Trailing Ice Plant
Lampranthus reptans
A low-growing succulent groundcover featuring fleshy, narrow, cylindrical green leaves and creeping stems that can trail over the edges of containers.
- Light
- Full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Water
- Low water requirements. Water deeply when the soil is completely dry, and reduce watering significantly during the winter months. Avoid overwatering to prevent root decay.
- Growth
- Perennial succulent with a trailing or mat-forming growth habit, typically reaching a height of 3 to 6 inches and spreading up to 2 feet or more.
Care instructions
Provide full sun exposure, well-draining succulent soil, and allow the potting medium to dry out completely between thorough waterings. Feed lightly during the growing season with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Watering
Low water requirements. Water deeply when the soil is completely dry, and reduce watering significantly during the winter months. Avoid overwatering to prevent root decay.
Soil
Fast-draining sandy or gritty potting mix designed for cacti and succulents, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Hardiness zone
USDA Hardiness Zones 9 through 11. It is sensitive to frost and should be overwintered indoors in colder climates.
Growth habit
Perennial succulent with a trailing or mat-forming growth habit, typically reaching a height of 3 to 6 inches and spreading up to 2 feet or more.
Bloom season
Spring to early summer, producing bright, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, red, or orange.
Propagation
Easily propagated through stem cuttings taken in spring or summer, allowing the cut ends to callus before placing them in dry, well-draining soil.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to root rot if overwatered or kept in poorly draining soil. Mealybugs and scale insects can occasionally affect indoor or greenhouse specimens; treat with insecticidal soap.
Similar species
Ice Plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum), which features sparkling, ice-like epidermal bladder cells on broader, flatter leaves compared to the smooth, narrow cylindrical leaves of Lampranthus.