Care of the succulent plant Delosperma pruinosum or Pickle plant |
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The genus Delosperma, family Aizoaceae, includes 100 species of succulent plants native to South and East Africa. Some species are: Delosperma pruinosum, Delosperma lineare, Delosperma karooicum, Delosperma cooperi, Delosperma herbeum, Delosperma lehmannii, Delosperma rileyi, Delosperma tradescantoides. Common name: Pickle plant. This species is native to South Africa. They are small succulent plants with a creeping or hanging habit that reach 30 cm (11.8") in height. The curious, oval, thick leaves are 1 cm (0.39") long and 0.7 cm (0.27") thick, deep green in color, and have papillae that look like small spines. The flowers are yellow or white and are 1.5 cm (0.59") in diameter. They can bloom almost all year round. They are used in rockery, as covering on slopes, in planters and in hanging pots. Delosperma pruinosum needs a semi-shade exposure avoiding direct sun in the central hours of the day. They do not resist temperatures below 6 ºC (42.8 ºF). The soil can be a mixture of 50% leaf mulch, 40% coarse sand, and 10% garden substrate. The transplant is done in early spring. Water regularly in summer hoping that at least the surface of the land is dry. The leaves tend to wrinkle when it needs water. In winter, reduce the risks a lot. They can withstand a few days of drought. They appreciate a fertilization with fertilizer for succulents and cactus every 2 months in spring and summer. They can be pruned in early spring to control growth especially if used as a cover plant. They are quite resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases. They propagate easily by cuttings in spring or summer and by seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the succulent plant Delosperma pruinosum or Pickle plant |
 Delosperma pruinosum  Delosperma pruinosum  Delosperma pruinosum |