Delosperma echinatum, also known as the Pickle Plant or Ice Plant, is an adorable succulent shrublet that is native to the dry mountains and desert areas of South Africa. It is a well-branching plant that can reach up to 18cm tall before arching over due to its own weight. Its plump, fuzzy leaves grow on thin stems that bear pairs of bright green leaves with soft white spines, giving the plant a unique appearance that looks like a cross between a cactus and a pickle.
This plant is an excellent choice for those who want a year-round ground cover, as its foliage is mostly evergreen. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some light shade in the garden. However, as it is a succulent, it cannot tolerate wet soil, and it is best to avoid overwatering. In fact, overwatering, especially during the winter months, is likely to kill the plant.
The Delosperma echinatum is a slow-growing plant that stays small and is easy to care for. It is perfect to put on shelves, window sills, and other small spaces, where it receives enough light. This plant requires minimal care, making it a great option for busy people or those new to plant care.
The Pickle Plant can be propagated by division, cuttings, or seeds. If propagating by division, it is best to divide the plants in the spring. Cuttings can be taken anytime in the spring, summer, or autumn. When grown by seeds, scatter the seeds on the surface of the soil and do not cover them, as they need light to germinate.
Delosperma echinatum blooms from late winter through autumn, with a peak in spring. Its flowers are white, pale yellow, or yellow and appear at the tip of the stems. They are up to 2cm in diameter and resemble daisies.
Indoor Pickle Plant Care requires a bright, sunny window with a few hours of morning sun and bright indirect light the rest of the day. Pickle plants prefer infrequent watering and low humidity. Avoid too much direct sunlight, which can lead to sunburn. Dry, brown spots on the leaves can be a sign of sunburn, and it's best to move the plant further away from the light or put a sheer curtain between the plant and the window.
Overwatering is the most common problem with this plant. To prevent overwatering, let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Stick your finger one to two centimeters below the surface of the soil. If it feels moist, don’t water but wait one or two days and check again. If the soil feels dry, go ahead and give it a generous soak.
Pickle plants don’t need a lot of fertilizer. Fertilize about once a month in spring and summer with diluted succulent fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing in winter when growth slows down.
Leggy stems on Delosperma echinatum pickle plants are caused due to a lack of light. To stop leggy growth, move the plant closer to a window or use a plant grow lamp. Prune off the leggy stems to keep the plant compact.
Drooping leaves are usually caused by underwatering, while mushy, yellow leaves are a sign of overwatering. Pests are not very common, but mealybugs and aphids can occur. This plant is considered non-toxic and safe to grow at home around pets.
In conclusion, Delosperma echinatum, the Pickle Plant, is an adorable and unique succulent shrublet that is easy to care for and requires minimal attention. Its cute appearance and low-maintenance nature make it a perfect addition to any succulent collection.
Delosperma echinatum 'Pickle Plant' plants for sale shown in 70mm pot. You will receive same or similar plants to those shown in images 2 onward. First image for display only. Colours will vary depending on time of year and growing conditions.
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Please Note:
- All plants are sent bare rooted with no pots and soil, or minimum soil only.
- Due to the drying process necessary for sending plants through the mail, plants may look slightly different than images shown on our website
- Some plants, may look wrinkled when they arrive, may be somewhat limp, or soft to the touch. This is normal as they have been dried out for for a number of days before shipping to avoid rotting in the mail.
- Succulents are very hardy plants and they will recover quickly, providing you unpack them as soon as you receive them follow some simple care instructions you will find with your order.
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