Scientific Name
Mesembryanthemum haeckelianum A.Berger
Common Names
Yellow Sunrose, Dew Plant, Heartleaf Ice Plant, Heart Leaf Ice Plant
Synonyms
Aptenia haeckeliana, Mesembryanthemum elongatum, Peratetracoilanthus haeckelianus, Platythyra haeckeliana
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Mesembryanthemoideae
Genus: Mesembryanthemum
Description
Mesembryanthemum haeckelianum, also known as Aptenia haeckeliana, is a succulent perennial that grows flat on to the ground. It has 4-angled stems and flat, green leaves. The flowers are pale yellow and appear in spring and summer.
Photo via inaturalist.org
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 8a to 11b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Mesembs are mostly adapted to relatively predictable rainfall patterns rather than extreme drought and irregular rainfall. Total rainfall may be extremely low, but water is available at least seasonally or through fog and condensation. This leads to or allows plants which are not especially large and sometimes very small, and affects the way they need to be treated in cultivation.
The basics of care are very simple, with free-draining soil, plenty of sun and ventilation, and regular light watering in the right season. Yet the difficulties are endless, trying to adapt to the Mesembs' own adaptability and to follow their growth habits in your particular conditions.
These plants require a loam-based compost with the addition of extra drainage material such as horticultural grit or perlite. They all like good light conditions and plenty of ventilation.
Some are relatively cold-hardy and can even survive mild winters outside. Most will survive temperatures down to freezing point. There are some Mesembs which begin to grow in the fall as the temperature drops and the days get shorter.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.
Origin
Mesembryanthemum haeckelianum is native to South Africa. It occurs in karroid flats from Port Elizabeth to Alexandria.
Subspecies, Varieties, Forms, Cultivars and Hybrids
Links
- Back to genus Mesembryanthemum
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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