Pickle Plant 4”

Delosperma echinatum | Pickle Plant

There really is a succulent that looks like it’s growing tiny pickles, and this is it. Native to the Eastern Cape of South Africa, Pickle Plant was first described botanically back in 1788, long before it became a favorite among collectors of unusual succulents. Its plump, bright green leaves are covered in tiny white bristles that give each one a fuzzy, prickly appearance, although those little bristles are soft to the touch. The leaves grow in pairs along slender stems, creating a wonderfully unusual texture that becomes even more interesting as the plant fills out.

Young plants grow with upright stems, but as they mature and branch, those stems begin to arch outward and spill over the sides of the pot. An established plant can reach approximately 8–12 inches tall, developing a loose, shrubby appearance with dozens of little pickle-shaped leaves. It can also produce small, daisy-like flowers in pale yellow to creamy white, adding another surprise to an already unusual succulent. Its combination of upright and trailing growth makes it especially appealing in a small planter or on a sunny shelf.

For natural light, place it directly in a south-facing window or approximately 1–2 feet from a west-facing window. Aim for approximately 2,000–4,000 foot-candles at the leaves as a practical indoor growing range. Foot-candles simply tell you how much light is actually reaching your plant. Strong usable light helps maintain compact stems, closely spaced leaves and healthy branching. If the stems begin stretching with larger gaps between leaves, evaluate how much light the plant is receiving. Acclimate it gradually when moving into stronger direct sunlight.

Under a grow light, use a full-spectrum 5000–6500K fixture positioned approximately 6–10 inches above the foliage, adjusting the distance to maintain around 2,000–4,000 foot-candles at the leaves. Kelvin describes the color of the light, while foot-candles tell you how much light is actually reaching the plant. As the stems lengthen and begin trailing, make sure the growing tips continue receiving enough usable light to support their compact development.

Water when your plant needs watered. The fleshy leaves store moisture, allowing the soil to dry substantially between thorough waterings. A loose, fast-draining succulent mix containing potting soil with plenty of coarse pumice or perlite works well. Choose a container with drainage and check moisture through the pot before watering again. During active growth, the plant may use water more quickly, while cooler temperatures and reduced light generally slow that process. Its fine roots benefit from a soil structure that allows moisture to move through while maintaining airflow.

Pay attention to the firmness of the leaves and the spacing along the stems. Healthy new growth produces plump, closely arranged leaves covered in their characteristic white bristles. Slight wrinkling or softening can indicate that the plant has used much of its stored moisture, while persistent softness or deterioration near the soil line is a reason to inspect root health and how long the soil remains wet. If new stems become noticeably thin or stretched, look at usable light and consider moving the plant closer to its light source.

Success looks like sturdy, branching stems filled with plump green leaves, steady new growth and a gradually fuller plant that begins arching over the edges of its container. With enough usable light and a well-draining root zone, Pickle Plant develops into a wonderfully textured little succulent, and those tiny daisy-like flowers are an added bonus when it blooms. It’s a fun addition to a succulent collection, especially if you enjoy plants with unusual shapes and growth habits.