Asteraceae
Little Pickles: Low Water Needs
Crassothonna capensis
An easy-care trailing succulent that needs bright, direct sunlight and very infrequent watering using the soak-and-dry method. Plant in well-draining cactus or succulent mix. Non-toxic to pets and humans. Perfect for hanging baskets or as a ground cover in warm, dry gardens.
Every 14 days
Bright indirect
7° - 32°C
30% - 60%
Categories
What is Little Pickles?
Little Pickles (Crassothonna capensis) is a easy-care plant from the Asteraceae family. Crassothonna capensis, commonly known as Little Pickles or Ruby Necklace, is a fast-growing trailing succulent native to the semi-arid Karoo scrub and rocky flats of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. It grows low to the ground with thin, reddish-purple stems bearing spirally arranged, finger-...
Little Pickles grows up to 15cm, spread of 90cm, watering every 14 days, 7°C – 32°C, 30–60% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Little Pickles tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Little Pickles is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 28 days.
How to Care for Little Pickles?
TLDR: Little Pickles needs Bright indirect, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between 7-32°C with 30-60% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Little Pickles?
Water thoroughly and allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again — typically every 10–14 days in the growing season and even less in winter. Never let roots sit in soggy soil; root rot is the most common cause of failure. A pot with a drainage hole is essential.
How Much Light Does Little Pickles Need?
Provide at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Bright, direct sunlight intensifies the stem color to vivid ruby-red or purple; lower light keeps stems green. Indoors, place directly in your sunniest south- or west-facing window, or supplement with a strong grow light.
What Is the Best Soil for Little Pickles?
Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix amended with coarse perlite, pumice, or coarse sand (1 part grit to 2 parts mix). Slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.5) is ideal. Avoid heavy potting soils that retain moisture.
What Pot Should You Use for Little Pickles?
Choose a terracotta or unglazed ceramic pot with drainage holes — these materials wick away excess moisture and prevent root rot. Hanging baskets with coco-liner work beautifully to showcase the trailing stems.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Rotate
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Little Pickles and Where Does It Come From?
Crassothonna capensis, commonly known as Little Pickles or Ruby Necklace, is a fast-growing trailing succulent native to the semi-arid Karoo scrub and rocky flats of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. It grows low to the ground with thin, reddish-purple stems bearing spirally arranged, finger-like, blue-green succulent leaves that flush to vivid ruby-red or maroon tones under intense sun or during dry stress. Small, cheerful yellow daisy-like flowers emerge on slender elongated stalks and can appear from spring through fall. It thrives in hanging baskets, rock gardens, and xeriscaping arrangements, making it a versatile and striking ornamental.
How to Propagate Little Pickles?
Stem Cuttings
- 1 Cut a healthy stem segment 5–10 cm long just below a leaf node using clean, sharp scissors.
- 2 Remove leaves from the bottom 2–3 cm of the cutting.
- 3 Allow the cut end to callous for 2–3 days in a dry, shaded spot.
- 4 Insert the calloused cutting into a small pot filled with dry, well-draining cactus mix.
- 5 Wait 5–7 days before watering lightly to encourage root growth.
- 6 Roots typically form within 2–4 weeks. Once established, resume normal watering.
How Big Does Little Pickles Grow?
TLDR: Little Pickles can reach up to 15cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
15cm
Spread
90cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Little Pickles?
TLDR: Little Pickles is susceptible to 7 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Overwatering
Overwatering occurs when plants receive too much water, depriving roots of oxygen and causing root rot. This environmental stress is one of the most common causes of houseplant death, as waterlogged soil prevents roots from breathing and functioning properly.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
