How to Grow a Bush Ice Plant
The bush ice plant, also known as Lampranthus aurantiacus, is a vigorous succulent ground cover that grows 12 to 18 inches high. It grows best in zones nine and 10, which is the western and southernmost regions of the United States, and is known for being extremely drought tolerant. The bush ice plant retains water, and according to Southern Oregon State College it is even used to reduce fire hazard in particularly dry places. Growing the bush ice plant is not difficult as long as you are in the correct region and know how to establish the plant. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Plant the bush ice plant seeds or cuttings 12 to 18 inches apart in an area with full sun and fast draining, dry soil. The plant does well as a filler around plants that need little water or on slopes of 30 degrees or less.
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Water the plant, doing so slowly and allowing the soil to dry in between watering. Once it is established it only needs occasional watering in the summer to stay vigorous.
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Prune any dead or diseased branches and also branches that are top-heavy. Remove any branches that seem out of place.
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Tips & Warnings
The bush ice plant does not respond well to foot traffic. Avoid walking on the plant to keep it healthy.
The plant needs little or no fertilizer to thrive. If necessary, use a cactus fertilizer and sprinkle it around the base of the plant. Do not over-fertilize.
