How to Transplant an Ice Plant

Ice plants can be safely transplanted in fall or early spring.

Ice plant (Delosperma cooperi) is a carefree, easy-maintenance succulent that will delight you with its glistening green leaves and masses of neon purple flowers that will bloom all summer and into fall. If you've decided that your ice plant needs a new home, the plant isn't difficult to transplant. For best results, transplant an ice plant on a cool, overcast day after the plant is finished blooming in autumn. Alternatively, transplant an ice plant before new growth appears in spring.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel Mulch

Instructions

1. Select a new planting spot ahead of time. Choose a spot in full sunlight or partial shade. Be sure the soil drains well because ice plant is a succulent and will rot in wet soil.

2. Use a shovel to dig the entire ice plant along with a large shovelful of soil. Dig a hole in the new planting spot. The hole should be only as deep as the ice plant's root ball, but at least twice as wide.

3. Place the ice plant, along with the attached soil, carefully in the hole. The top of the root ball should be at the same soil level it was planted at previously. If necessary, adjust the bottom of the hole to bring the plant to the proper level.

4. Water the plant thoroughly immediately after planting and keep the soil slightly moist for the first two weeks. After that time, revert to the usual watering schedule.

5. Place 3 inches of mulch around the ice plant if you're transplanting the plant in autumn. Use an organic mulch such as straw or leaves, which will keep the roots warm during the winter.

Tips & Warnings

• If you choose to transplant during the fall, be sure to transplant at least a month before the ground freezes so the roots will have time to establish. Ice plants will benefit from being divided every three or four years, and this can easily be done at transplanting time. Just dig the clump and pull the roots apart carefully with your fingers. Be sure each section has several healthy roots. Plant and water immediately.

References

• Utah State University: Fall's A Good Time To Move Perennials
• NC State University: Scientific Name Delosperma cooperi