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.

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

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