Delosperma bosseranum WHITE ICE PLANT (plant)

White Ice Plant, also known as Delosperma bosseranum in Latin, is a caudiciform succulent plant from the Aizoaceae family.
This small perennial reaches 5 to 10 cm in height and is native to South Africa and more specifically Madagascar.

Its branches are creeping or ascending, tending to spread and form mats, which makes it an ideal plant for rock gardens or as a groundcover.
The leaves are succulent thick and juicy allowing them to retain moisture. They are arranged oppositely or in rosettes along the stems.

The flowers are white, star-shaped, and very attractive, often featuring long, thin petals.
They bloom in summer, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. The flowers open in full sun and close during cloudy weather or at night.

Delosperma bosseranum seeds are yellow, tiny, round, and measure less than one millimeter in diameter.

- Uses:

The Jewel of Dry Gardens

This plant is a champion of resilience. Perfect as ground cover, its rapid growth and fleshy foliage, capable of storing water, make it a top choice for challenging areas.
In rock gardens or arid spaces, it establishes itself permanently while requiring minimal irrigation.
It is the ultimate aesthetic and ecological solution for greening dry zones without the need for high maintenance.

A Fascinating Botanical Spectacle

Beyond its role as ground cover, this plant offers a rare mechanical curiosity. Thanks to a fascinating hygroscopic mechanism, its fruits open visibly the moment they come into contact with water (rain or irrigation).
It is a spectacular visual phenomenon that turns watering into a moment of special observation a major asset for educational gardens or terraces looking to surprise.

Expert Advice

For optimal coverage, plant in full sun in well-drained soil, ideally rocky or sandy. Its ability to retain moisture makes it self-sufficient once well-rooted.
To maximise the spectacular effect of its fruits, place it along pathways: the opening of the capsules after a shower will delight everyone, making your garden an interactive and lively space.

- Culture and Planting:

• Plant the White Ice Plant in a 1-liter pot.
• Use a mix of sand and well-draining potting soil with clay pebbles at the bottom of the pot.
• It can also be grown in the ground in mild climates.
• Water lightly immediately after planting.
• Place it in a very bright location.
• It should be cultivated similarly to a cactus.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

It grows in sandy soil composed of 50% sand and 50% fine horticultural potting soil. Ensure the bottom of the pot is well-drained.

- Irrigation / Humidity:

This white-flowering ice plant does not need to be watered in winter. However, water it well in summer, about once a week if it is very hot.

- Exposure / Light:

This succulent requires plenty of bright light; it should be placed in full sun, or partial shade if kept in a pot.

- Temperatures / Hardiness:

It grows very well in temperatures ranging from 20 to 45°C. It is non-hardy and will not survive winter temperatures that are too low.

- Multiplication / Reproduction:

While propagation by seed is possible, it is easier to reproduce via leaf or stem cuttings.
To do this, simply cut a shoot slightly above the ground and let the cutting air-dry for a few hours. Then, plant the cutting in a light, well-drained soil mix. Keep the soil slightly moist until roots develop.

This article was written by Julien on 07/17/2026.