The Penny Pickle Plant, scientifically known as Crassula pellucida ‘Marginalis’, is a charming and increasingly popular succulent cherished for its unique appearance. Its small, round leaves resemble tiny coins, often displaying attractive red edges when exposed to ample light. This delightful plant makes an appealing addition to indoor plant collections or can serve as a groundcover in outdoor settings within suitable climates.
Understanding Your Penny Pickle Plant
The Penny Pickle Plant (Crassula pellucida ‘Marginalis’) is a succulent native to South Africa. It exhibits a trailing or mounding growth habit, making it well-suited for hanging baskets or as a “spiller” in container arrangements. Its leaves are typically lime green and heart-shaped, often developing pink or red borders. This plant remains relatively compact, with stems that can trail over 12 inches.
Penny Pickle Plant Care
Light
The Penny Pickle Plant thrives in bright, indirect light conditions. Placing it near a sunny window, such as a southern-facing one, is often ideal indoors. While some morning direct sunlight can intensify leaf coloration, prolonged exposure to harsh, direct sun can cause scorching. Providing partial shade during peak sun hours can help prevent sunburn.
Soil
Well-draining soil is crucial for the plant’s health. A specialized succulent or cactus potting mix is highly recommended, as it provides the necessary aeration and drainage. You can also create a suitable mix by combining potting soil with sand or perlite. This type of soil prevents waterlogging, which is essential to avoid root rot, a common issue for succulents.
Water
Watering the Penny Pickle Plant requires a “soak and dry” approach. Water thoroughly until water drains from the pot’s bottom, then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Overwatering is a significant risk, as it can lead to root rot. During cooler months or when the plant is in a dormant phase, reduce the watering frequency significantly. Always check the soil moisture by feeling the top inch or two before watering.
Temperature and Humidity
This succulent prefers moderate temperatures, ideally between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C). It can tolerate typical indoor humidity levels, as it naturally thrives in low-humidity environments. Protecting the Penny Pickle Plant from extreme cold is important, as temperatures below 30°F (-1°C) can be damaging. If grown outdoors in regions with frost, it should be brought indoors during winter.
Fertilizer
The Penny Pickle Plant generally has low fertilization needs. During its active growing season in spring and summer, you can feed it once a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half or quarter strength. Fertilizing is not necessary during the dormant winter months. Too much fertilizer can potentially harm the plant or lead to salt buildup in the soil.
Propagating Penny Pickle Plant
Propagating the Penny Pickle Plant is straightforward.
Stem Cuttings
Select a healthy stem segment and allow the cut end to dry and form a callus for a few days to a week. Callusing helps prevent rot. After callusing, plant the stem cutting in well-draining succulent or cactus mix.
Leaf Cuttings
Gently twist a healthy, mature leaf from the parent plant, ensuring it comes away cleanly. Allow the leaf to callus for a few days, then place it on top of moist, well-draining soil. Roots and new plantlets emerge from the callused end.
Common Issues and Solutions
Most common issues affecting the Penny Pickle Plant are easily remedied with proper care.
Etiolation
If the plant appears stretched or leggy (etiolation), it indicates insufficient light. Moving the plant to a brighter location will encourage more compact growth.
Overwatering and Root Rot
Mushy or yellowing leaves often signal overwatering or poor drainage, leading to root rot. To address this, reduce watering frequency and ensure the plant is in well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes.
Sunburn
Brown, white, or black patches, especially on sun-exposed leaves, suggest sunburn. Relocate the plant to a spot with more indirect light.
Pests
Common succulent pests like mealybugs or spider mites can occur. Inspect plants regularly and treat infestations with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or rubbing alcohol applied with a cotton swab.