How to Plant a Red Apple Ice Plant

At least two different plants are called the red apple ice plant: Drosanthemun hispidum and Aptenia cordifolia. They are similar, groundcover succulents that prevent soil erosion. They grow well in coastal areas where the air and soil can be salty. The Aptenia ice plant is considered an invasive species in lower elevations of several coastal counties from Central to Southern California. This perennial herb develops small, bright-pink to red flowers and has gained commercial success for its drought-tolerant nature and fire retardant ability.

Starter plants or rooted cuttings

Sunny area

Native soil

Spade

Trowel

Purchase bedding plants or dig rooted pieces of existing plants. This plant develops roots where the trailing foliage touches soil.

Prepare planting beds by turning the soil in a sunny area with your spade. You needn't amend the soil with compost or other organic materials. Make the area wide enough to accommodate the future, spreading growth habit of this plant.

Dig holes with your trowel large enough for the root balls of each plant. Leave 6 to 8 inches of space between your planting holes.

Set one rooted piece or one purchased plant into each hole, distributing the roots around the base of the plant. Then fill holes with the native soil you removed.

Water the area thoroughly with a sprinkler for about 15 minutes to allow the soil to settle around your newly planted red apple ice plants.

After your red apple ice plants begin to show signs of new growth, limit water to once every two weeks, as they prefer relatively dry conditions.