Aptenia is a low-growing ground cover forming a dense mat very close to the soil surface.

Individual plants grow to be no more than 6″ inches high and 1′ or 2′ feet across.

The stems of the heartleaf Ice plant may be rounded or four-angled.

They grow very close to the ground, making contact with the soil and setting down roots as they creep along. The green leaves may be heart shaped or oval.

When well-watered, they are quite fleshy.

When water is scarce, they flatten. Because the plants’ water cells are located close to the surface, both the stems and the leaves have a shiny appearance.

Aptenia likes full sun but can survive in semi-shade. If kept in the shade, the plant blooms less.

The hardy Aptenia cordifolia plant can tolerate high rainfall and extreme drought, so it can do quite well even with irregular watering.

Even so, for best performance, water the plant regularly as you would any cactus or succulent. Wait until the soil is almost completely dry and then water deeply.