Mesembryanthemum cordifolium (Baby Sun Rose) Plant

Description

Mesembryanthemum cordifolium, commonly known as baby sun rose or heartleaf ice plant, is a fast-growing, low-lying succulent groundcover native to southern Africa. It is easily recognised by its fleshy, heart-shaped leaves and vibrant daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, or red that open in bright sunlight.

Long been valued by Zulu healers in southern Africa as an important medicinal plant, the leaves are traditionally infused to help relieve sore throats and excessive perspiration. The herb is also regarded as anxiolytic, and when applied externally it is used for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Notably, a black powder prepared from the plant is traditionally believed to possess protective, “magical” qualities and is used to guard against sorcery (Van Wyk & Gericke, 2000; Van Wyk et al., 1997). When prepared in a manner similar to Sceletium species, this widely cultivated ornamental plant has been found to produce effects comparable to Sceletium tortuosum, although with significantly lower potency.

When studied by Gaffney (2006), Mesembryanthemum cordifolium revealed the presence of the mesembrine-type of mesembrane alkaloids namely 4,5-dihydro-4’-O-methylsceletenone and 4’-O-methylsceletenone, as well as the non-mesembrane alkaloid hordenine. In a further analysis by Said and Ali et al (2021) several more alkaloids were detected in the root.

 

• Common Name.

Heart-Leaf Ice Plant

 

• Syn.

Aptenia cordifolia

 

• Specifications.

50mm Pot Size
Seed Grown Plant

 

Ideal Growing Conditions.

Mesembryanthemum cordifolium is a hardy plant which thrives in warm climates, prefers full sun, and is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it popular in gardens, hanging baskets, erosion control, and landscaping in dry or coastal areas. Mesembryanthemum cordifolium spreads quickly, forming dense mats that suppress weeds and provide year-round greenery, while requiring minimal maintenance.

Pruning: Remove dead growth

Pests and Diseases: Mesembryanthemum cordifolium is generally hardy, but may occasionally be affected by pests like scale. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap, Eco Oil or Neem Oil .

Soil: You need a high quality potting mix, not a pre-bagged product such as you find at Bunnings etc, try a landscaping place. However, as I am not local to you I still can’t say if they have good quality or not. You are looking for well composted pine bark and large particles. This ensures air flow to the roots and good drainage. When time to re-pot, select a pot one size up ONLY and ensure it has many holes for good drainage.

Fertiliser: We recommend and use Yates Nutricote Standard Black 270 Day Controlled Release Fertiliser however any good quality slow release fertiliser will do. We also stock an Australian Made liquid indoor fertiliser The Plant Runner Indoor Plant Food which is easy to use and odourless

 

 

We cannot send plants to Western Australia & Tasmania due to restrictions.

 

We strongly recommended to select Express Post shipping for all plant orders to minimise the transit time.

 

Interested in Mesembryanthemum cordifolium? Have a look at these

Sceletium tortuosum (Kanna) Plant

Mesembryanthemum cordifolium (Baby Sun Rose) Seeds

Sceletium emarcidum (Kougoed) Plant