Aptenia cordifolia (L.f.) Schwantes
Baby sun rose / Heartleaf iceplant
Aptenia cordifolia is a trailing succulent of the family Aizoaceae native to the Eastern Cape of South Africa and widely naturalized across the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, California, Australia, and Latin America. Its prostrate stems up to 60 cm bear fleshy heart-shaped bright green leaves and produce daisy-like intense pink-red flowers that open in sunlight. It is one of the most commercially sold succulents worldwide due to its growth speed, salt tolerance, and spectacular near-continuous flowering.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Aizoaceae |
| Genus | Aptenia |
| Growth Habit | Trailing / hanging; forms dense carpets 10–20 cm tall and up to 1 m lateral spread. |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC) — widely distributed and naturalized across multiple continents. |
| pH Target | 6.0–7.5 |
| Type | Sandy, rocky or poor soils. Excellent tolerance of coastal saline soils. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Opposite, fleshy, cordate to ovate, 1.5–3 cm, bright green with translucent dots.
ecoProstrate, branched, sub-quadrangular cross-section, green to reddish, up to 60 cm.
ecoSolitary, terminal or axillary, 1–1.5 cm diameter, numerous intense pink-red petals, open only in direct light.
ecoFleshy 4-valved capsules that open with moisture to disperse seeds.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy, rocky or poor soils. Excellent tolerance of coastal saline soils.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
P
O
Every 2–3 years or when stems completely fill the container.
Diluted succulent fertilizer once a month in spring and summer. No fertilization in autumn and winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Not toxic to humans. May cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in pets if consumed in large quantities.
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Plant Health
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"One of the most versatile groundcover succulents on the market. Near-continuous flowering in warm climates. The white-flowered variety ('Alba') is less common in nurseries but equally robust. Excellent for slope stabilization in coastal zones."
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Scientific Integrity
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.