Slender Ice Plant (Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum)

Slender Ice Plant

Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum

Delicate succulent with glistening foliage, a low-growing groundcover for arid gardens. Common name: slender ice plant.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Requires full sun for compact growth and consistent flowering; may become leggy in partial shade
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Watering Water deeply only when the top 2–3 cm of soil is completely dry; avoid prolonged soil moisture to prevent root rot
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Temperature Thrives in warm arid conditions; tolerates light frost down to 10°C but may suffer damage below 5°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Cylindrical, fleshy, glistening with light-reflecting bladder cells; bright to pale green
  • Flower: Small white to pale pink daisy-like blooms that open in full sun
  • Stem: Trailing succulent stems that root at nodes to spread horizontally
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Care Guide

Watering

Water when topsoil is fully dry; increase frequency during extreme heatwaves

Fertilization

Diluted balanced succulent feed once monthly. Use low-nitrogen fertilizer to avoid leggy, weak stems

Eggshell powder topdress:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; lightly mix into topsoil to add calcium without burning delicate roots
Pruning
  • Trim leggy stems in early spring to encourage compact, bushy growth
  • Remove spent flower heads to maintain a tidy appearance and direct energy to new growth
  • Thin overcrowded patches to improve airflow and reduce fungal disease risk
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No documented toxicity to cats

Humans: No known toxic effects on humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Groundcover for rock gardens, erosion control on sloped terrain, container accent plant