Fire Spinner Ice Plant Delosperma Fire Spinner = 'P001s'
![ice plant [Fire Spinner]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b54d98722a.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
Delosperma Fire Spinner, commonly known as Fire Spinner Ice Plant, is a succulent perennial groundcover known for its vibrant and showy flowers. These flowers exhibit a dazzling wheel-like pattern, with the petals arranged in a circular shape around the center. Each petal flaunts a unique tricolored display—starting at the base with a hot magenta-pink, transitioning into an orange midsection, and finally leading to a white tip. The center of the flower is a contrasting, deep purplish hue that serves to accentuate the fiery tones of the petals. The foliage of the Fire Spinner Ice Plant forms a dense, mat-like spread of fleshy, apple-green leaves. The leaves are small and cylindrical with a succulent texture, which contributes to the plant's drought-tolerant nature. When not in bloom, the green foliage provides a lush, ground-hugging carpet that adds texture and interest to the landscape. The appearances of the flowers are most striking during the blooming season, typically in the late spring and early summer, when the plant becomes a kaleidoscope of color. The blooms open up under the warmth of the sun, creating a spectacular, eye-catching display. The contrasting colors and daisy-like form of the flowers together with the verdant green of the leaves make the Fire Spinner Ice Plant a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color to rock gardens, sunny borders, and any sunny, well-drained area where an infusion of vibrant hues is desired.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Aizoaceae.
Synonyms
Fire Spinner Ice Plant, Ice Plant.
Common names
Delosperma Fire Spinner = 'P001s'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Ice Plant (Delosperma Fire Spinner) is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, as with any plant material, individual sensitivities can vary, and consuming large amounts could potentially cause stomach irritation or discomfort. Typically, it is not associated with serious poisoning or severe consequences when ingested.
To pets
The Ice Plant (Delosperma Fire Spinner) is also generally regarded as safe and non-toxic for pets. It should not cause serious harm to cats, dogs, or other household animals if ingested in small quantities. However, pets with specific sensitivities may experience mild gastrointestinal upset. Serious cases of poisoning from this plant are uncommon.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
0.2 feet (5-10 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Succulent
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the Ice Plant is highly drought tolerant, requiring minimal water which makes it ideal for xeriscaping and arid climates.
- Ground Cover: Spreads quickly to form a vibrant, dense mat, which suppresses weeds and reduces soil erosion.
- Low Maintenance: Needs very little care once established, with no need for regular fertilization or pruning.
- Cold Hardy: Can withstand temperatures down to USDA zone 5, making it suitable for a range of climates.
- Attracts Pollinators: The bright, iridescent flowers attract bees and butterflies, supporting pollinator populations.
- Colorful Bloom: Offers a spectacular show of colors when in bloom, with a combination of orange, pink, and purple hues.
- Fast-growing: It establishes rapidly, making it an excellent choice for quickly covering bare spots in the landscape.
- Heat Resistance: Thrives in hot, sunny locations where other plants might struggle, making it perfect for challenging sites.
- Soil Versatility: Adapts to a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-draining conditions.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides visual interest throughout the growing season, especially when in bloom.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Projects: The vibrant flowers of Delosperma Fire Spinner can be used as stunning natural subjects or colorful backdrops for macro photography, capturing the intricacies of its unique color patterns.
- Pressed Flower Art: Craft enthusiasts can press and dry the Delosperma Fire Spinner blooms to create botanical art pieces, such as framed arrangements or decorative bookmarks.
- Education and Science: Delosperma Fire Spinner can be utilized in educational settings to teach students about plant survival mechanisms, such as drought tolerance and succulent adaptations.
- Erosion Control: This plant’s ground-covering habit allows it to stabilize soil on slopes or areas prone to erosion, protecting the soil from the impact of raindrops and wind.
- Heat Island Mitigation: When planted in urban surroundings, the Delosperma Fire Spinner can help reduce the heat island effect by covering ground surfaces that would otherwise absorb and re-radiate heat.
- Theme Gardens: Delosperma Fire Spinner can be incorporated into various themed garden designs, such as a 'fire' themed garden due to its fiery colored blooms.
- Green Roofing: Delosperma Fire Spinner can be used in green roof installations to add color and diversity to rooftops while improving insulation and reducing stormwater runoff.
- Fairy and Miniature Gardens: This plant is suitable for creating a colorful landscape in miniature gardening scenarios, offering a delightful aesthetic for fanciful garden designs.
- Garden Borders: Using Delosperma Fire Spinner as a colorful, low-maintenance garden border can define garden paths or sections with its dense mat-like growth.
- Seasonal Decorations: The flowers and foliage can be incorporated as part of seasonal decorative displays during their blooming season, adding natural color to outdoor living spaces.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Fire Spinner Ice Plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Fire Spinner Ice Plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Vitality: Delosperma Fire Spinner, with its vibrant, fiery-colored flowers, represents the essence of life and energy.
- Endurance: This succulent plant symbolizes the ability to withstand challenging conditions and thrive, reflecting resilience and perseverance.
- Adaptability: Given its tolerance to drought and poor soils, the plant is often associated with flexibility and the capability to adapt to diverse environments.
- Enthusiasm: The eye-catching hues of the Fire Spinner's blooms signify excitement and a zest for life.
- Innovation: As a hybrid plant, Delosperma Fire Spinner represents creativity and the blending of ideas to create something new and beautiful.
WaterThe Ice Plant, commonly known as Fire Spinner, requires moderate watering, making sure to allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions. An ideal watering schedule could be once a week during the active growing season, adjusting based on temperature and rainfall; typically, this may be about one to two gallons depending on the size of the plant and the dryness of the soil. During winter or in cooler temperatures, reduce the frequency as the plant requires less water. It is crucial to avoid over-watering to prevent root rot, which this succulent is prone to if kept too wet.
LightIce Plants thrive best in full sunlight conditions, meaning they should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for an Ice Plant would be a south-facing location where it can bask in the sun's rays for most of the day. These plants are well suited for rock gardens, slopes, or any open area where they can receive ample sunlight without being shaded.
TemperatureIce Plants prefer temperatures between 40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit and can survive in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost. They excel in a climate that does not experience extreme cold, making them ideal for USDA hardiness zones 5 through 10. Maintaining temperatures within this range will help ensure the health and blooming of the plant.
PruningPruning the Ice Plant can help maintain its shape and encourage more blooms. Deadheading spent blooms throughout the flowering season can promote additional flowering. Trim back the plant in early spring to remove any winter-damaged foliage and to encourage bushier growth. Pruning is typically not frequent and is best done before the onset of new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilIce Plant or Fire Spinner requires well-draining soil with a gritty composition to prevent root rot. A mix of cactus potting soil with added sand or perlite is ideal. The soil pH preferred is slightly acidic to neutral, roughly between 6.0 and 7.5.
RepottingIce Plant, also known as Fire Spinner, doesn't require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its pot. Ensure to use a well-draining soil mix during repotting.
Humidity & MistingIce Plant, or Fire Spinner, is tolerant of dry air and thrives in low humidity environments. It does not require high humidity levels and can do very well in typical indoor humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Ice Plant in bright, direct light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Ice Plant in full sun and well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
5-10 USDA
Life cycleDelosperma Fire Spinner, commonly known as 'Ice Plant', begins its life cycle as a seed which germinates in warm soil conditions in the spring. Upon sprouting, it enters a vegetative stage, developing a fleshy, succulent groundcover form and establishing a deep root system to withstand drought. As it matures, the Ice Plant produces vivid, daisy-like flowers from late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into small seed capsules. Once the seeds mature, they are dispersed into the surrounding environment to start a new generation. The Ice Plant may enter a period of dormancy in colder seasons, especially in regions with frost, but will resume active growth and rebloom when favorable conditions return.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Delosperma Fire Spinner, also known as Ice Plant, is through cuttings. To propagate by cuttings, one should select a healthy stem and cut a piece that is 2 to 4 inches long (5 to 10 centimeters). It's best to take these cuttings during the plant's active growth period, which is typically in the spring or early summer. The cut end of the stem should be allowed to callous over for a couple of days before planting to prevent rot. The calloused cutting can then be placed in a well-draining soil mix, barely covering the bottom of the stem. Watering should be light until the cutting has established roots, which can be checked by a gentle tug on the cutting after a few weeks. Once rooted, regular care for Delosperma Fire Spinner can resume.
