Did you know there’s such a thing as a pickle plant? And no, it’s not an endless source of pickles, tempting as that sounds. I discovered this intriguing plant during a casual stroll through my local home goods store. A quirky sign on this fuzzy little fellow invited me to “Hug me. I’m soft,” so I did—and ended up taking it home! It’s been a hit with every guest since.
So, what’s it like to care for a pickle plant? If you’ve ever looked after a succulent, you’re already set. Caring for a pickle plant is a breeze. Like its succulent cousins, it flourishes under bright light with minimal watering.
In fact, a bit of neglect is actually good for it, particularly if you’re prone to over-watering. So, if you’re looking for a fuss-free, charming plant that sparks conversation, the pickle plant might just be your perfect match!
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What is a pickle plant?
Also known as Delosperma echinatum, this South African succulent is turning heads with its quirky look and easy-care nature. Expected to be a top houseplant choice in 2024, it’s perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
Discovered in 1774 by Scottish plant collector Francis Masson and later described by French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, the pickle plant has quite the backstory. It gets its playful name from its unique appearance—its cylindrical green stems are dotted with fleshy leaves that mimic the look of mini gherkins, complete with glossy skins and soft, white bristles.
What sets this evergreen succulent apart? It keeps its lush leaves all year round, even through the chilly seasons, brightening up any space with its enduring beauty. Originating from the rocky terrains of South Africa, this plant is not just tough—it’s a stunning indoor companion too.
Not only is it charming, but this succulent is also tough. It thrives in arid climates, making it a superb candidate for drought-prone gardens or sunny windowsills. Despite its rugged nature, it blooms with beautiful, daisy-like yellow flowers each summer, attracting bees and butterflies.
While it’s tougher against the cold compared to its succulent siblings and can handle a bit of frost, its nickname “ice plant” comes from a cooler feature. The plant’s leaves are dotted with translucent hairs that catch and bend light, creating a sparkling effect reminiscent of ice crystals.
The pickle plant remains compact, growing up to 18 inches tall, and spreads out to create a lush, dense mat. It’s not just a visual treat; its leaves are velvety to the touch, and in the right light, the tiny hairs on them sparkle like ice crystals—earning it another nickname, “ice plant.”
Not just a treat for the eyes with its spiky, lime-green foliage, the Delosperma echinatum also dazzles with lovely flowers, adding another layer of charm. The leaves, resembling tiny pickles packed with moisture, are typical of succulents and play a crucial role in its survival.
These spiny hairs aren’t just for show; they act as a natural defense system, warding off grazing herbivores in the wild by making the plant less appetizing. Whether inside or out in the garden, this low-growing shrub captures attention with its unique and striking presence.
Plant Profile
- Common Name: Pickle plant, Ice plant
- Scientific Name: Delosperma echinatum
- Type: Succulent
- Origin: South Africa (Eastern cape)
- Habitat: Rocky habitats
- Size: 45 cm (18″) tall
- Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets and humans
- Colors: Green/Lime
- Blooms: White to yellow flowers from spring
Plant Care
- Light: Full sun
- Watering: Light watering
- Temperature: 0 to 40oF or -17 to 4oC.
- USDA Zone: 7a to 10b
- Air humidity: Low to moderate
- Soil pH: 6.0 to 6.5 (slightly acidic)
- Fertilizing: Feed once a month with diluted fertilizer (spring and summer)
- Propagation: Division, cuttings, or seeds
- Re-Potting: Once every two years
- Pruning: Judicial pruning
In short, whether you call it a pickle plant or an ice plant, Delosperma echinatum is a delight both to grow and to gaze upon, making it an irresistible addition to any plant collection.
Perfect Location and Light for Your Pickle Plant
Your pickle plant loves the limelight, thriving best under the bright, direct rays of the sun. It’s ideal to place it near a south-facing window where it basks in the sun for several hours each day.
While it’s crucial to soak up enough sunlight, too much can harm its leaves, causing them to yellow or brown. If you spot any signs of sunburn, it’s a good idea to shift your plant a bit away from the window.
Living indoors means our plants often miss out on the natural sunlight they crave. Aim for six to eight hours of sunlight daily, though this isn’t always feasible indoors.
Getting less sunlight won’t spell disaster, but it will cause your pickle plant to grow taller and thinner as it reaches for light, creating a quirky, elongated look that some growers, myself included, have grown to love!
Not every corner is great for your green friend. Ensure it’s in the brightest spot possible to prevent issues like over-watering or root rot. Steer clear of dimly lit areas where you’d struggle to read a newspaper without extra light.
If you’ve just brought home a Delosperma, it might not be used to the bright light yet. To help it adjust and avoid shock or leaf scorch, gradually introduce it to more light over several weeks. This gentle transition helps your plant get acclimated without stress, ensuring it stays healthy and vibrant in its new home.
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Watering Your Pickle Plant
Getting the watering right for your pickle plant is crucial. It’s all about finding that perfect balance to keep it thriving—enough water to meet its needs without going overboard and causing root rot.
The key is letting the soil completely dry out before you water again. Pickle plants love a bit drier conditions and are quite forgiving if you forget to water them once in a while.
Here’s a tip: when you do water, drench the soil thoroughly until you see water running out of the pot’s bottom. Then, be sure to let any extra water drain off completely; you don’t want it sitting in a soggy saucer.
When winter rolls around and the plant goes into a slower growth phase, cut back on the watering frequency. Thanks to its succulent leaves, which store water, the pickle plant can handle drier periods pretty well.
Remember, too much water can lead to soft, mushy leaves and stems, or even kill the plant. On the flip side, not enough water and you’ll see the leaves deflate and growth stall. Keep an eye on your plant’s environment, too.
If it’s not getting enough light, consider moving it to a brighter spot. And if it’s in a super sunny spot, watch out—the soil might dry out too quickly and scorch those leaves.
I don’t stick to a strict watering schedule. It really depends on several factors like the humidity and temperature in your space, the size of your plant, and the type of soil.
For a medium-sized pickle plant in my home, I find watering it once a week in summer and scaling back to every three weeks in winter works best. And I always wait for the soil to dry out between waterings. Those little pickle-like leaves? They hold onto water pretty well, so the plant often needs less than you might think.
After bringing my first plant home, I noticed it had been overwatered at the store. It was still quite damp after a week without water, and sadly, it started to develop some mold. Thankfully, after cleaning it up and adjusting the watering, it bounced back beautifully.
The best soil for your pickle plant
Are you wondering about the best soil for your pickle plant? Let’s break it down! Your pickle plant, a succulent, thrives in a light, well-draining mix. The simplest solution? Grab a bag of premixed cactus and succulent soil from your local store.
If that’s not available, don’t sweat it! You can easily whip up your own by mixing regular indoor potting soil with some perlite or vermiculite—aim for about a quarter of the mix to be these airy materials. This helps ensure your soil is breathable and drains like a charm.
For the pickle plant, sandy and fast-draining soil is a must. It’s all about letting that excess water escape quickly to avoid the dreaded waterlogged roots, which can spell trouble like root rot. When planting indoors, always opt for a succulent and cactus mix specifically designed for these types of plants.
Now, onto the soil structure—porosity is key. You want a medium where air can flow freely and water can drain without hassle. Keeping the soil’s pH slightly acidic, between 6.0 and 6.5, is ideal. Not sure about the pH? A simple soil pH meter can be your best friend here. And one last tip: pick a sterilized mix to shield your plant from soil-borne diseases.
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Fertilizing
Your Pickle Plant isn’t too fussy about fertilization. Generally, it thrives even in soil that’s not rich in nutrients, so regular feeding isn’t a must. However, if you notice it could use a little pep, a light feeding during the spring and summer will do the trick. Opt for a succulent-specific fertilizer, and remember to dilute it well to avoid harming your plant.
If you’ve recently repotted your Pickle Plant, skip the fertilizer to give it time to settle in its new home. When you do fertilize, once a month is sufficient. Just keep it light to avoid the risk of nutrient overload, which can be more harmful than helpful. Over-fertilizing can lead to some serious plant problems, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Come fall and winter, you can reduce the feeding schedule to every three months to mimic the plant’s natural rest period. While a standard houseplant fertilizer can work, using one formulated for cacti is ideal as it provides the specific nutrients needed for optimum growth.
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Most potting mixes are already nutrient-rich, which supports initial growth. By the time these nutrients are used up, your plant will likely be ready for a bigger pot. For a boost, repot your Pickle Plant once it doubles in size or annually—whichever comes first—to replenish its environment and keep it growing strong.
Temperature and Humidity Insights
Taking care of a pickle plant means getting the temperature just right. Ideally, keep your Delosperma echinatum in a cool climate, between 0 to 40°F (-17 to 4°C). This is somewhat cooler than what most other succulents prefer, making it a great pick if you’re in a chillier region.
It’s crucial to maintain this temperature range for your plant’s growth and health. If it gets too cold or too hot, your succulent may struggle and even suffer from stress. So, keep those extreme temps at bay!
As for humidity, your pickle plant is pretty low-maintenance. It’s content in typical room humidity, so you can skip the misting. In fact, it’s best to keep it away from damp conditions as it prefers a drier setting. However, giving it a quick spray with a hose occasionally can freshen it up by hydrating the leaves and clearing off any dust or sneaky pests.
Always keep an eye on the humidity levels though. Too much humidity can harm your plant, leading to stem and root rot due to the excess moisture. Remember, those plump leaves are designed to hold water, so they don’t need much help from their environment.
Pruning
You don’t have to be strict about pruning your Delosperma echinatum; letting it flourish naturally is absolutely fine. However, it’s important to keep an eye out for any dead or decaying stems. Removing these promptly can prevent disease from spreading throughout the plant. Also, clear away any yellowing leaves or plant debris to promote healthier growth conditions.
When you do prune, make sure to use clean, sharp tools. This reduces the risk of introducing fungal or bacterial diseases. Avoid cutting into any yellowed or diseased tissue, as this could exacerbate the problem. Aim for clean cuts to minimize damage and avoid shocking the plant, which can lead to stunted growth and a decline in overall health.
If your plant starts to look overcrowded, thin out some of the mature stems to enhance air flow and light exposure, which are crucial for its well-being. And here’s a bonus tip: don’t toss out those trimmed stems!
They’re perfect for propagating new pickle plants. This way, you’re not just pruning—you’re also multiplying your lovely succulents, making the most out of your gardening efforts.
Propagating
When it comes to propagating Delosperma echinatum, there are a few straightforward methods to choose from, each tailored to your gardening style. This robust succulent lends itself well to multiplication by division, cuttings, or seeds.
Division is particularly straightforward. Once your pickle plant is mature, you can easily split it into two or three sections based on its size. Plant these sections separately, and they’ll thrive on their own.
Stem Cuttings offer another hassle-free option. Select a healthy, mature stem and snip a 5 to 6-inch piece. Plant these cuttings and water them consistently to encourage root growth. It’s that simple!
For those who prefer Leaf Cuttings, select leaves midway along the vine—they’re usually just the right size and maturity. Gently tug at the base until it detaches with a snap, making sure it’s intact and undamaged.
Place the leaf on top of moist ‘Cactus & Succulent’ compost. This environment helps the leaf to heal (callus) and prevents disease, speeding up root development. Position it at a slight angle in the compost once tiny roots appear.
Keep the setting bright and around 18°C (64°F), allowing the soil to dry between waterings. You’ll see new leaves in one or two months, indicating successful propagation!
Stem Cuttings can also be done by taking a 10cm section from the tip of a healthy stem using clean scissors. Strip the lower half of the leaves to expose the stem, which helps roots develop faster.
Stick the base into ‘Cactus & Succulent’ compost, ensuring not to bury the leaves. Maintain a warm, bright environment, and before you know it, your cutting will start behaving like a mature plant as new leaves and roots form.
Re-potting
Every couple of years, you might find it’s time to re-pot your Delosperma echinatum, also known as the pickle plant. This plant grows slowly and actually likes being a bit snug in its pot, so you don’t need to rush the re-potting process.
When it is time for a change, pick a new pot that’s just an inch bigger than the current one. Why keep it cozy? Well, oversized pots can hold too much water, which isn’t good for our plant’s roots. Make sure your new pot has plenty of drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix to give your plant a happy, healthy new home.
Stick to re-potting in the spring every three years, using a potting mix made for cacti and succulents. Since this plant does better when it’s pot-bound, only re-pot when absolutely necessary. Keeping the roots a bit tight can even help boost flowering.
To avoid shocking your pickle plant during the move, water it a day before you plan to re-pot. If your plant sits in a dim spot, toss some extra perlite and grit into the mix at the bottom of the pot to help prevent water from pooling and risking root rot. This little bit of prep can make a big difference in keeping your plant thriving.
Safe and Family-Friendly
Despite its striking blooms, it doesn’t emit any noticeable fragrance. However, its eye-catching appearance more than makes up for it. For those who prefer a hint of aroma, consider pairing it with the fragrant “Little Pickles” or Othonna capensis. This species also sports cheerful, yellow daisy-like flowers and adds a lovely scent to your garden duo.
On the safety front, Delosperma echinatum is a worry-free addition to any home garden. It’s completely non-toxic, making it a safe pick for households with pets or children. Despite its cactus-like appearance, the plant’s spiny hairs are surprisingly soft and won’t irritate your skin, so it’s friendly for families.
Speaking of pets, your furry friends can safely explore around the pickle plant without any risk of poisoning. Just make sure to place this plant out of the way of overly curious or playful pets to keep its beautiful form intact.
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Delosperma echinatum is also versatile. It thrives outdoors as a stunning ground cover in large spaces, blending beautifully with other succulents and cacti to create a vibrant, varied display. If indoor gardening is more your style, it adapts well to containers.
Whether in pots, hanging baskets, or dish gardens, this plant loves well-draining soil and can enhance any spot in your home, as long as it gets the right conditions.
Growing Pickle Plant Outdoors
Absolutely, you can take your pickle plant outside! This particular succulent is surprisingly chill when it comes to colder temps compared to its desert-loving cousins. Feel free to introduce it to the great outdoors once spring temperatures consistently hit 50°F (10°C).
It’ll be happy outside until about mid-fall. Just make sure to bring it back in before the cold really sets in, as frost is definitely not its friend.
When setting up your pickle plant outside, pick a spot with well-draining soil—it’s all about avoiding soggy roots for this plant. A mix of sand or gravel works wonders, letting any excess water escape swiftly.
Although it can handle a bit of frost, prolonged cold snaps could be a problem, especially in areas where winter likes to show off. If you’re in a cooler climate, consider giving your plant a winter retreat indoors or add some protective insulation to keep it cozy.
Also, when you transition it back indoors for winter, give it a good once-over. This is your chance to catch any unwelcome critters that might want a warmer winter getaway in your home.
If you’re placing it outdoors, find a spot that’s a bit shielded. While it loves bright light indoors, direct summer sunlight outside can be a tad too intense.
Pickle plants aren’t just hardy; they’re also pretty eye-catching with their quirky, pickle-like looks and effortless vibe. They spread fast and can cover ground quickly, making them a perfect, low-fuss addition to rock gardens or sunny, erosion-prone slopes.
Ideal for both newbie gardeners and seasoned green thumbs, this succulent brings a unique flair to any garden or indoor space.
Does the pickle plant flower?
Wondering if your pickle plant will bloom? Absolutely! During the spring and summer, this succulent treats us to modest yellow flowers that echo the charm of tiny daisies. These blooms can brighten up your indoor space for about a month, and even longer if they’re outdoors.
For a more lavish flowering, let your plant hibernate during the previous winter. Just cut back on watering and keep it in a cooler spot. This dormancy is key to vibrant displays later on.
If you’ve managed a good dormancy period, expect to see delightful small flowers in shades of white, pink, or red during the summer. These blossoms, appearing at the tips of its vines, can stick around for a few weeks. The success of these blooms depends heavily on how well the plant rested over the winter.
Here’s a quick guide to mimic natural dormancy conditions:
- Lower the temperature to about 12°C (54°F) from late autumn to early spring. During this time, go easy on both water and fertilizer.
- Allow the soil to completely dry out every couple of weeks before watering again, and remember, cold water is a no-no as it might harm the roots.
- Expose it to a few hours of indirect sunlight daily and fertilize just once, right up until you spot the first bud in late spring.
Even if your pickle plant doesn’t flower, its quirky leaves are sure to make it a hit among plant enthusiasts and a fun topic of conversation!
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Common Issues
If you’re new to gardening, you’ll find growing Delosperma echinatum to be a rewarding start. This plant generally faces few problems, making it ideal for those just dipping their toes into plant care. While relatively hassle-free, there are some pests and diseases you should watch out for to keep your plant thriving.
- Pests to Watch
Among the pests that might trouble your Delosperma echinatum are mealybugs, scale, fungus gnats, whiteflies, vine weevils, and root mealybugs. These critters tend to hide in nooks and crannies or beneath the leaves, although vine weevils and root mealybugs prefer the soil.
Spotting them early is crucial. If you notice these pests, a gentle spray of water or a mix of diluted dish soap and horticultural oil can help manage them effectively. Regular checks and early morning treatments are best to keep these pests at bay.
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- Common Diseases
Diseases like root rot, leaf-spot disease, botrytis, rust, powdery mildew, and southern blight can also pose a threat, especially when the plant is stressed or in poor growing conditions.
Managing moisture levels and ensuring the plant isn’t overwatered are key steps in preventing these issues. If you suspect a disease, consulting with a horticulture expert can guide you to the right treatment, preferably using natural remedies.
- Avoiding Overwatering
The most common issue you might face with Delosperma echinatum is root rot, typically due to overwatering—a common pitfall for many succulents. Keeping the soil on the drier side helps prevent a host of pathogen-related diseases. By following good watering practices and providing optimal care, your pickle plant should flourish without much trouble.
Remember, although the Delosperma echinatum is easy to grow, staying informed and proactive in its care will help you avoid most problems and enjoy a healthy, vibrant plant.
Frequently asked questions
- How do you keep a pickle plant healthy?
To ensure your pickle plant flourishes, place it in a location that gets plenty of sunshine and use a well-draining succulent mix for planting. This plant prefers dry conditions, so minimal watering is key, along with maintaining low humidity and optimal temperatures.
- How often should you water a pickle plant?
Water your pickle plant sparingly using the soak and dry method. Wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again, and always ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogging the roots.
- Why might my pickle plant be wilting?
If your pickle plant is looking less than perky, overwatering could be the culprit. This common issue can lead to root rot, which is fatal for many succulents. If you suspect overwatering, consider repotting your plant to give it a fresh start.
- What size can I expect my pickle plant to reach?
A pickle plant remains quite compact, growing to a maximum height of about 45 cm (18 inches). It’s a superb choice for ground coverage because of its low-growing nature.
- How much space does a pickle plant need?
It can spread up to 60 cm in length and 40 cm in width. Achieving its full size can take anywhere from three to five years, but with proper care, your pickle plant can thrive for over a decade.
- Is a pickle plant safe around pets and humans?
Pickle plants are not toxic, so they’re safe around both pets and people. However, consuming large amounts can cause nausea, vomiting, and a decrease in appetite.
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