Lampranthus spectabilis
Lampranthus spectabilis · Aizoaceae
📷 Dalgial · CC BY 3.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around lampranthus spectabilis and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Showy Iceplant
- Family
- Aizoaceae
- Type
- Succulent plant
- Foliage
- Evergreen, fleshy and linear
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (April-July)
- Adult size
- 20-30 cm tall, spreading habit
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Tender (tolerates light frosts)
- Origin
- South Africa
Care
Watering
Water moderately during the growing season (spring-summer), allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. In autumn-winter, reduce watering significantly as the plant enters dormancy. Avoid excess moisture, which promotes root rot.
Light
Place Lampranthus spectabilis in full sun, at least 6 hours daily, ideally more. Excellent bright light intensifies flower colours and promotes abundant blooming. In shade, the plant becomes leggy and flowers poorly.
Soil
Use very well-draining substrate, composed of cactus/succulent potting mix, coarse sand and small gravel. Good drainage is essential to prevent water logging. A moderate amount of organic matter can slightly enrich the mixture.
Pruning and deadheading
Pinch young stems regularly to encourage a compact, bushy habit. After flowering, remove spent flowers. Trim lightly if the plant becomes too spreading, in late winter, before growth resumes.
Fertiliser
Apply diluted succulent plant fertiliser once or twice during the growing season (spring-summer). Choose a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertiliser to promote flowering. Do not fertilise in autumn-winter.
Diseases and pests
Watch for root rot in case of excess moisture. Monitor for spider mites and mealybugs, especially indoors or in hot, dry conditions. Ensure good air circulation and check foliage hygiene to prevent problems.
Did you know?
Lampranthus spectabilis is native to the Western Cape in South Africa, a region renowned worldwide for its exceptional biodiversity. Its striking flowers, sometimes pink, mauve or orange, open fully in the sun following a fascinating heliotropic phenomenon. It ranks among the pioneering plants used to decorate green roofs and vegetated walls in Mediterranean climates, thanks to its frugality and remarkable resilience to drought.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring, once all risk of frost has gone. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: from April to June.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Hottentot figCarpobrotus edulis
- Ruschia lineolataRuschia lineolata
- Pink trailing iceplantDelosperma cooperi
- Sea purslaneSesuvium portulacastrum
- Crystalline ice plantMesembryanthemum crystallinum
- New Zealand spinachTetragonia tetragonoides
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.