Delosperma echinatum

Delosperma echinatum, commonly known as the Pickle Plant, is a wonderfully quirky succulent with plump, pickle-shaped leaves covered in tiny soft white hairs. These curious leaves grow in pairs along slender, trailing stems, creating a characterful plant that looks brilliant on a sunny windowsill, shelf or plant stand.

Native to the Eastern Cape of South Africa, this unusual succulent belongs to the ice plant family, Aizoaceae. Despite sometimes being called a “Pickle Cactus”, it is not a cactus at all. The white bristles are soft rather than sharp, giving the plant its distinctive fuzzy appearance and helping it cope with bright, dry conditions.

Mature plants may produce small daisy-like yellow flowers during the growing season, adding even more charm to this already distinctive houseplant. Easy-going, drought tolerant and full of personality, Delosperma echinatum is a fantastic choice for succulent collectors, beginners and anyone looking for an unusual indoor plant.

Why you'll love it

• Unusual pickle-shaped leaves covered in soft white hairs.
• Easy-care succulent with a compact, gently trailing habit.
• Not actually a cactus, despite the common nickname “Pickle Cactus”.
• May produce small yellow flowers in spring and summer.
• Perfect for bright windowsills, shelves and succulent collections.

How to care for Delosperma echinatum

Light: Prefers a bright position with plenty of natural light. A sunny windowsill is ideal.

Water: Allow the compost to dry out before watering thoroughly. Reduce watering in autumn and winter, and never allow the plant to sit in water as this can cause root rot.

Humidity: Happy in average household humidity. Good air circulation is beneficial.

Feeding: Feed monthly during spring and summer with a cactus and succulent fertiliser. Do not feed in winter.

Pet friendly: We recommend keeping houseplants out of reach of pets and children.

Nursery Pot Size: 12cm
Approximate Height: 20cm
Fits Decorative Pot Size: 14cm