Little Pickle

Also known as: Little Pickle, Ruby Necklace

Othonna capensis is a low, sprawling succulent perennial with slender, fleshy, cylindrical leaves that resemble little pickles. The green to blue-green leaves often flush purple in strong sunlight, and the thin stems root as they trail along the soil. In spring and summer it produces masses of daisy-like, bright yellow flowers. It is a popular choice for hanging baskets, containers and as a frost-free ground cover.

Little Pickle

Scientific classification

Species: Little Pickle (Othonna capensis)
Genus: Information to be completed
Family: Asteraceae

Non-toxic to humans and pets.
Toxicity: Succulent · Perennial · Houseplants
Plant type: 0.1 - 0.3 metres
Height: 0.5 - 1 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Trailing · Spreading
Habit: Spring · Summer
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: 15 – 25 °C
Ideal temperature

Little Pickle pictures

Information to be completed

Distribution of Little Pickle

Distribution map

South Africa (Western Cape and Eastern Cape)

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets.

Quick identification of Little Pickle

Information to be completed

Little Pickle care guide

Water thoroughly and allow the soil to dry completely between waterings.
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: 15 – 25 °C
Ideal temperature

Watering

Water thoroughly and allow the soil to dry completely between waterings.

Fertilizing

Monthly during the growing season (spring to summer); no feeding in winter.

Pruning

In early spring, trim back leggy stems to keep the plant compact and encourage branching; remove dead or damaged growth as needed.

Propagation

Propagate from stem cuttings in spring or summer. Take 7-10 cm cuttings, allow the cut ends to callus for 1-2 days, then insert them into gritty, moist cactus compost. Keep in bright indirect light at around 18-21°C until roots form.

Growing

Grow in gritty, sharply drained soil or a proprietary cactus/succulent compost. Place in full sun or bright direct light, ideally in a south-facing window. Water thoroughly and then let the compost dry out completely before watering again. Feed monthly during the growing season with a low-nitrogen or balanced liquid fertiliser. Overwinter in a frost-free place and keep much drier in winter.

More growing and care information →