AboutRussel Ray Expertise I can answer questions about water-wise landscaping, xeriscaping, and using native vegetation, cactus, and succulents to create a home paradise that won't increase your water bill.
Experience My wise ol' grandmother got me started with cactus and succulents 42 years ago. The rest, as they say, is history.
Organizations National Association of Certified Home Inspectors, Better Business Bureau of San Diego
Education/Credentials After graduating from Texas A&M University, I started a plant-sitting business in Houston to take care of the house plants when people went on vacation. That went on for five years before I moved back to College Station and started several businesses, one of which was a landscaping business specializing in "dry" landscaping.
Awards and Honors The privilege of working with people.
Question Hi there. This may not be your area of expertise but here goes. I have red apple ground cover in a large planter. One plant is doing really well and is growing over the sides. I would like to transplant some of that plant into other areas of the planter cutting the plant and sticking it into the ground. Where do you cut the plant so that it takes root? I have not had much luck in doing this before. Would appreciate any info you may provide. Thank you, Kathy
Answer Hey, Kathy.
Red apple, as well as the other ice plant varieties, are usually very easy to get to grow by just sticking some cut sections into the ground. Just make sure that there is a node because that's where the roots will form. If you haven't been having luck, it's probably because it needs more water to get established. Make sure that the ground is always moist while it's spending all its effort on developing roots, otherwise the node will burn and die. Here in San Diego when I transplant ice plants, I sometimes have to hand-water two or three times a day if it's hot and dry like it is today.
If you can't maintain the moist soil where you want the ice plant, try planting some in a container, or in a shadier/wetter location, and transplant after it has grown roots.
