Dorotheanthus bellidiformis, commonly known as the Livingstone daisy or ice plant, is a succulent native to South Africa. This low-growing perennial typically reaches a height of 10-15 cm and spreads up to 30 cm wide. Its leaves are fleshy and cylindrical, featuring a bluish-green color that helps the plant retain moisture in hot and dry conditions.
The flowers of Dorotheanthus bellidiformis are striking and come in various shades, including pink, purple, orange, yellow, or white. They bloom from late spring to early fall, attracting bees and butterflies with their nectar-rich flowers.
This plant is easy to grow in well-draining soil under full sun exposure. It requires minimal watering, as it can tolerate drought conditions, but it does not withstand frost or temperatures below 10°C (50°F).
Often used as ground cover due to its spreading habit, Dorotheanthus bellidiformis can also be grown in containers for its appealing flowers. Its popularity has spread worldwide, owing to its low maintenance requirements, making it an ideal choice for gardeners seeking an easy-to-care-for yet beautiful addition to their garden or landscape design.
Bokbaai vygie has moderate disease resistance and is relatively sensitive to humidity and overwatering. It is also more prone to disease when it receives insufficient light and is overwatered. Regarding care, Bokbaai vygie is drought-tolerant and can withstand long periods without watering. It requires little fertilizer and only occasional pruning. This makes it suitable for people of all experience levels, especially those who want to spend less time on plant care and who may sometimes be away from home for extended periods. It is a good option for anyone who does not want to invest a lot of time in plant care but still wants an easy-to-maintain plant.
How to keep Dorotheanthus Bellidiformis.
Light
Bokbaai vygie prospers when it gets abundant sunlight for most of the day. This nearly constant exposure to sun supports vigorous growth, especially during flowering. Having evolved in areas with plentiful sun, it does poorly in low-light situations. Both too little and too much light can harm its health and vibrancy.
Humidity
This plant prefers dry conditions, so don't mist it. However, watering it less often can also thrive in higher humidity.
Temperature
Bokbaai vygie is native to temperate climates and requires temperatures typical of its home habitat, between 68 and 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 38 degrees Celsius). To optimize growth, replicate that native temperature range and adjust it seasonally as needed.
Fertilizer
Bokbaai vygie benefits from light fertilizer applications once or twice a year during the growing season. Do not fertilize in winter or summer while it is dormant. Reduce the amount of fertilizer for repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before applying fertilizer. Fertilizing helps maintain healthy growth and encourages flowering.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Annual, Biennial, Perennial
- Genus
- Dorotheanthus
- Family
- Aizoaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-11
- Mature Height
- 25 cm
- Mature Spread
- 25 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Silver, Gray
- Leaf Type
- Semi-evergreen
- Flower Color
- Yellow, Orange
- Flower Size
- 3.05 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Native Area
- South Africa
Other names.
