Delosperma echinatum aka Pickle Plant

Taxonomy

Delosperma echinatum, also known as the pickle plant, is a succulent native to South Africa. This shrubby, evergreen succulent can reach heights of up to 30cm and has slender, upright or trailing stems. Its bright green, fleshy leaves are covered in soft, white spines, giving it a unique appearance. In the summer, this plant produces daisy-like yellow flowers that are approximately 1cm across. The combination of its succulent nature and wildflower-like blooms make it a striking and unusual addition to any garden. Despite being native to Africa, when planted outdoors, it can easily spread and become invasive. The leaves of this plant resemble small cucumber-like pickles, making it easy to identify. They grow on short stems and have a shiny appearance due to the water reserves along their surface. While the entire plant is covered in hard, short white hairs, they are often mistaken for spikes, but they are not harmful. Delosperma echinatum blooms in the spring and summer, attracting pollinators such as butterflies with its white, yellow, and white and yellow flowers that resemble wild daisies. It requires minimal care and maintenance, making it an ideal choice for gardeners of all skill levels.

Common names

Pickle Plant, Pickle Cactus

How to care for Pickle Plant

Difficulty

Caring for Pickle Plant is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Pickle Plant does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

To keep your Pickle Plant healthy, it's important to use a potting soil that won't retain too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

Lighting

Pickle Plant requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Pickle Cactus is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Humidity

Pickle Plant thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.

Region of origin

Pickle Plant’s native range is Southern Africa.


More info:
Wikipedia