If you want to move your ice plant to a new spot, the process is quite simple. This guide will show you exactly how to transplant ice plant with success, ensuring your succulent groundcover thrives in its new home.
Ice plants (Delosperma, Lampranthus) are tough, drought-tolerant plants known for their vibrant, daisy-like flowers. They spread quickly, and sometimes you need to move them to control their growth or give them more sun. The good news is, they handle transplanting well if you do it at the right time and with a little care.
How to Transplant Ice Plant
This main section covers the complete transplant process from start to finish. Following these steps will give your ice plant the best chance to settle in quickly and continue growing strong.
When is the Best Time to Transplant?
Timing is crucial for minimizing stress on the plant. The ideal periods are:
- Early Spring: Just as new growth begins. This gives the plant a full season to establish.
- Early Fall: When temperatures are cooler but the soil is still warm. Avoid transplanting in the heat of summer or the freezing cold of winter.
Aim for a cloudy day or do the work in the late afternoon. This prevents the freshly moved plant from getting scorched by the sun.
What You’ll Need
Gathering your tools beforehand makes everything smoother. You’ll need:
- A garden trowel or small shovel
- Sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears
- A watering can or hose
- Well-draining potting mix (cactus/succulent blend is perfect)
- Your chosen new planting site or a new container with drainage holes
Step-by-Step Transplanting Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the New Location
Always start by getting the new home ready. This limits the time the plant’s roots are exposed. Dig a hole that’s about twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball you expect to dig up. Mix some of your well-draining soil into the native soil at the bottom of the hole, especially if your garden soil is heavy clay.
Step 2: Water the Ice Plant
Give the ice plant a good drink a day before you plan to move it. Moist soil will hold together better around the roots, making it easier to lift out as a cohesive clump. It also ensures the plant is hydrated before the move.
Step 3: Dig Up the Plant
Use your trowel to dig a circle around the plant, staying a few inches away from the outer stems. Gently work the tool underneath the root ball. Ice plants have shallow, fibrous roots, so you don’t usually need to dig very deep. Try to lift the entire section out in one piece.
Step 4: Divide if Desired (Optional)
This is a great chance to make more plants! If your ice plant clump is large, you can gently pull it apart into smaller sections with your hands. Each new piece should have some healthy roots and stems attached. If the roots are tangled, you can carefully cut through them with your shears.
Step 5: Place in the New Hole
Set the ice plant into the prepared hole. The top of the root ball should be level with the surrounding soil surface. Don’t plant it too deep, as this can cause stem rot. If you’re putting it in a pot, fill the container partway with soil first, then place the plant inside.
Step 6: Backfill and Water
Fill in the space around the roots with your soil mix. Gently firm the soil down to remove any large air pockets. Then, water it thoroughly. This helps the soil settle and makes good contact with the roots. It’s a key step that people sometimes forget.
Step 7: Initial Aftercare
For the first week or two, keep the soil slightly more moist than usual (but never soggy) to encourage new root growth. After that, you can return to a deep, infrequent watering schedule. Hold off on fertilizer for at least a month to avoid burning the tender new roots.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Transplanting in Extreme Weather: High heat or frost will shock the plant.
- Using Poorly Draining Soil: Ice plants hate “wet feet” and will rot in heavy, waterlogged soil.
- Overwatering Afterward: While they need initial moisture, too much water is a fast track to problems.
- Not Watering Enough Initially: The opposite problem can also stress the plant as it tries to establish.
Post-Transplant Care Tips
Once established, ice plant care is simple. They need full sun for the best flowering. Water only when the soil is completely dry. In most climates, rainfall is often enough. They rarely need fertilizer; a light feeding in spring with a balanced, diluted formula is plenty. In winter, protect them from excessive wetness.
Pruning is easy. You can trim them back lightly after their main bloom to encourage a tidier shape. They are generally pest-free, which is one of there many benefits for gardeners.
FAQ Section
Can you transplant ice plant in summer?
It’s not recommended. The intense heat and sun put too much stress on the plant while its roots are compromised. If you must, do it on a very cloudy day and provide temporary shade.
How do you replant ice plant cuttings?
Ice plants propagate easily from cuttings. Simply snip a healthy stem, let the end dry for a day, then plant it in well-draining soil. Water lightly until roots develop.
Do ice plants have deep roots?
No, they have shallow, spreading root systems. This makes them excellent for ground cover and also makes digging them up relatively straightforward.
Why is my transplanted ice plant dying?
The most common causes are overwatering after the move, planting in soil that doesn’t drain, or transplant shock from moving in bad weather. Check your soil moisture and ensure the plant gets appropriate light.
How often should you water after transplanting?
Water right after planting, then check the soil every couple days. When the top inch feels dry, water it again. After about two weeks, you can gradually extend the time between waterings.
Transplanting ice plant is a simple task that can help you manage your garden’s layout and create more of these colorful plants. By choosing the right time, handling the roots gently, and providing proper aftercare, you’ll enjoy their brilliant blooms for seasons to come. Remember, the key is good drainage and plenty of sunshine.