Mesembryanthemum 'Crystal' - Heartleaf Ice Plant
Product details
| Management number | 250425245 | Release Date | 2026/09/17 | List Price | US$3.20 | Model Number | 250425245 | ||
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- Description
- Mesembryanthemum 'Crystal' - Heartleaf Ice Plant Care Guide
- FAQ/Common Issues
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Mesembryanthemum 'Crystal', also called Heartleaf Ice Plant, is a trailing succulent native to South Africa, where it grows across rocky coastal slopes and dry, sun-baked terrain. It belongs to the family Aizoaceae and produces small, fleshy leaves along cascading stems that spill over the edges of containers and hanging baskets.
The leaves of 'Crystal' are small, heart-shaped, and covered in tiny crystalline cells that catch the light and give the foliage a frosted, sparkling appearance. Stems trail outward and downward, making it a natural fit for hanging baskets and elevated shelves. In full sun, the leaf edges can take on a reddish tint against the green base.
'Crystal' produces small daisy-like flowers in bright magenta-pink, typically appearing in spring and summer when given enough direct light. Each bloom opens fully in sunlight and closes at night or on overcast days. A slight drop in nighttime temperature can encourage more consistent flowering.
Move it outside for the summer months, where it handles balcony wind and intermittent rain without trouble. It is pet-friendly, so cats and dogs can share the space safely. 'Crystal' does produce pollen and can be a mild allergen source during bloom season. It wilts slightly when dry, and you can leave it up to ten days without water. The plant has a history of edible and medicinal use in its native range.
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Mesembryanthemum 'Crystal' - Heartleaf Ice Plant grows best in direct sun or very bright light, ideally four or more hours daily.
Water it every ten to fourteen days, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
'Crystal' does best in a fast-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite for extra drainage.
It prefers temperatures between 60°F and 85°F and tolerates dry heated indoor air, but keep it away from AC or heating vents.
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'Crystal' is a fast-growing trailing succulent; feed it with a diluted balanced fertilizer once a month during spring and summer.
It is hardy in USDA zones 9 through 11, tolerating outdoor conditions down to around 25°F to 30°F. It grows outdoors year-round in California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Florida, Hawaii, and along the Gulf Coast states. It also performs well as a seasonal outdoor plant across the broader southern United States during frost-free months.
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Q: How much light does Mesembryanthemum 'Crystal' - Heartleaf Ice Plant need indoors?
A: A south- or west-facing window is ideal. Without enough direct sun, the stems tend to stretch and the foliage loses its frosted appearance.
Q: How do I know when it needs water?
A: Mesembryanthemum 'Crystal' - Heartleaf Ice Plant wilts slightly and the leaves feel softer or slightly shriveled when the soil has been dry too long. Overwatering causes mushy stems and root rot far faster than underwatering.
Q: Can 'Crystal' be propagated at home?
A: Stem cuttings root easily. Snip a healthy stem just below a node, let the cut end dry for a day or two, then set it into dry succulent mix and water lightly after a week.
Q: Is this plant safe for cats and dogs?
A: 'Crystal' is non-toxic and pet-friendly for both cats and dogs.
Q: Does Heartleaf Ice Plant need to be rotated?
A: Rotating it a quarter turn every week or two keeps growth even on all sides, since stems on the side facing away from the light tend to stretch toward the source.
Q: How big does Heartleaf Ice Plant get?
A: Heartleaf Ice Plant produces trailing stems that can reach twelve to twenty-four inches in length over a single growing season, while the plant itself stays relatively compact in its pot.
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Succulent
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