Delosperma

Family. Aizoaceae.

Origin. South Africa.

Description. Delosperma is a small groundcover plant - a succulent, a rather variable genus. Some species form basal rosettes and have no stem at all, others have erect stems that become woody with age. The leaves are opposite, without petioles, oblong-lanceolate, up to 8 cm long, green, smooth or with a small but rather dense pubescence. There are both evergreen specimens and deciduous ones that shed their leaves after flowering. Flowering is very abundant and long-lasting.

Flowers are solitary or in small inflorescences, with numerous long, intensely colored petals resembling daisies, white, cream, yellow, orange, pink and even crimson. The size of the buds varies greatly among species, reaching 4 cm in diameter. The flowers open at midday and close again at the end of the day, but on cloudy days they tend to remain closed.

Height. Reaches a height of 10–30 cm depending on the species.

Planting and care

Growing at home 

In summer, the plant will feel great in the open air, protected from wind and rain. Remove wilting buds to prolong the flowering period.

When blooms 

It blooms from early spring until the first severe frost; the flowering period is very long.

Containment temperature

In spring, summer and autumn, delosperma is kept at normal room temperature. In winter, it is necessary to give the plant a rest period for more abundant flowering and place it in a cool room with a temperature of about 12 ° C. Some species can withstand frosts down to -17 ° C.

Lighting

Succulents prefer a brightly lit location, but if exposed to direct sunlight during the day, the leaves may take on a red tint.

Soil for growing in a pot

The main requirement of delosperma is excellent drainage. For the rest, nutritious loose soil with a fairly high organic content is suitable. 

Fertilizer

During the growing season, feed twice a month with liquid fertilizers. In the fall, stop feeding and resume fertilizing in the spring.

Spraying

Spray occasionally during warmer months. Keep dry in winter. Imagine a place where the bush will receive sufficient air movement without cold drafts.

Irrigation

Water sparingly during the growing season. Plants tolerate heat and drought well. In winter, reduce watering even more. 

Transplant

Transplantation is carried out in spring, before the formation of buds.

Reproduction

It reproduces well by seeds and stem cuttings. The cut site should be dried before planting.

Pests and diseases

If waterlogging and stagnation of water occur at the roots of delosperma, rotting is possible. With an excess of nutrients, the bushes abundantly grow green mass to the detriment of flowering. When grown in partial shade, the stems stretch out, the plant produces fewer flowers and looks sloppy.

Among the harmful insects that can attack the flower are spider mites, aphids and mealybugs.

Purpose

Often used in landscaping balconies and loggias. 

Note

With good care, delosperms live indoors for up to 20 years. 

Varieties:

Delosperma cooperi

The most common and hardy subspecies, with age it forms a dense grassy mat. It has lodging stems and green, fleshy, sessile leaves located opposite. The main attractiveness of the plant is its flowering - when bright pink buds can almost completely hide the plant. The flowers resemble chamomile - they have long thin petals. Flowering is long, the plant grows only 15 cm in height.

Delosperma stardust

A fast-growing evergreen succulent up to 15 cm high. The leaves are thick, grayish green, and with the onset of autumn they can acquire a burgundy tint. The flowers are purple with a white center and yellow stamens, reaching 5 cm in diameter. Flowering is very abundant and long-lasting - can last from spring to mid-autumn. 

Delosperma "Jewel of Desert Amethyst"

Perhaps the brightest subspecies, with beautiful pink flowers that densely cover the plant during the flowering period. The flowers have many long, thin petals and the center is usually white. The leaves and stems are silvery gray or dark green, contrasting well with the flowers. The variety has a very long flowering period. Does not exceed 15 cm in height. 

Delosperma congestum

A perennial plant with lodging stems and light green succulent leaves. During the flowering period, it decorates itself with yellow flowers reminiscent of dandelions. The flowers may have a white center or be pure yellow. 

Delosperma tradescantioides

As the name suggests, the plant resembles Tradescantia in appearance. This subspecies does not surprise with lush and bright flowering; it is distinguished by green, flat, oblong-lanceolate leaves. The flowers are white with a yellow center, solitary. 

Delosperma Echinatum

A very beautiful subspecies, the main distinguishing feature of which is the presence of hard spines on the stems and hard bristles on the leaves. The bristles can cover the plant so densely that from a distance it appears silvery-gray. The flowers are light yellow, solitary, appearing at the tops of the shoots. It reaches a height of 30 - 40 cm. 

Delosperma "Fire Spinner"

A ground cover succulent with very bright and large flowers, each of which is colored in several tones. In the very center there are bright yellow stamens, followed by a white stripe, smoothly turning into a pinkish-purple circle. This is followed by a darker, almost burgundy ring and the tips of the petals are colored orange. Flowering is very abundant. The leaves are green or emerald green. 

Delosperma Sutherlandii

Evergreen perennial succulent, reaching a height of 20 cm, develops slowly. The leaves are green, simple, sessile, arranged oppositely. The flowers are single, pink or lilac.