The Delosperma Lehmannii plant is a succulent which belongs to midday flower family, Aizoaceae. It grows on quartzite outcrops in karroid vegetation; also in crevices of rocks. The plant is named Lehmannii in honour of a German Professor of Botany in Hamburg, Johann Georg Christian Lehmann.
The succulent grows quite fast and can easily be grown in hanging-baskets, containers, window-gardens and makes for a good houseplant.
The plant can be grown in full sun to partial shade. The colour of the leaves depends on the sunlight received. In shade, the colour remains green while under the sun it can turn greyish blue. Keep the plant sheltered during hot summer months.
It has a pinkish stem with grey, fat, three angled leaves and showy, yellow translucent flowers. It flowers all summer and autumn. The foliage is evergreen. The stem can grow quite big if uncontrolled. Prune it to keep the plant compact.
Allow the soil to dry between waterings. Water more frequently if the leaves start to wrinkle. Wet soil is not preferable as that may lead to root rot. Water the plant very cautiously during winter as the plant can lose its root if it stays in wet, cold soil for an extended period.
Corpuscularia Lehmannii should be grown in well-drained soils. The only specification of the plant is that the soil should not be too wet other than that they can do well even in poor soils.
It grows up to 8 inches tall and 12 inches wide.
Fertilize the plant once or twice during the growing season. Use a fertilizer which is poor in nitrogen but contains all the micronutrients like the ones used for cactus.
They can sometimes be affected by mealybugs and scale. Use neem oil. Protect the plant from too cold conditions. The plant is very susceptible to root-rot so proper care should be taken while watering. Always maintain a dry condition.
With its unique foliage, the plant is a great specimen plant. It is a great addition to your house or office. The combination of greenish-bluish leaves with bright daisy-like yellow flowers creates a vibrant display of colours.