Product Description:
Delosperma echinatum is a low-growing, shrubby sprawling succulent which can grow to 45cm tall, with thin wiry stems holding pairs of 1 inch long barrel-shaped green leaves that, like the younger stems, bristle with soft spiny white hairs. Delosperma echinatum, also known as the Pickle Plant. which look like little pickles. Though the leaves are covered with tiny, white, thorn-like hairs.
Light:
A few hours of off-peak sunlight will be highly beneficial for the plant.
Water:
Allow all of the soil to dry out in between waters, reducing this further to once every few weeks in the autumn and winter.
Soil:
If you want your plant to really thrive use a rich, well-draining soil. A cactus or succulent soil mixed with coarse sand or perlite is a good option.
Fertilizer:
Fertilise every two months during the growing period and every three months in the autumn & winter to replicate its dormancy period.
Temperature:
10° – 26°C (50° – 78°F) H1b (Hardiness Zone 12) – Can be grown outdoors during the summer in a sheltered location with temperatures above 12℃ (54℉), but is fine to remain indoors, too.
Pruning
Remove yellow or dying leaves, and plant debris to encourage better-growing conditions. While pruning, always use clean utensils or shears to reduce the chance of bacterial and fungal diseases.
Propagation:
– Leaves that are halfway along the vine have the most potential due to its size and maturity. Gently place your fingers between the mother’s stem and the leaf’s base, pulling it downwards until you hear a snap. Ensure the wound is wholly intact with no damage, as a bruise or tear will result in unsuccessful propagation. Set the leaf ON TOP OF a bed of moist ‘Cactus & Succulent’ compost for root growth. Not only will this callus the wound (to prevent disease), but it’ll also speed up the propagation process considerably. Once there are signs of small roots developing on the node, place it one third into the compost, at a slight angle. Provide a bright setting with temperatures around 18°C (64°F) with the majority of the soil drying out in between waters. New leaves should emerge within a month or two, thus signalling the start of its independent life!
