Scientific Name
Mesembryanthemum cordifolium L.fil.
Common Name(s)
Baby Sun Rose, Heartleaf Iceplant, Red Aptenia
Synonym(s)
Aptenia cordifolia, Litocarpus cordifolius, Ludolfia cordifolius, Mesembryanthemum tetrasepalum, Tetracoilanthus cordifolius
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Mesembryanthemoideae
Genus: Mesembryanthemum
Etymology
The specific epithet "cordifolium (kor-di-FOH-lee-um)" means "having heart-shaped leaves" and refers to the usually hear-shaped leaves of this species.
Origin
Mesembryanthemum cordifolium is native to South Africa (Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal).
Description
Mesembryanthemum cordifolium, formerly known as Aptenia cordifolia, is a mat-forming succulent with many branching stems growing from a woody base. The branches are fleshy, 4-angled or rounded and can grow up to 24 inches (60 cm) long. The leaves are juicy, bright green, flat, heart- to oval-shaped, and can measure up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long.
The flowers are bright pink to purplish, appear in the leaf axils, and are open during the day. The fruits are capsules that can grow up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long and contain brown tuberose seeds.
Perhaps the most common plant seen under this name is Mesembryanthemum 'Red Apple', a hybrid with red flowers and bright green leaves, whose parents are Mesembryanthemum cordifolia and Mesembryanthemum haeckelianum.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 8a to 10b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Water your Aptenia only when the soil is completely dry, then provide enough to drench the soil to a depth of about 6 inches (15 cm). To check for dryness, poke your finger into the soil. Never water if the soil feels damp or cool, as Aptenia, like all succulents, is prone to rot in soggy, waterlogged soil. Water Aptenia lightly during the winter if the leaves begin to look shriveled. Provide only enough water to moisten the soil as the plant deteriorates quickly in cool, damp soil.
Withhold fertilizer isn't needed and often results in a weak, floppy plant. Trim the plant as needed throughout the growing season, using pruners or garden shears to keep the plant tidy. Pot the plant and bring it indoors for the winter when nighttime temperatures drop below 50 °F (10 °C).
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aptenia.
Forms, Cultivars, and Hybrids
Links
- Back to genus Mesembryanthemum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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