Crassothonna capensis

RHS Plant Profile
little pickles

Synonyms

Othonna capensis

Cactus Succulent Conservatory Greenhouse Houseplants

A quick-growing, trailing, fleshy perennial succulent with a woody base and slim, cylindrical grey-green leaves which look like little pickles (hence its common name) and turn shades of yellow, purple and red if the plant becomes stressed or light levels differ. Daisy-like bright yellow flowers emerge from small, purple pea-shaped buds and close in poor light. Ideal as ground cover or trailing over a pot or hanging basket

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Trailing
Genus
A genus of flowering succulents with cylinder-shaped grey-green to red foliage and a trailing or spreading habit, grown as ground cover and in rockeries or as houseplants. Daisy-like flowers appear during the summer
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
South Africa (Cape)

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, acidic cactus and succulent soil in a bright, sunny location indoors or full sun or partial shade in a sheltered location outdoors. Exposure to direct sunlight will result in the plant becoming ruby red in colour; less light may make it greener and result in leggy growth. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by stem cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Hanging Basket
  • Houseplants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Ground cover

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease-free