Ice plants, commonly belonging to genera like Delosperma or Carpobrotus, are popular succulents known for their fleshy foliage and vibrant, daisy-like blooms. These South African natives are resilient and thrive in dry, warm conditions, making them excellent groundcovers or container plants. Propagating new plants from stem cuttings is the most straightforward and highly successful method for multiplying your stock, creating plants genetically identical to the parent.
Essential Preparation and Timing
The ideal time to take ice plant cuttings is during the active growing season, typically from late spring through early summer, when the plant is putting out new, vigorous growth. Cuttings can also be successfully taken almost any time of year if the parent plant is actively growing indoors.
You will require a clean, sharp cutting tool, such as a razor blade, knife, or small shears, sterilized with rubbing alcohol to prevent pathogen transfer. The growing medium must be exceptionally well-draining to prevent rot, a major concern for succulents. Use a specialized cactus or succulent potting mix, or amend standard potting soil with sand, perlite, or gravel for necessary drainage. Commercial rooting hormone powder can be used to accelerate root development, though it is not strictly necessary.
Harvesting and Processing the Cuttings
Select a healthy, non-flowering stem from the parent plant to increase the likelihood of successful rooting. Take the cutting from the tip of the stem, aiming for a length of approximately two to three inches. Making a clean cut with a sterilized tool helps the plant heal quickly and reduces the entry point for pathogens.
Prepare the stem for planting by removing the leaves from the bottom one to two inches. This prevents fleshy leaves from being buried in the soil, where they would decompose and cause the stem to rot. The most important step is the callousing period, which allows the moist wound to dry out and form a protective seal. This drying process takes one to three days; leave the cuttings in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Setting the Cuttings in the Medium
Once the cut end has formed a dry, hardened layer, the cutting is ready for the rooting medium. Use shallow pots or containers with multiple drainage holes to facilitate aeration and prevent water logging. The prepared, well-draining soil mix should be slightly dry when the cuttings are inserted.
If using rooting hormone, dip the calloused end of the stem into the powder before planting. Insert the cutting into the soil just deep enough so the lowest remaining leaves rest above the soil line. Create a small hole first using a pencil or finger to prevent scraping off the calloused tip. Gently firm the soil around the stem to provide support and ensure good contact with the medium.
Root Development and Ongoing Care
Immediately following planting, place the cuttings in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight initially, as the cuttings lack roots to absorb enough water to withstand intense heat. The ideal temperature range for rooting is between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Withhold watering for several days after planting to minimize the risk of fungal infection. Thereafter, lightly moisten the soil once a week or every two weeks, allowing the medium to dry out completely between waterings. Root development typically begins within three to four weeks, confirmed by gently tugging the cutting to check for resistance. Once firmly rooted and showing new growth, the ice plant can be gradually acclimatized to full sun and treated as a mature plant.