Mesembryanthemum forms a low, spreading carpet covered with brightly coloured, daisy-like flowers. Blooms may appear in pink, purple, red, orange, yellow, cream and white, often with contrasting centres. Its small succulent leaves have a naturally sparkling surface that looks especially attractive in sunlight.
Native to South Africa, this sun-loving annual grows well in pots, rock gardens, along pathways and near the front of flower beds. It performs best in dry, mild weather and well-draining soil, making it a colourful choice for Pakistan’s winter and spring gardens.
Why Grow It
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Bright Colours: Daisy-like flowers create a lively multicoloured display.
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Low Growing: Spreading plants form a neat covering near pot and bed edges.
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Sparkling Foliage: Succulent leaves have a naturally glistening appearance.
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Dryness Tolerant: Established plants handle short dry periods well.
Best Conditions
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Germination: Usually 7–14 days
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Temperature: Around 16–20°C
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Sunlight: At least 6 hours
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Pot size: An 8–10-inch-wide pot or larger
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Spacing: About 6–8 inches between plants
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Plant height: Usually around 3–6 inches
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Spread: Approximately 8–12 inches
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Soil: Light, sandy and sharply draining mix
In Lahore, Faisalabad, Islamabad and Rawalpindi, sow from October to November, or again from late January to February. In hotter areas such as Karachi and southern Punjab, sow from October to December after the strongest summer heat has eased. In colder northern and hilly areas, sow from March to April after the risk of hard frost has passed.
How to Sow
Mesembryanthemum can be started in a seedling tray or directly in its final container.
- Fill the container with fine, moist and free-draining seed starter mix.
- Mix the tiny seeds with a little dry sand and scatter them thinly.
- Press the seeds gently against the surface without covering them.
- Mist carefully and keep the container bright and lightly moist.
- Thin or transplant established seedlings, leaving 6–8 inches between plants.
Plant Care
Keep young seedlings lightly moist without saturating the soil. Once established, allow the upper layer of the mix to dry before watering again. Its succulent growth stores some moisture and can rot quickly if the soil remains wet.
Mix only a small amount of Vermicompost into the soil before sowing. Mesembryanthemum does not need heavy feeding, and overly rich soil can encourage untidy growth. If aphids appear on tender stems, apply Neem Oil to the affected areas while avoiding open flowers.
Local Gardener Tips
- Use containers with clear drainage holes and no standing water.
- Give plants open sunlight for compact growth and better flowering.
- Shelter pots from prolonged rain during wet weather.
- Avoid heavy garden soil and excessive fertilizer.
Flowering
Plants usually begin flowering around 12–16 weeks after sowing. The colourful blooms continue appearing while conditions remain sunny and mild.
Remove dry flowers and untidy stems to maintain a neat display. Water less frequently if growth becomes soft or the weather remains cloudy and cool.
FAQs
Why do the flowers close during cloudy weather?
Mesembryanthemum flowers respond to strong sunlight. They may remain closed during cloudy conditions, open later in the day or close again toward evening. This is natural and does not indicate poor plant health.
Why do the leaves look wet or covered with crystals?
The sparkling surface is a natural feature of the plant’s succulent leaves. Tiny transparent cells reflect sunlight and can resemble water droplets or ice crystals.
Will Mesembryanthemum return next season?
It is generally grown as an annual. Mature plants may release seeds and produce new seedlings when the soil remains open and well drained, although flower colours may vary.
Common names: Mesembryanthemum, Livingstone Daisy, Ice Plant, Cleretum bellidiforme
