Mesembryanthemum splendens is a robust, sprawling leaf succulent growing to 1 m in height. Its many branched stems become woody with age.

The cylindrical leaves growing in pairs curve up near the base, their tips erect and rounded. The leaves and stems are hairless, leaf colour varying from bluish green or glaucous to pale hues of pink, yellow or orange, sometimes with a hint of translucence as can be seen in the photo.

The flowers are white, up to 4 cm in diameter. They are seen throughout the years, abundantly after rain (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2010).