Mesembryanthemum crystallinum
Ice plant
Common names: Crystal ice plant, Midday flower
Photo: Yummifruitbat · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source
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Description
Ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum) is a succulent leafy vegetable native to South Africa. Its leaves are covered with tiny, glittering bubble cells that store water, giving the plant a dew‑like sheen. The flavor is salty‑fresh, reminiscent of a mix of spinach and lamb's lettuce. Botanically, it belongs to the family Aizoaceae and is closely related to other succulents. The species is highly tolerant of heat and drought, making it well suited for sunny, sandy containers where other leafy greens may wilt quickly.
Care instructions
Sow the plant from mid‑May (week 20) directly into the garden or bring it out in April onto a bright windowsill. Provide full sun and a lean, well‑draining soil; the plant does not tolerate wet or stagnant soil. Water sparingly, as ice plant copes well with long dry periods and excessive moisture reduces the formation of its characteristic bubble cells. Harvest leaves and shoot tips continuously from June through September; regular picking encourages bushy growth. Because the plant stores salt from the soil, a light compost addition at planting is usually sufficient.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, sandy, lean, dry
Feeding
Light feeder
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