Scientific Name
Aptenia cordifolia f. variegata
Accepted Scientific Name
Aptenia cordifolia (L. f.) Schwantes
Common Names
Variegated Baby Sun Rose, Variegated Heartleaf Ice Plant, Variegated Ice Plant
Synonyms
Aptenia cordifolia 'Variegata'
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Mesembryanthemoideae
Genus: Aptenia
Description
Aptenia cordifolia f. variegata is a lovely mat-forming succulent with smooth, green and cream variegated leaves and bright pink to purplish flowers. The leaves are heart-shaped and up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long. Flowers appear in summer and fall. Fruits are up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long capsules with brown tuberose seeds.
Photo via wikimedia.org
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 Aptenia only when the soil is completely dry and 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, which 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.
Origin
Aptenia cordifolia f. variegata is variegated form of Aptenia cordifolia.
Links
- Back to genus Aptenia
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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