Pickle Plants: How to Grow and Care for Pickle Plants (Delosperma echinatum)

Pickle plants (Delosperma echinatum) are charming succulents loved for their unique, textured leaves that resemble tiny pickles. These hardy plants are perfect for gardeners looking to add something unusual to their collection. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the intricacies of growing, caring for, and maintaining pickle plants.

Quick Reference Table

Common Name	Pickle Plant
Botanical Name	Delosperma echinatum
Family	Aizoaceae
Plant Type	Succulent
Mature Size	6-12 inches tall
Sun Exposure	Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type	Well-draining sandy soil
Soil pH	Neutral to slightly acidic (6.0-7.0)
Hardiness Zones	9–11 (USDA)
Native Area	South Africa
Toxicity	Non-toxic to humans and pets

Planting and Transplanting Pickle Plants

Proper planting and transplanting are crucial for pickle plants to thrive.

Planting Pickle Plants

Pickle plants prefer warm climates with plenty of sunlight. When planting, select a pot with good drainage holes, or if planting in a garden, ensure the soil drains well. Sandy or gritty soil mimics their native environment in South Africa and prevents root rot.

Steps to Plant Pickle Plants:

Choose a location with 4–6 hours of sunlight.
Fill your pot or garden bed with cactus or succulent soil mix.
Dig a small hole for the plant, ensuring the roots spread out gently.
Cover the roots lightly with soil, avoiding deep planting.
Water lightly after planting and allow the soil to dry out before the next watering.

Transplanting Pickle Plants

Pickle plants are sensitive to overcrowding. Transplant them if their roots outgrow the container.

Steps to Transplant:

Prepare a new pot or garden spot with fresh, well-draining soil.
Carefully remove the plant, loosening the soil around the roots.
Shake off excess soil and inspect for any damaged roots.
Replant in the new location, following the same steps as planting.

Pickle Plants Care

Caring for pickle plants involves providing the right balance of light, water, and nutrients.

Light Requirements

Pickle plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight but can also tolerate some partial shade. In regions with intense afternoon sun, provide some shade to prevent sunburn. If grown indoors, place them near a south- or east-facing window.

Watering

Overwatering is the primary cause of pickle plant failure. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. During winter, reduce watering to once a month.

Temperature and Humidity

Ideal temperatures: 65–80°F (18–27°C).
Pickle plants dislike frost; temperatures below 40°F (4°C) can damage the plant.
They thrive in low-humidity environments, making them suitable for indoor growing.

Fertilization

Feed pickle plants once every two months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted cactus or succulent fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter when growth slows.

Types of Pickle Plants

Although the term “pickle plant” commonly refers to Delosperma echinatum, several varieties and related species showcase similar features:

Delosperma Echinatum: The classic pickle plant with spiny, pickle-like leaves.
Delosperma Cooperi: Known for its vibrant pink flowers.
Delosperma Nubigenum: A low-growing variety ideal for ground cover.
Delosperma Sphalmanthoides: Compact and suited for rock gardens.

Each type has slight variations in appearance and growth habits, making them appealing for different gardening needs.

Pruning

Pruning pickle plants keeps them tidy and encourages healthy growth.

When to Prune

Perform light pruning during the growing season to shape the plant.
Remove dead or damaged leaves as needed.

How to Prune

Use sterilized scissors or pruning shears.
Trim leggy growth to promote compact growth.
Remove any brown or shriveled leaves near the base of the plant.

Pruning also improves airflow around the plant, reducing the risk of disease.

Propagating Pickle Plants

Propagating pickle plants is simple and cost-effective, allowing you to grow more plants from a single specimen.

Propagation by Cuttings

Select a healthy stem with 3–4 leaves.
Use sterilized scissors to cut just below a leaf node.
Allow the cutting to dry for 1–2 days to form a callus.
Plant the cutting in well-draining soil and water sparingly.
Roots typically develop within 2–4 weeks.

Propagation by Division

Carefully remove the parent plant from its pot.
Gently separate clusters of stems and roots.
Replant the divisions in new pots or garden spaces.

Potting and Repotting Pickle Plants

Repotting pickle plants is necessary every 2–3 years to refresh the soil and provide space for growth.

Steps to Repot

Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger than the current one.
Add fresh succulent soil to the bottom of the pot.
Remove the plant carefully, loosening compacted roots.
Place the plant in the new pot and backfill with soil.
Water lightly to settle the soil.

Overwintering

Pickle plants are not frost-tolerant and require special care during winter.

Indoor Overwintering

Move outdoor plants indoors before temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Place them in a sunny location, such as a windowsill.

Outdoor Overwintering

In mild climates, cover the plant with frost cloth during cold nights.
Ensure the soil remains dry to prevent freezing damage.

Common Problems With Pickle Plants

Even with proper care, pickle plants can encounter challenges.

Leggy Growth

Cause: Insufficient light.
Solution: Move the plant to a brighter location.

Yellowing Leaves

Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage.
Solution: Allow the soil to dry out completely and ensure the pot has drainage holes.

Shriveled Leaves

Cause: Underwatering.
Solution: Water the plant thoroughly and monitor the soil moisture.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Pickle plants are relatively pest-resistant but can occasionally be affected.

Pests

Mealybugs: Look for white, cottony spots on leaves. Remove with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Spider Mites: Tiny webbing and yellow specks on leaves indicate their presence. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Diseases

Root Rot: Caused by overwatering. Prevent by using well-draining soil and reducing watering frequency.

How to Get Pickle Plants to Bloom

Pickle plants produce small, daisy-like flowers under the right conditions.

Tips for Blooming

Ensure they receive 4–6 hours of sunlight daily.
Provide adequate nutrients during the growing season.
Avoid excessive watering, especially in winter.

Flowering typically occurs in late spring or early summer, adding vibrant color to your plant collection.

FAQ

Are pickle plants suitable for beginners?

Yes! Pickle plants are low-maintenance and perfect for novice gardeners.

Can pickle plants survive indoors?

Absolutely! Just ensure they get enough light, preferably near a sunny window.

How often should I water my pickle plant?

Water only when the soil is completely dry, typically every 1–2 weeks during the growing season.

Do pickle plants attract pests?

They are generally pest-resistant but can occasionally attract mealybugs or spider mites.

Are pickle plants safe for pets?

Yes, pickle plants are non-toxic to both humans and pets.