-by-Step)
- Remove the plant from its current pot.
- Gently tease apart the roots with your fingers and clean the remaining soil.
- Fill the new pot with well-draining soil mix.
- Place the plant in the middle of the pot and cover with soil until only a small amount of the base is showing above ground level.
- Water thoroughly and place in full sun for optimal growth.
Propagating Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Amethyst’ (Step-by-Step)
Propagating Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Amethyst’ using cuttings is a simple and effective way to create new plants.
- Using a clean, sharp knife or scissors, take cuttings from the plant that are 4-6 inches long and have at least two sets of leaves. Be sure to take the cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems.
- Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone to help encourage root growth. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
- Place the cuttings in the potting medium, ensuring that the leaves are above the surface of the medium.
- Keep the cuttings moist by watering them regularly, being careful not to overwater them.
Blooms
Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Amethyst’ is a beautiful plant that produces bright purple or red flowers from spring to winter. The flowers are small and daisy-like, with five petals and a yellow center. They are held on short stems above the foliage and are a favorite of bees and other pollinators.
Toxicity
Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Amethyst’ is generally considered non-toxic to humans and animals. The plant is not known to be poisonous if ingested and does not produce harmful toxins that can harm humans or animals.
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, sap-sucking insects that can damage the leaves and stems of the plant. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with a solution of water and dish soap or by using a natural pest control method, such as introducing predatory insects to the area.
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny, spider-like insects that can damage the leaves and stems of the plant. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with a solution of water and dish soap or by using a natural pest control method, such as introducing predatory insects to the area.
Slugs and snails
Slugs and snails can damage the leaves and stems of the plant by feeding on them. They can be controlled by removing them from the plant manually or by using a slug bait or bait trap.
AVOID
- Overwatering
- Placing under harsh sunlight
- Using poorly drained potting mediums
- Fertilizing during dormancy
