The Oscularia deltoides, often called the Pink Ice Plant, Deltoid-leaved Dewplant, Tooth-leaf Rock Vygie, Dassievygie, or Sandsteenvygie, is a charming and relatively low-growing succulent perennial native to the southwestern Cape of South Africa. Its unique appearance and attractive flowers make it a popular choice for succulent enthusiasts and gardeners in suitable climates.  
Here's a comprehensive overview of Oscularia deltoides:
 
Appearance:
Foliage: The most distinctive feature of Oscularia deltoides is its triangular (deltoid), fleshy leaves. These leaves are typically grey-green to silver-blue and have a somewhat 3-angled appearance. The margins of the leaves are adorned with small, reddish or pinkish "teeth," giving them a unique, almost ice-crystal-like look, especially when dew sits on them. The genus name Oscularia comes from the Latin word "osculum," meaning "little mouth," referring to how the leaves can resemble open mouths with teeth.
Stems: The stems of Oscularia deltoides are often tinged with a vibrant pink to reddish-purple color, providing a lovely contrast to the foliage. The plant has a spreading or mat-forming habit and can develop into a low shrublet.  
Flowers: In late spring and early summer, Oscularia deltoides produces masses of small, daisy-like flowers that are typically a bright magenta-pink or lavender-pink with a yellow center. These flowers are often lightly fragrant and can completely cover the plant in a stunning display, opening up in the afternoon sun and closing in the evening or on cloudy days.  
 
Care:
Light: Oscularia deltoides thrives in full sun to light shade. For the best growth and flowering, at least 6-8 hours of strong light daily is recommended. In hot climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent stress or sunburn. Insufficient light can lead to less vibrant colors and reduced flowering.  
Soil: It requires well-draining soil, typical of most succulents. A cactus or succulent potting mix is ideal. You can also amend regular potting soil with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to improve drainage.  
Watering: Oscularia deltoides is drought-tolerant and prefers to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a primary cause of root rot. Water moderately from late spring to late summer (the active growing season), allowing the soil to dry thoroughly. Reduce watering significantly in the fall and winter (dormant period). Water at the base of the plant to avoid getting water on the leaves, which can cause damage or rot.
Temperature: It prefers mild to warm temperatures and is generally hardy in USDA zones 8-11. It can tolerate light frost for short periods (down to around 15-20°F or -9 to -7°C), but it's best to protect it from prolonged freezing temperatures. When grown indoors, average room temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) are suitable.  
Humidity: Average humidity levels are usually sufficient. It doesn't require high humidity and can suffer in overly humid conditions.
Fertilizing: Oscularia deltoides is not a heavy feeder. A diluted, low-nitrogen liquid fertilizer formulated for succulents can be applied every 4-6 weeks during the active growing season (spring-summer). Avoid over-fertilizing.  
Potting: Choose pots with drainage holes to ensure excess water can escape. Its spreading habit makes it suitable for ground cover, rockeries, borders, slopes, and containers.  
Pruning: Generally, no pruning is necessary, except to remove any dead or damaged growth in the fall.
Propagation: Oscularia deltoides is relatively easy to propagate through stem cuttings. Allow the cut ends to callus for a few days before planting them in well-draining soil. It can also be propagated by seed in the spring. Division of mature plants is also possible.  
 
Cultivation and Uses:
Oscularia deltoides is a popular choice for rock gardens, succulent gardens, ground cover, borders, and containers.  
Its tolerance to coastal conditions and drought makes it suitable for seaside gardens.  
The attractive foliage provides year-round interest, and the masses of pink flowers in spring create a stunning display that attracts butterflies.  
It's considered relatively easy to maintain, making it a good option for beginner gardeners.  
 
Potential Problems:
Root rot from overwatering is the most common issue.
Mealybugs and aphids can occasionally occur as pests.  
Fungal diseases can develop in overly humid or poorly ventilated conditions.  
In conclusion, Oscularia deltoides is a charming and resilient succulent with unique triangular, toothed leaves and a profusion of bright pink flowers. Its ease of care and attractive features make it a delightful addition to any succulent collection or water-wise garden.
 
 
* Picture and information intended only as a guide. Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.
 
** All plants will be posted bare rooted.