Aptenia cordifolia, a type of ice plant also known as baby sun rose, is a durable summer bloomer native to South Africa. Aptenia cordifolia is a sun-loving perennial that produces small, reddish-purple, daisylike blooms atop thick, succulent stems.
Aptenia cordifolia or Baby Sun Rose is a rugged, creeping plant from South Africa that is ideal for dry locations. Flowers open during the bright part of the day from around noon through the afternoon. Aptenia cordifolia comes naturally to the eastern coastal region of the Cape Province and Kruger National Park in the Transvaal, South Africa, probably only in King William's Town, Stutterheim, Komgha, Transkei, Eastern Cape, and Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal. It is widely introduced and often naturalized elsewhere in the world.
Water the plant deeply when the soil is completely dry, then allow the soil to dry before watering again. Aptenia cordifolia should be kept on the dry side, as the plant rots in soggy soil.
The plant is happy in bright sunlight, but benefits from afternoon shade when planted in hot, dry climates.
Aptenia cordifolia doesn't require fertilizer, but if you think your plant would benefit from an occasional feeding, use a regular liquid or granular fertilizer two to three times during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer according to the rate specifications on the container label.
