Growing Mesembryanthemum

Growing Mesembryanthemum

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Description of Mesembryanthemum criniflorum

  • Often called the Livingstone daisy, Fig Marigold or the Ice Plant.
  • The leaves are juicy & succulent with a furry texture.
  • Flowers are single in a wide range of gaudy colours from white through shocking pink to orange.
  • Many flowers have light coloured centres and there are now more self colour seed packets available.
  • Plants are from the Aizoaceae family that contains a130 genera and over 1200 species that also includes Lithops

Cultivation Tips for Mesembryanthemum criniflorum

  • Sow seed February to April at 60-70F in John Innes Seed Compost.
  • Sow on surface of compost and gently firm down compost. Keep soil damp but not wet. Do not exclude light which helps germination.
  • Sealing in a polythene bag after sowing is also helpful. Germination usually takes 15-21 days.
  • When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant and grow on in cooler conditions for 10-15 days before planting out in a sunny frost free spot on light well drained soil.
  • Plants are low growing and spread 6-10″.
  • Ideal for poor soil conditions in full sun.
  • Flowers remain shut in dull weather

Special Growing Tips for Mesembryanthemum criniflorum

  • I prefer the name Livingstone daisy as it is easier to say and spell. However part of the family are real living stones that flower just like Mesembryanthemums.
  • Mesembryanthemums are annuals that are full of flower when planted in good sunlight.
  • The fleshy leaves do not like to be constantly wet as it causes rot.

Hoverfly

Varieties, Species and Types of Mesembryanthemum

  • A large genus including shruby and other Conophytums and Lithops
  • Apricot Tu Tu creates a glowing display of gorgeous apricot, frilled blooms. A quick carpeting plant which will practically paint the ground in colour.
  • Magic carpet and Sarkles are other seed mixes

Horticulture Sources and Advice on Mesembryanthemum criniflorum

    • You can often obtain seeds or plants from our mail order company of choice Thompson & Morgan

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Credits

IMG_7526 by Chris Ibbotson CC BY-NC 2.0
Hoverfly by –Tico– CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
IMG_7527 by Chris Ibbotson CC BY-NC 2.0

Bibliography

  • Observations on the Genus Mesembryanthemum, Containing Scientific Descriptions of Above One Hundred and Thirty Species Adrian Howarth
  • The cultivation of the Mesembryanthemacea G Schwantes

7 thoughts on “Growing Mesembryanthemum

  1. Some of my plants have gone very leggy and died off at the base – is there anything I can do to rescue them – is it safe to cut them right back?

  2. I have Livingstone Daisies in my garden in France.They are perennial not annual. I bought one plant and break bits off which root and spread.

  3. The leaves on my livingstone daisy are soft. Is that under or overwatering?

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