Garden Care Guide

Heartleaf Ice Plant Care

Mesembryanthemum cordifolium (syn. Aptenia cordifolia)

A fast-spreading ground cover extremely tolerant of drought, with fleshy leaves and small pink flowers that open in sunny weather. It loves full sun and well-drained soils; its biggest enemy is overwatering and winter wetness.

Frost-tender (protect from frost) · -2 °C / 28 °F

Monthly care calendar

Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.

January
  • Watering: Never, winter rainfall is sufficient and excess may cause rot.
  • Pruning: Remove only parts damaged by frost or rotted.
  • Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
  • General care: To prevent root rot, make sure the soil drains well.
  • Pests & diseases: Make sure water does not collect in the root zone. Softening and darkening at the root collar are signs of root rot.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately -2 °C.
February
  • Watering: Never, winter rainfall is sufficient.
  • Pruning: After the risk of frost has passed, prune out all parts damaged over winter.
  • Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
  • General care: With the arrival of spring, the plant quickly begins to produce new shoots.
  • Pests & diseases: Make sure water does not collect in the root zone. Softening and darkening at the root collar are signs of root rot.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately -2 °C.
March
  • Watering: Rainfall is generally sufficient; water only during prolonged drought.
  • Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or well-rotted organic fertilizer once when it wakes from dormancy.
  • Pruning: To control its spread and refresh the plant, it can be pruned from the tips.
  • Plant protection: Check the new shoots for aphids (neem oil).
  • General care: This is the best time for propagation by cuttings.
  • Pests & diseases: Check for aphids.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately -2 °C.
April
  • Watering: Water a newly planted specimen more often than established plants during its first year, as its root system is still shallow.
  • Pruning: Keep it within the limits you want by pruning the edges.
  • Plant protection: Check for aphids.
  • General care: Good time for planting and transplanting.
  • Pests & diseases: Watch out for root rot.
May
  • Watering: Water a newly planted specimen more often than established plants during its first year, as its root system is still shallow.
  • Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering. It does not require pruning; just remove dry or damaged branches. Keep the plant in shape by lightly pruning shoots that grow too long.
  • General care: Suitable period for planting and transplanting. Flowering begins. Drainage is critical for this plant. In heavy, water-retaining soil, plant on a mound or bed raised 20-30 cm; the root collar should remain above the surrounding soil level.
  • Pests & diseases: No significant known problems.
June
  • Watering: In a long drought, water deeply once a month.
  • Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering.
  • General care: Flowering continues.
  • Pests & diseases: The greatest danger is overwatering.
July
  • Watering: In midsummer, deep watering every 15-20 days is enough. Established plants (over 2 years old) do not need watering in most years. Water so that the soil is wetted to a depth of 10-15 cm from the surface.
  • Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering.
  • General care: Flowering continues.
  • Pests & diseases: No significant known problems.
August
  • Watering: In midsummer, deep watering every 15-20 days is enough. Established plants (over 2 years old) do not need watering in most years. Water so that the soil is wetted to a depth of 10-15 cm from the surface.
  • Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering.
  • General care: Flowering continues.
  • Pests & diseases: No significant known problems.
September
  • Watering: In a long drought, water deeply once a month.
  • Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering.
  • Plant protection: Not needed; it is very resistant to pests.
  • General care: Flowering continues.
  • Pests & diseases: Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
October
  • Watering: Not required; autumn precipitation is beginning.
  • Pruning: A general cleanup and shaping pruning can be done before winter.
  • General care: It is still a good time for propagation.
  • Pests & diseases: Make sure the roots do not stay wet in winter.
November
  • Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
  • General care: In winter rains, make sure water does not pool in the root zone; for this plant, drainage is more critical than irrigation.
  • Pests & diseases: Make sure water does not collect in the root zone. Softening and darkening at the root collar are signs of root rot.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately -2 °C.
December
  • Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
  • General care: Keep the root zone clean.
  • Pests & diseases: Make sure water does not collect in the root zone. Softening and darkening at the root collar are signs of root rot.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately -2 °C.

The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.

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