Rooting Aptenia 'Hearts and Flowers' Cuttings

Propagating Aptenia 'Hearts and Flowers' from Cuttings

While helping a friend in her garden, a long piece of the ground cover Aptenia 'Hearts and Flowers' (also known as ice plant) broke off. The good news is that this succulent roots readily from cuttings.

How to Root the Cuttings

1. Cut the piece into 3-4 inch sections, making sure to note which end was oriented toward the ground. That end must be inserted into the soil for successful rooting.
2. Remove the lowest leaves from each cutting to expose the nodes.
3. Insert the cuttings into moist potting soil or directly into garden soil.
4. Keep the soil lightly moist. Roots typically develop within two weeks.

For container growing, use a well-draining potting mix and a pot with drainage holes. Aptenia makes a lovely trailing vine in hanging baskets or mixed containers. Provide bright light and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings once established.