Ice Plant
Corpuscularia lehmannii
Family: Aizoaceae
Care Level: Easy
Toxicity: Non-toxic to people and pets
A compact succulent with plump, triangular leaves that are green with an angular quality. Produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers in spring or summer.
Bright Indirect Light – 150-250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹
Place the plant 5 ft / 1.5m away from a south, west or east-facing window.
Ensure the plant does not have a direct view of the sky.
If direct sunlight on the leaves is unavoidable, a sheer curtain can be used to filter the light.
Consider a PAR Meter, or PAR Meter App to measure photosynthetically active radiation as PPFD (μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹).
Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering.
Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.
To determine when to water, use a knitting needle or chopstick to test the moisture at various depths.
To ensure optimal plant health, a pot with drainage holes is essential.
Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes. Then, allow the excess water to drain completely before placing the pot on a saucer or in a decorative planter.
Water considerably less in the winter months when the plant isn’t actively growing.
Ready Potting Mix
- For optimal growth, use a specialty organic potting mix formulated for succulents.
DIY Recipe
- 2 parts Coir, 2 parts Coarse Sand, 1 part Pumice.
- Apply an organic fertilizer formulated for succulents every 2-4 weeks, from March to October.
Ideal Temperature Range
- 50-75 °F / 10-24 °C
Ideal Humidity Range
- 30-40%
Time to Maturity
- 2-3 years
Eventual Height
- 8 in / 20 cm
Eventual Spread
- 12 in / 30 cm
C. lehmannii ‘Variegata’ (Variegated Ice Plant)
A stunning cultivar with green leaves edged in creamy white.
C. laniata (Rosy Ice Plant)
Similar to the standard Ice Plant with slightly smaller leaves and a rosy-pink tinge to the foliage, especially in bright light.
Indian Rubber Tree
Ficus elastica
Family: Moraceae
Care Level: Easy to Intermediate
Toxicity: Toxic to people and pets
A large-leafed evergreen tree with glossy, leathery leaves. Native to Southeast Asia.
Bright Indirect Light – 150-250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹
Place the plant 5 ft / 1.5m away from a south, west or east-facing window.
Ensure the plant does not have a direct view of the sky.
If direct sunlight on the leaves is unavoidable, a sheer curtain can be used to filter the light.
Consider a PAR Meter, or PAR Meter App to measure photosynthetically active radiation as PPFD (μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹).
Water when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.
To ensure optimal plant health, a pot with drainage holes is essential.
Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes. Then, allow the excess water to drain completely before placing the pot on a saucer or in a decorative planter.
Water considerably less in the winter months when the plant isn’t actively growing.
Ready Potting Mix
- For optimal growth, use an organic all-purpose potting mix.
DIY Recipe
- 3 parts Coir, 1 part Pumice, top dress with Worm Castings.
- Apply an organic all-purpose fertilizer every 2-4 weeks, from March to October.
Ideal Temperature Range
- 65-85 °F / 18-29 °C
Ideal Humidity Range
- 40-50%
Time to Maturity
- 5-10 years
Eventual Height
6-10 ft / 1.8-3 m
Eventual Spread
3-6 ft / 0.9-1.8 m
F. elastica ‘Burgundy’:
Deep burgundy-red leaves with a glossy sheen.
F. elastica ‘Variegata’
Leaves have creamy-white variegation along the edges.
F. elastica ‘Decora’
Large, thick leaves with a slightly wavier margin than the standard Ficus elastica.
F. elastica ‘Melany’
Deep, almost black leaves with a prominent central vein.
F. elastica ‘Doescheri’
Narrower, more pointed leaves with a pronounced shine.
F. elastica ‘Robusta’
Large oval leaves that are shiny and dark green.
F. elastica ‘Tineke’
Glossy leaves in shades of green and white with red veins.