The Mezoo plant, often marketed as Ice Plant or Trailing Ice Plant, is a vibrant and easy-to-manage houseplant (Dorotheanthus bellidiformis ‘Mezoo Trailing Red’ or Aptenia cordifolia). It is prized for its long, cascading stems adorned with thick, variegated, semi-succulent leaves featuring creamy-white edges and a bright green center. Its trailing habit makes it a perfect choice for indoor hanging baskets or containers where the foliage can spill over the edges. Though it shares characteristics with true succulents, Mezoo is a low-maintenance choice for beginners.
Setting Up the Indoor Growing Environment
Proper initial setup is essential for the long-term health of your Mezoo plant, beginning with its location. The plant thrives in bright, indirect light, which is generally best achieved near an east or south-facing window. While it can tolerate some direct sun, particularly morning sun, too much intense, unfiltered afternoon light can scorch the foliage. If a naturally bright spot is unavailable, a supplemental grow light can be used to ensure adequate light exposure.
The correct planting medium is important for this semi-succulent, as it prevents root rot. Select a container that has at least one drainage hole at the bottom for water to escape after deep watering. The soil must be well-draining; a pre-mixed succulent or cactus potting blend is ideal. If using standard potting soil, amend it with materials like perlite or coarse sand to improve porosity and ensure rapid water runoff.
Watering and Feeding Requirements
Mastering the watering schedule requires balancing the Mezoo’s semi-succulent nature with its preference for somewhat regular moisture. Use the “soak and dry” method: thoroughly drench the soil until water flows freely from the drainage holes, then allow the top 50 to 75 percent of the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Check the soil moisture by inserting your finger a couple of inches down or by using a moisture meter. Slight wrinkling of the leaves indicates the plant is thirsty.
Overwatering is the primary cause of decline, as persistently wet soil deprives the roots of oxygen and leads to fungal growth. Watering frequency must decrease during the cooler winter months when the plant’s growth slows down.
Fertilization should only be applied during the active growing season, which typically runs from spring through early fall. A light, occasional application of fertilizer is sufficient to support growth and flowering. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half or quarter strength, applying it once per month during the spring and summer. Fertilizer lower in nitrogen and higher in potassium can encourage more blooms rather than excessive leaf growth.
Long-Term Maintenance and Propagation
Regular maintenance helps shape the Mezoo plant and encourages a fuller appearance. Pruning manages the trailing length or encourages new growth at the base. Pinching back the tips of the stems stimulates branching, resulting in a denser, bushier plant rather than long, sparse trailers. Insufficient light may cause “leggy” growth, where stems become stretched with significant space between the leaves.
Leggy sections will not return to a compact form, so prune these back to a leaf node to encourage healthier regrowth. The removed stem segments can be used immediately for propagation. To create new plants, take stem cuttings three to five inches long and remove the leaves from the bottom inch of the stem.
Allowing the cut end to dry out for a day or two until a small callus forms will reduce the risk of rot when planting. The cuttings can then be inserted directly into moist, well-draining soil, and they will typically develop roots quickly without the need for rooting hormone. Keeping the soil lightly moist during the rooting phase will help the new plants establish themselves rapidly.