Delosperma Echinatum is a bushy succulent that resembles the rough cocklebur. It features tiny, spoon-shaped leaves adorned with soft spines. These attractive leaves grow in pairs on green stems. As the succulent matures, the stems change color to brown, and the delicate white spines on the leaves will easily fall off. Delosperma echinatum produces daisy-like flowers in spring and summer that contrast with the rest of the plant, making it quite popular. I will discuss how to care for this beautiful succulent and some challenges you may encounter in maintaining it.

How to Care for Delosperma Echinatum (Pickle Plant)

Sunlight

Delosperma Echinatum, commonly known as pickle plants, flourish in bright, indirect sunlight. Insufficient sun exposure may lead to elongated stems and leaves an unkempt, weed-like appearance.

Pickle plants can be successfully cultivated outdoors from spring to autumn. During the summer, it is essential to ensure that they receive some relief from the intense midday heat through shaded areas. As this succulent is not a hardy grower, move it indoors when the temperature drops to 41℉/5℃.

Watering

Delosperma Echinatum is a unique succulent that thrives with the "soak and dry" watering method. This plant exhibits heightened sensitivity to excessively moist soil, making overwatering a frequent error that can result in root rot or plant death. It is essential to allow the soil to dry completely between waterings.

Summer and winter watering: Pickle plants experience a brief dormant period during both summer and winter; however, they still require minimal water to support essential growth. 

During the summer, it is advisable to water the plant once or twice monthly, preferably after sunset. When applying water, direct it along the inner wall of the planter, ensuring that you do not soak the soil thoroughly.

Before the onset of temperatures falling below 41°F (5°C) in the winter, it is recommended to employ the same watering technique. Once temperatures drop below this threshold, allowing the soil to remain dry until spring is crucial.

Soil and Pot

Delosperma Echinatum, like other succulents, thrives in cactus soil that provides good drainage. Our succulent nursery often uses specially formulated cactus soil developed by our gardeners and Dutch gardening experts. For those new to growing succulent plants or who have only a few, it's convenient to use our ready-to-use soil bags, which you can easily open and reseal. I highly recommend giving it a try. If you have a more extensive collection of succulents, consider mixing horticultural soil with perlite, vermiculite, gritty rocks, sand, and other additives to create your succulent soil.

You may wonder: How can you DIY your own succulent soil?

As a bushy succulent, Delosperma Echinatum is best suited for planting in a medium-depth pot with a wide opening. This design allows enough space for the plants to grow densely and lushly. It's crucial to ensure that the planter pot has drainage holes at the bottom so excess water can escape, which is vital for the health of the succulents.

Pruning

Delosperma Echinatum has a slender, semi-woody stem that branches quickly and can grow in clusters. While the leaves are densely clustered during growth, giving the plant a charming and attractive appearance, it can become somewhat unkempt as the branches mature. Regular pruning is essential to maintain the plant's aesthetic appeal.

It is pertinent to mention that the sap of Delosperma Echinatum possesses slight toxicity. Consequently, it is advisable to wear gloves during the pruning process to prevent any potential adverse effects.

Fertilizer

Delosperma Echinatum does not need frequent fertilization. You can fertilize them once or twice during the growing season, which includes spring and autumn. For optimal results, use professional succulent and cactus fertilizers. Applying fertilizer to Delosperma Echinatum during spring can significantly enhance their ability to produce attractive flowers in spring or summer.

If you are using a slow-release fertilizer, mix it into the potting soil when repotting, or gently press the fertilizer particles into the top layer of the soil. For liquid fertilizer, dilute it with water and apply it while watering the plant.

You may wonder: How to Fertilize Succulents Scientifically

Propagation

Propagation of Delosperma Echinatum through clippings is a simple and effective method. Start using clean scissors to cut the clippings or behead the top pairs of leaves. Place the clippings in a bright location to allow the cut ends to callus over.

At the same time, prepare the rooting medium by combining 7 parts coir soil, 2 parts perlite, and 1 part vermiculite. After two days, lightly mist the rooting medium with water to keep it slightly moist but not damp, then insert the clippings into the succulent soil.

During the initial two weeks, it is essential to maintain the soil's slight moisture. By the end of this period, root development should begin. At this point, you can water the plant using the "soak and dry" method. Water the soil deeply until water flows out from the bottom holes, and only water again when the soil is completely dry.

Common Issues

1. Wrinkled and Wilted Leaves: This indicates underwatering. To remedy this, shorten the time between waterings.

2. Brown Patches on Leaves:

-If the brown patches are due to sunburn, rotate the pot or move it to a spot with brighter sunlight. 

-If the brown patches are natural scars from the thorns of mature leaves falling off, you can either ignore the old leaves or prune them.

3. Foul Odor or Mushy Stems: These are signs of overwatering or high humidity.

-For overwatering, remove the plant from the soil, cut off all rotting parts, and replant it after allowing the wounds to callus.

-For high humidity, move the plant to a more ventilated location.

4. Brown stems: Slightly bend the stems with your fingers to check if they break off. If they do, it indicates sunburn or over-fertilization. If they don't, it suggests natural maturation.

In conclusion, Delosperma Echinatum (Pickle Plant) may not be one of the most widely recognized succulent species, but its distinctive soft thorns and attractive bushy growth add to its charm. This has earned it a dedicated following among succulent enthusiasts. Additionally, the variegated form of Delosperma Echinatum, with its appealing yellow-green coloration and delicate white thorns, offers a captivating, jelly-like appearance that adds a playful touch to any collection. Embracing this delightful succulent can enhance your plant experience and bring a fresh aesthetic to your space.