The Little Pickles, scientifically known as Crassothonna capensis (formerly named Othonna capensis), is a trailing succulent that captivates with its unique beauty and easy cultivation. Endemic to South Africa, specifically from the arid regions of the Eastern Cape, including the Little Karoo area and the vicinity of the coast up to about Uitenhage. The species has adapted to live at altitudes ranging from 20 to 1220 meters (65 to 4000 feet) above sea level. Its natural habitat is characterized by rocky and dry plains, where the plant benefits from the partial protection offered by shrubby vegetation and surrounding rocks.
The genus name can be divided into two parts: the prefix “Crasso-” derives from the Latin “crassus“, meaning “thick” or “fat,” alluding to the succulent nature of the plant’s leaves. “thonna” is a reference to the original genus, Othonna, to which the plant was previously attributed. The name Othonna comes from the ancient Greek ὄθοννα and Latin othone, meaning “linen cloth,” in reference to the fuzzy appearance of some of the species within this genus.
The specific epithet “capensis” indicates the geographic origin of the plant, being derived from the Cape Province region in South Africa. The change of genus from Othonna to Crassothonna was proposed by Nordenstam et al., based on phylogenetic studies that highlighted significant differences between Crassothonna capensis and other species within the Othonna genus.
With a creeping or prostrate growth, the stems of Little Pickles are marked by their reddish-purple coloration, especially when exposed to direct sunlight. Its branches are flexible, highly branched, becoming woody at the base, mainly in older plants. They have the ability to root at the nodes, emitting adventitious roots, which facilitates vegetative propagation of the plant and its fixation. The texture of the branches is glabrous, and the abundant branching supports the formation of a dense cover when cultivated as ground cover.
The leaves of Little Pickles are a true visual spectacle. Cylindrical in shape and blue-green in color, they resemble small cucumbers. These succulent leaves are arranged alternately along the stems, and can acquire reddish hues when exposed to full sun, which earned it the name of Little Pickles. The texture is succulent, contributing to the plant’s ability to retain water, a vital characteristic for survival in its natural arid habitat. The leaves measure approximately 0.4 to 0.8 inches (1 to 2 cm) in length and are slightly grooved, with an apex that turns red in dry conditions.
As if the curious chubby leaves were not enough, the flowers of Little Pickles are quite attractive. They bloom profusely, mainly from spring to autumn, in temperate regions, but can flower almost all year round in more tropical to subtropical climates. The inflorescences are of the capitulum type, and appear solitary or in pairs, with flowers that open only under sunlight. They are yellow and resemble daisies, emerging on top of slender stems that rise slightly above the foliage. These flowers contrast charmingly with the coloration of the leaves and stems, providing a visual spectacle when in bloom.
Furthermore, the flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. After flowering, the flowers transform into small “tufts” white, which house the seeds ready to be dispersed. The fruits that follow are of the achene type, and can be glabrous or slightly hairy. These fruits are typical of the Asteraceae family, adapted for dispersal by wind, which facilitates the natural propagation of the species.
Crassothonna capensis is highly valued for its ability to add unique texture, color, and shape to spaces. Whether in pots, rock gardens, succulent beds, borders, or as ground cover, Little Pickles offers a lush, playful, and colorful appearance few plants can match. Moreover, its drought-resistant nature makes it ideal for xeriscaping, a landscaping approach that seeks low water consumption.
In rock gardens and succulent beds, Crassothonna capensis shines with its succulent, jade-green leaves, which turn red under stress conditions, creating a striking visual contrast. The yellow, daisy-like flowers that sprout on slender stems add a touch of color, attracting pollinators and adding interest to the garden.
Little Pickles is also exceptionally effective as ground cover, although still underutilized for this purpose, forming a dense, colorful carpet that suppresses weeds, reduces soil erosion, and minimizes maintenance needs. Its ability to spread quickly and form a compact cover makes it a unique choice for filling empty spaces in the garden, offering both a practical and beautiful solution in areas free from traffic or trampling.
Crassothonna capensis is also an ideal candidate for terrariums and vertical gardens, where its trailing habit and colorful leaves can be displayed close to the viewers’ gaze. And for Urban Jungle enthusiasts, who do not skimp on plants in interior decoration, even in limited spaces, Little Pickles is a wise choice. When grown in pots or planters, this plant adapts well to the home environment, which generally has low humidity, provided it receives adequate light. Its trailing nature makes it a perfect choice for hanging baskets and planters, where the cascades of succulent leaves and flowers can be appreciated.
Little Pickles thrives under full sun or partial shade. Direct sunlight exposure is crucial for those who wish to obtain and intensify the purple coloration of its stem and leaves, although it is important to protect the plant with a shade cloth during the hottest hours of the day, especially in tropical climates, to avoid burns. Indoors, it should be positioned near windows that offer abundant light, preferably facing north, east, or west.
It prefers well-drained and neutral soils, being tolerant of poor soils. A commercial substrate suitable for the cultivation of cacti and succulents, available on the market, or a homemade combination of good quality garden soil and coarse sand in equal parts, provides the necessary drainage. The addition of worm castings, vegetable cakes, or bokashi should be minimal, as these materials tend to reduce the porosity of the substrate and greatly increase its fertility, which is not desirable for this species.
When choosing containers, prefer shallow and wide pots to tall and deep ones, to favor drainage. For the same reasons, check and improve the pot’s drainage holes if necessary, and avoid using a saucer under them. It is crucial to avoid waterlogging, as excess moisture can lead to root rot.
During spring and autumn, watering should be moderate, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. In winter and the height of summer, it is recommended to significantly reduce the frequency of watering. The plant shows remarkable drought resistance, adapting well to periods of low humidity. Its chubby leaves lose turgidity when dehydrated, becoming soft to the touch and even wilted when extremely thirsty.
Consider that the dormancy period of Little Pickles is at the height of summer, when it is very hot and the light intensity is quite high. Dormancy, however, is more pronounced in climates with well-marked seasons and is reduced or goes unnoticed in mild or warm climates throughout the year.
Little Pickles is resistant to a wide range of temperatures but prefers warmer conditions. It can withstand cold temperatures down to about -10°F (-23°C), provided it is protected from excessive moisture. In regions with harsh winters, it is advisable to grow it in pots that can be brought indoors to protected areas or greenhouses. To maintain a beautiful and healthy appearance, regularly remove dried flowers and perform occasional pruning to control growth and improve aeration, preventing the proliferation of pests. A light and complete fertilization, with liquid fertilizers suitable for succulents, or even slow-release fertilizers, favors its growth, flowering, and vibrant colors. Little Pickles tolerates proximity to coastal regions and the salinity of sea spray, as long as it is not too intense.
Paying close attention and regularly to your Little Pickles is necessary to prevent pest attacks such as scale insects, which can take advantage of overly dense branches. Prevention involves keeping the plant healthy, with correct cultivation practices, and regular inspections, manually removing pests or using insecticides, like isopropyl alcohol, when necessary. The application of diatomaceous earth both on the leaves and in the substrate strengthens the plant and prevents the appearance of pests.
Propagation of Little Pickles can be carried out by seeds, cuttings, or layering. Cutting healthy branches is the easiest method, ideally done at the beginning of spring. Healthy stem cuttings can be prepared, allowing them to dry for one or two days in the shade to heal the cut and prevent infections. Subsequently, the branches can be planted in a substrate suitable for germination, maintaining constant moisture until new roots form. For this, simply lay the branches on the substrate and spray daily with water. Propagation by cuttings is quick, allowing new plants to develop in a few weeks.
