Drosanthemum Globosum: How to Grow and Care for It

Drosanthemum globosum, commonly known as the Dew-flower or Ice Plant, is a succulent from South Africa. It is prized by gardeners for its low-maintenance and drought-tolerant nature. The plant’s appeal lies in its unique, shimmering foliage and vibrant, daisy-like flowers. Its resilience and striking appearance make it a popular choice for those seeking an unusual yet easy-to-care-for plant.

Distinctive Features of Drosanthemum Globosum

This succulent is recognized by its small, spherical leaves that resemble tiny beads. These leaves are densely covered with translucent, bladder-like hairs known as papillae. These papillae give the foliage a glistening, frosted appearance, as if covered in dew or ice crystals. When exposed to intense sunlight, the green leaves can take on hues of yellow, orange, or red.

Drosanthemum globosum exhibits a low-growing, shrublet habit, forming a dense mat ideal for groundcover or as a trailing element in containers. During its blooming season from late winter into spring, the plant produces an abundance of vivid, daisy-like flowers. These blossoms, in shades of magenta or pink, have numerous fine petals and open during the sunniest parts of the day.

Comprehensive Care Guide

Light

Proper lighting maintains the health and compact shape of Drosanthemum globosum. This plant thrives in bright conditions and requires full sun to encourage flowering and prevent leggy growth. An ideal placement provides at least four to five hours of direct sunlight. If grown indoors, a sunny windowsill is a suitable location.

Soil

The primary soil requirement for this succulent is excellent drainage. A porous soil mix is necessary to prevent water from lingering around the roots. You can use a commercial cactus and succulent mix or create your own by amending potting soil with perlite, coarse sand, or clay pebbles.

Water

This plant is highly drought-tolerant. The “soak and dry” method is the best approach; water the plant thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. During the active growing season, watering is more frequent than in the winter dormant period.

Temperature and Hardiness

Drosanthemum globosum prefers warm and dry climates and is not cold-hardy. It is suited for USDA plant hardiness zones 9b to 11b, where winter temperatures stay above 25°F (-3.9°C). While it can handle high summer temperatures, good air circulation is beneficial. In colder regions, it should be grown in containers that can be brought indoors.

Fertilizer

This succulent has minimal fertilizer needs and can thrive without supplemental feeding. If you choose to fertilize, do so sparingly. A diluted, low-nitrogen succulent fertilizer can be applied once during the spring. Over-fertilizing can lead to weak, spindly growth.

How to Propagate

Propagating Drosanthemum globosum is successfully done through stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Select a healthy stem and take a cutting a few inches long. Allow the cut end to dry and form a callus, which takes a few days.

Once the cutting has calloused, plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Insert the calloused end into the soil, and keep the soil lightly moist until roots begin to form. You can check for rooting after a couple of weeks by gently tugging on the cutting; resistance indicates that roots have developed. While propagation from seed is an option, it is a slower method.

Common Issues and Solutions

A frequent problem for Drosanthemum globosum is root rot, which results from overwatering and soil that does not drain adequately. Symptoms include a mushy, yellowing base and overall wilting. The solution is to adjust your watering schedule and ensure the pot and soil provide sufficient drainage.

This plant can be susceptible to pests like mealybugs and aphids. These pests often hide in the dense foliage, so inspect it regularly. If an infestation is found, it can be treated by dabbing the pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For larger infestations, insecticidal soap may be necessary.

If your plant becomes “leggy,” with long, stretched-out stems and sparse leaves, it indicates insufficient sunlight. This etiolation occurs as the plant stretches towards a light source. To resolve this, move the plant to a location where it will receive more direct sun.