Delosperma echinatum - Pickle Plant

These adorable plants get both their scientific and common names from their appearance. You can see the resemblance to pickles in their oval leaves and vibrant green colour. But if you look more at the fuzzy hairs standing out from each leaf, you'll see where it got its scientific name from; they do look like tiny green hedgehogs! They start off very compact, then grow slightly longer stems with their fuzzy pickly leaves growing in pairs along them. They won't get too much bigger though, with a maximum length of about 20cm (7") without needing pruning. Choose this plant for its adorable foliage and care for it as it grows you even more!

Scientific Name
Delosperma echinatum (plant with visible seed that looks like a hedgehog)

This plant was originally known as Mesembryanthemum echinatum, but got its current correct scientific name in 1928.

Common Name
Pickle Plant, Pickle Cactus, Pickle Ice Cactus

Origin
Native to rocky slopes in arid South Africa

Light
Pickle Plants love plenty of light. They'll enjoy a spot in an east or west-facing window best, but can get used to higher light too if you let them gradually accustom themselves. Think of how the seasons change slowly and mimic that - or just wait and put them in your brightest window in December and let nature do the work!

Water
Let the soil totally dry between waters, and water much less in winter when the soil will dry out more slowly. The leaves will get less firm and more squishy when your pickles need watering.

Humidity
Delosperma are adapted to arid environments so need a dry, non-damp location.

Soil
Use a mix with added elements like sand and grit to promote good drainage; one designed for cacti and succulents would be ideal. Repot every few years into a pot only slightly bigger once the roots have completely crowded the pot.

Food
Feed every two months in spring and summer and reduce to every three over autumn and winter, when the plant should be dormant. A feed designed specifically for cacti will do the best job.

Temperature
Ideal temperature is 16-26°C in the growing period; make sure it does not get colder than 10°C in winter, though slightly cooler temperatures will help with its dormancy.

Pet-safe
Yes, but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!

Sprouts Top Tips
The main issues with succulents like this is overwatering; make sure you are allowing the soil to thoroughly dry between waters, and leaving it longer without water in winter when it will dry out slower.

A winter dormancy period, with cooler temperatures, less water and feed and less bright light, will make it possible for your plant to flower the following summer.