Lampranthus is a succulent that grows as a subshrub. It is also called the ice plant because of the flowers that open at midday. The plant is not hardy and is therefore usually cultivated as an annual houseplant. However, it can be kept for several years if it is overwintered properly.
Midday flowers are usually kept as an annual
Lampranthus is not hardy
Lampranthus is one of the succulents that cannot tolerate the cold. The pretty flowering plant is therefore usually cultivated as a houseplant in a pot. In summer you are welcome to take them outside. However, since it is not hardy, you must bring it into the house in good time before the cold season sets in. The flowering period is usually over at this time.
Before you put the plant in the winter quarters, shorten the shoots. Lampranthus branches better then. More and more new flowers form on the new shoots, which sprout in the following year.
How to overwinter Lampranthus correctly
- Location not too warm
- ideally between 5 and 15 degrees
- very bright place
- water sparingly
- don't fertilize!
In winter, place Lampranthus in a cooler place that should be very bright. The temperatures are between 5 and 15 degrees. The flower window in the living room is not suitable for this. A bedroom window, a hallway window or a slightly heated entrance area is ideal.
It is important that the winter location offers as much light as possible. In a dark location there is an increased risk of pest infestation.
Water abundantly in summer
Unlike many other succulents, Lampranthus needs a lot of water during the growth phase. However, waterlogging must not occur. The ornamental plant is only fertilized every four weeks. During the winter, water very sparingly and stop fertilizing altogether.
Lampranthus is often attacked by aphids, especially in winter when the plant is overwintered indoors. Therefore, check them regularly for pests.
Propagating this pretty flowering plant is easy. Simply take a few cuttings after flowering. Let the interfaces dry and put the shoots in small pots with potting soil.
tips
Lampranthus needs a location that is as bright as possible. Only then does it develop its large abundance of flowers from July to September. Only a few flowers appear in the shade.