Why is My Ice Plant Dying? A Comprehensive Guide

The vibrant, succulent ground cover known as ice plant (Delosperma or Lampranthus) is a popular choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, drought-tolerant color. However, even these hardy plants can succumb to various issues. The most common reason an ice plant is dying is root rot due to overwatering. This occurs because ice plants, native to arid climates, prefer dry conditions and well-draining soil. Soggy soil deprives the roots of oxygen, leading to decay and ultimately affecting the entire plant. In addition to overwatering, factors such as fungal diseases, unsuitable climate, and even sometimes underwatering can contribute to an ailing ice plant.

Identifying the Problem

Before attempting to revive your dying ice plant, it’s crucial to accurately diagnose the cause of its decline. Here are some key signs to look out for:

Symptoms of Overwatering

• Withered foliage: The leaves and stems appear shriveled, losing their plump, healthy appearance.
• Yellowing leaves: Leaves turn yellow, often starting at the base of the plant, indicating a lack of nutrient absorption due to root damage.
• Soft, mushy stems: Stems may become soft and mushy, especially near the base, a sign of root rot extending upwards.
• Black, rotten roots: If you gently remove the plant from the soil, you might see dark, slimy, and rotting roots.

Symptoms of Underwatering

• Shriveled, dry leaves: Leaves become thin, brittle, and dry.
• Stunted growth: The plant may stop growing or show signs of very slow growth.
• Dry soil: The soil will feel bone-dry to the touch, even several inches below the surface.

Other Potential Issues

• Fungal infections: Specifically, the fungal disease Phytophthora can cause root rot in red apple ice plants if overwatered. This infection causes the plant to appear drought-stricken, despite excess moisture.
• Climate Incompatibility: Ice plants are most reliably perennial in the drier, less humid climates of the western US. In colder, wetter zones like 4 and 5 (e.g., Madison, Chicago, and Cincinnati), they may act as annuals. They thrive in zones 6-8 (e.g., the Appalachian mountains and Eastern Seaboard).
• Lack of sunlight: Ice plants need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to bloom profusely. Insufficient light can weaken the plant.
• Poor soil drainage: Dense, clay-heavy soil that retains water can quickly lead to root rot.
• Nutrient deficiency: While ice plants don’t need rich soil, nutrient-poor conditions can hinder growth and overall health.

How to Revive a Dying Ice Plant

Once you’ve identified the cause, you can take steps to revive your ice plant. Here are some general steps, with specific solutions for common problems:

Addressing Overwatering

1. Remove from pot: Carefully dig up the plant, removing any excess soil from the roots.
2. Inspect the roots: Trim away any brown or black, mushy roots with a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. These roots are already rotten and will not recover.
3. Air dry the roots: Place the plant on a mesh surface or strainer, allowing the roots to air dry for two to three days. This helps to prevent further rot.
4. Repot in fresh, well-draining soil: Use a sandy soil mixture that promotes drainage.
5. Water sparingly: After repotting, water lightly and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Addressing Underwatering

1. Remove damaged foliage and roots: Inspect the plant for dead, dried out leaves and any dead roots. Prune any dead sections.
2. Allow the cutting to callus: Let the root end sit in a dry location for a few hours so the cut ends can callus over.
3. Place the succulent in water: Place the root end in water and wait to see if it will start to regrow.
4. Repot in fresh soil: Once new growth has begun repot in new potting soil, and resume normal watering practices.

General Revival Steps

• Provide ample sunlight: Ensure your ice plant is located in a spot that receives plenty of direct sunlight.
• Ensure good drainage: Repot the ice plant into well-draining soil if needed, such as a sandier soil mix.
• Don’t over-fertilize: Ice plants generally do not need rich soil or regular fertilization. If the soil is very nutrient poor, use a slow-release fertilizer sparingly or add compost to help.
• Deadhead sparingly: Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, generally has little effect on more blooming, so only do this as needed for the plant’s appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ice Plants

1. Can an overwatered ice plant come back?

Yes, an overwatered ice plant can often recover if you act quickly. Remove the plant from soggy soil, trim rotted roots, allow the roots to air dry, and replant it in well-draining soil.

2. How often should I water my ice plant?

Water newly planted ice plants every 2-3 days for the first two weeks, then water every week or two through the first winter. Once established, water only when rainfall is scarce and the top few inches of soil are dry.

3. Why is my red apple ice plant dying?

Red apple ice plants are particularly susceptible to Phytophthora, a fungal disease that causes root rot when they are overwatered. If your red apple ice plant appears drought-stricken despite regular watering, suspect root rot.

4. Is ice plant invasive?

Yes, ice plant can spread rapidly and is considered invasive in coastal California. It can form thick mats that choke out native plants and alter soil composition.

5. Can ice plant grow in pots?

Yes, ice plants do well in pots as long as they get plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil. Water when the top few inches of soil are dry.

6. How much sun do ice plants need?

Ice plants require a sunny spot with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun a day.

7. What type of soil is best for ice plants?

Ice plants thrive in well-draining, sandy soil. Avoid heavy, clay-based soils that retain water.

8. How do I revive a dying succulent?

To revive a succulent dying from underwatering, remove damaged foliage and roots, let the cut ends callus over, place it in water until new growth occurs and then replant in fresh soil.

9. When should I repot my ice plant?

Repot your trailing ice plant after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first, to replenish soil nutrients.

10. Do ice plants multiply?

Yes, ice plants multiply rapidly, often doubling in size in the first year. This is one of the reasons they are good for erosion control.

11. What is the best fertilizer for ice plants?

Use a slow-release fertilizer if needed as ice plants require infrequent feeding. Alternatively, add some compost to the soil.

12. Can you walk on ice plants?

Yes, ice plants are fairly resilient and can withstand some foot traffic.

13. Is ice plant hard to grow?

No, ice plants are relatively easy to grow, thriving on neglect in sunny conditions with well-draining soil.

14. What does a diseased apple tree look like?

An apple tree infected with black rot will have brown spots on the ends of apples, which grow larger, turn black, and rot. You may also see holes in the leaves.

15. Do coffee grounds help plants?

Yes, coffee grounds contain nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium that plants need. They are a good addition to compost. However, avoid using coffee grounds with your succulents or ice plants.