Heartleaf ice plant is a fast-growing succulent ground cover from South Africa, with fleshy heart-shaped leaves and small, vivid magenta daisy flowers that open in bright sun through the warm season and close in the evening. It stays 4 to 6 inches high and trails 2 feet or more, which suits a slope, a wall top or the edge of a container.
It thrives in sandy, well-drained soil in full sun to light shade and needs little water once established; the usual way to kill it is kindness, with rich soil and a regular hose. Plant 12 to 18 inches apart in spring and it knits together in a season. It is tender to frost and is a perennial only in zones 9 to 11; elsewhere it is grown as a summer annual or overwintered as cuttings on a windowsill, which root in days in water or damp sand.
In mild coastal climates it spreads readily and has naturalised in parts of California, so there it belongs in a contained spot rather than near wild land. The flowers draw bees and small butterflies. Deer and rabbits leave the succulent leaves alone, and it handles salt wind.
Crown Rot
Lower leaves yellow and wilt; the base of the rosette turns brown and soft, sometimes with white fungal threads at the soil line. Plants collapse in wet conditions.
Remove and destroy affected plants. Improve drainage and avoid overhead watering. Do not mulch directly against the crown. Space plants for airflow and avoid replanting in the same wet spot.
Aptenia Stem Rot
Soft, mushy, brown or translucent stems and leaves, usually at the soil line. Affected sections collapse and may smell sour.
Cut away all rotted tissue and let cuts dry. Reduce watering and improve drainage. Re-root healthy stem tips in dry, fast-draining mix and discard severely affected plants.
Aphids
Aphididae →Clusters of small soft insects on new growth and flower buds.
Knock off with a strong jet of water. Ladybirds and lacewings are natural predators. Insecticidal soap as last resort.