Growing ice plant in Arizona

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Ice plant is a succulent, like cactus, which just means that it stores a lot of water to help it through dry times. If you've ever driven around Los Angeles or San Diego, you've see a lot of ice plant by the freeways, and even down by the ocean. It doesn't require a lot of water and it is virtually maintenance-free (until it grows too well and you need to get rid of some).

Ice plants like humidity, but they don't like being overwatered. Here at The Tropical Paradise, I am experimenting with all types of ice plants. This fairly coarse-textured one I grew from cuttings that were given to me by a friend here in Phoenix. Once it gets growing, it's really happy. It does best in areas with a little shade, but not too much, and sun, but not too much. And they love being around the mister heads, as you can see in the photo. I've had this type in the ground for a couple of years, and while it grows well, and roots easily from cuttings, it's never flowered and its texture, as I mentioned, is a little too coarse for the rest of the garden. In the background, it's OK.


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