Ice Plant: Ice beauty in the form of diamond lettuce

The Ice Plant, also known as Ice Sunflower (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum), is native to South Africa and attracts attention with its striking leaves covered with small transparent growths that resemble ice crystals. This plant is not only aesthetically attractive but also demonstrates the ability to survive in dry and harsh conditions. Recently, the Ice Plant has been tested at our Kaly aquaponic farm with the hope of using it effectively in aquaponics.

Features of Ice Plant

Ice Plant is a low, carpet-like plant with thickened fleshy leaves that have characteristic transparent cells filled with water. These cells act as an adaptation to dry conditions, trapping moisture and forming an insulating layer, which helps the plant to limit water loss. The leaves are silvery green, but can take on a purple tinge at low temperatures.

In summer, the plant flowers and produces small, pink or white flowers that attract pollinators. After flowering, small fruits containing seeds form. The Ice Plant can therefore not only be an interesting ornamental plant, but also an abundant source of food for insects.

Cultivation in aquaponics

At the aquaponic farm in Kale, Ice Plant is grown for testing and use in the aquaponic system. The main reason for cultivation is the market potential and the added value for the whole system. The plant shows the ability to absorb sodium, which is contained in the aquaponic nutrient solution from fish in high concentrations. However, the high level of sodium in the nutrient solution is unnecessary for the growth of leafy vegetables and herbs and only increases the conductivity, which is not desirable in an aquaponic system. Thus, incorporating Ice Plant into the seeding plan can only provide benefits in an aquaponic system; with increased removal of unwanted sodium ions, we can expect lower water turnover and better thriving of other plants that will not be stressed by the salinity from fish stocking. 

The Faculty of Horticulture at Mendel University, with which Future Farming has a long and intensive collaboration, has published an article entitled The Effect of the Daily Light Integral and Spectrum on Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L. in an Indoor Plant Production Environment. The co-author of this paper is Ing. et Ing. Kateřina Patloková, Head of Research and Development at Future Farming.

Healing properties

In addition to its aesthetic and economic potential, Ice Plant also has medicinal properties. In traditional African medicine it is used to treat skin problems, fever and headaches. Among its beneficial contents, for example, is its relatively high content of antioxidants, which contribute to its potential medicinal effects.

Overall, the Ice Plant is a fascinating plant with unique properties that is ideal for gardens and succulent collections, but also a welcome addition for growing in the specific conditions of an aquaponic farm. With research and testing at Kaly aquaponic farm, the Ice Plant opens up new possibilities in the field of sustainable agriculture and the use of plants in specific ecosystems.

Diamond lettuce from Farmia Food

We are excited to announce that we plan to offer Ice Plant as an exclusive product in the gastronomy industry under the name “Diamond lettuce”, which will be supplied to the market by our subsidiary Farmia Food, the largest distributor of aquaponic foods in the Czech Republic. This edible plant is not only a delicious treat for the palate, but also a healthy and sustainable element in the diet. Diamond lettuce has a slightly salty taste and is sure to appeal to everyone.