Description:


 Lampranthus aureus, is a neatly rounded, erect, small shrub that grows up to about 400 x 500 mm. ('Vygie' also refers to other colourful plants in the family Aizoaceae.) The leaves are paired, free or slightly fused at the base, dark green and grow to 50 mm. The most attractive aspect of the plant is its unbelievably bright orange flowers. The shiny orange flowers are borne singly or in clusters on short stalks, are 60 mm in diameter and appear from August. Yellow forms also occur. Flowers are followed by a woody fruit capsule that has five locules (locules are little compartments in which the seeds are borne)


  • Scientific Classification:


    • Scientific name:  Lampranthus aureus (L.) N.E.Br.
  • Common Names:  Golden Ice Plant, Orange Ice Plant
  • Synonyms: Mesembryanthemum aureum
  • Family:  Aizoaceae
  • Subfamily: Ruschioideae
  • Tribe: Ruschieae
  • Genus: Lampranthus

    How to Grow and Care:


    Soil and Planting

    Lampranthus thrive in well-drained, poor soils and are suitable for soils with a sandy or rocky texture, although they'll grow in almost any soil type. They tolerate exposure to salt and grow in coastal conditions. Plant rooted cuttings in spring after the possibility of frost has passed. Space the cuttings 6 to 24 inches apart for trailing species, using closer spacings for quicker coverage. Dig a hole just a little larger than the roots at the cutting's base. Put the roots in the hole, cover them with soil and tamp the soil firmly in place. For erect or mounding species, space them according to the mature dimensions for the particular species. For instance, "Orange Form" (Lampranthus aureus "Orange Form," USDA zones 9a through 11) grows 2 feet wide and tall, so space about 2 feet apart. "Pink Kaboom" (Lampranthus "Pink Kaboom," USDA zones 9a through 10b) is 2 feet tall by 3 feet wide.
    source:  deserthorizonnursery.com
     


  • Temperature:

    Ice plant adapts to a wide range of warm climates where winter frost is not a danger. In areas where temperatures drop below 36 degrees F, grow the plant indoors in a container to prevent cold damage. Temperatures in the range of 50 to 75 degrees F produce the best results, although ice plant will tolerate slightly higher or lower temperatures for short periods.




  • Watering and Fertilizing:

    Lampranthus requires very little supplemental watering after becoming established. A thorough soaking immediately after planting helps initiate new growth. After this initial application, water only during prolonged dry periods in summer, or whenever 2 weeks have passed without any natural rainfall. In winter, allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. Indoor plants benefit from watering once every 2 weeks throughout the year. Too much water results in crown or stem rot. Ice plant requires no supplemental fertilizing, as it flowers best in tough conditions.

    Propagation

    By cuttings: Cuttings are best done in summer. Take cuttings of shoot tips, 5-10cm long, strip the lower leaves and keep on a bench few a few hours for a protective skin to form over the cut. Then place cuttings into pots of damp sand or sandy soil and keep in a coldframe until roots are formed.  Cutting take easily with little care and attention. 

    By seed: Seeds can be sown anytime in light sandy soil. Sow on the surface of the soil and keep in the light at a temperature greater than 15°C. Seeds germinate in about 3 weeks. Pot on into sandy soil and out into a sunny part of the garden in well drained soil.


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