Othonna capensis, commonly known as ‘Little Pickles’ or ‘Ruby Necklace’, is a unique succulent. With its distinctive, bead-like foliage and trailing stems, it is a popular choice for hanging baskets and decorative containers. Its captivating appearance and straightforward care contribute to its growing appeal.
Characteristics and Growth Habit
‘Little Pickles’ features fleshy, elongated leaves resembling miniature pickles. These leaves are typically blue-green but can develop vibrant purple or red coloration in brighter sunlight or under environmental stress. The plant exhibits a trailing or sprawling growth habit, with slender stems that can extend up to 12 inches or more, creating a cascading effect. This fast-growing perennial can form dense mats as ground cover or elegantly drape from elevated positions.
Originating from South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Othonna capensis is adapted to semi-arid environments. Its fleshy leaves and stems store water, contributing to its resilience and drought tolerance.
Caring for Little Pickles
Light Requirements
‘Little Pickles’ thrives in bright, indirect light, benefiting from several hours of gentle morning or afternoon sun. Placing the plant near a south or west-facing window is ideal for indoor cultivation. While it can tolerate some direct sunlight, intense midday sun should be avoided to prevent leaf scorch. Insufficient light leads to leggy growth with wider spaces between leaf nodes and a greener, less vibrant leaf color. Ample bright light encourages the leaves to develop their characteristic reddish-purple hues.
Watering Practices
Water ‘Little Pickles’ sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between applications. The “soak and dry” method is effective: water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, then wait for the soil to dry before the next watering. Overwatering can cause root rot, so checking the soil moisture by feeling about an inch deep is a good practice. During the active growing season in spring and summer, watering frequency may increase, but a cautious approach is recommended to prevent excessive moisture.
Soil and Potting
Well-draining soil is essential for ‘Little Pickles’ to prevent waterlogging and promote healthy root development. A specialized succulent or cactus potting mix is ideal, or a custom blend can be created by combining regular potting soil with perlite or coarse sand to enhance drainage. Pots must have drainage holes to ensure excess water can escape. Porous materials like terracotta or unglazed ceramic pots are preferred as they allow the soil to dry out more efficiently than plastic.
Temperature and Humidity
‘Little Pickles’ prefers moderate to warm temperatures, thriving between 65°F and 80°F (18°C and 27°C). While it can tolerate slightly cooler winter temperatures, it is not frost-tolerant and requires protection from freezing conditions. This succulent adapts well to average household humidity levels and does not require specific adjustments. Maintaining good airflow around the plant helps prevent fungal issues, especially in more humid environments.
Fertilization
‘Little Pickles’ is not a heavy feeder and requires minimal fertilization. During the active growing season in spring and summer, apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month or every six weeks. Some sources suggest using a fertilizer low in nitrogen. Fertilization should be reduced or ceased entirely during winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows. Over-fertilizing can lead to leggy growth or fertilizer burn.
Propagating Little Pickles
Propagating ‘Little Pickles’ is a straightforward process, primarily achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem and use clean, sharp shears or a knife to make a cut about 3-4 inches long. After taking the cutting, allow it to air dry for one to two days. This drying period, known as callusing, helps the cut end form a protective seal, preventing rot when planted.
Once the cutting has callused, plant it in a well-draining succulent mix. Insert the callused end into the soil, ensuring good contact. Water sparingly until roots begin to develop, which typically takes a few weeks. During this rooting phase, maintain the soil barely moist and provide bright, indirect light. After roots are established and new growth appears, the young plant can be moved to brighter light conditions.
Common Problems and Solutions
Improper watering is a common issue for ‘Little Pickles’, leading to either overwatering or underwatering. Overwatering often results in mushy, discolored leaves and can cause root rot, characterized by brown, soft roots. To address this, allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, ensure adequate drainage, and consider repotting into fresh, well-draining soil if root rot is suspected. Conversely, underwatering can cause leaves to shrivel or appear deflated, remedied by a thorough “soak and dry” watering.
A lack of sufficient light can cause the plant to become leggy, with elongated stems and faded green leaves. Moving the plant to a brighter location with ample indirect sunlight, or supplementing with a grow light, can help restore compact, vibrant growth. While generally resistant, ‘Little Pickles’ can occasionally attract common succulent pests like mealybugs or spider mites. Small infestations can be managed by wiping pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or using insecticidal soap. Ensuring good air circulation around the plant also helps prevent fungal issues.