Crassothonna capensis, also known as little pickles (USA), ruby necklace (Australia), Cape aster, Cape Othonna, and Bobbejaankool (Afrikaans), is a species of the genus Crassothonna previously (Othonna) in the family Asteraceae, and is a native of the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It is a native highveld species that originates from the southern Drakensberg region.
Little pickles has moderate disease resistance but is relatively sensitive to humidity and excessive watering. It becomes more vulnerable to disease if it receives inadequate light and is overwatered. Regarding care needs, Little pickles is drought-tolerant and can withstand long intervals without watering. It needs little fertilizer and only occasional pruning. These characteristics make it suitable for people at any experience level, especially those who prefer to spend less time on plant care and who may sometimes be away from home for extended periods. It is a good option for people who do not want to devote a lot of time to caring for plants but still want one that is easy to maintain.
How to keep Crassothonna Capensis.
Light
Little pickles does best with abundant sunlight, which encourages healthy growth. It can also tolerate areas with moderate light. Having originated in regions with plentiful sun exposure, the plant may show reduced growth in less sunny spots, while excessive light can cause damage.
Water
Little Pickles is well-adapted to arid conditions, as it stores water in its fleshy leaves. To care for it, water sparingly, about once every three weeks, and use well-draining soil to mimic its natural habitat. Ideal for indoor growth, Little Pickles is an evergreen plant that requires only minimal moisture.
Temperature
Little pickles favor temperatures between 68 and 100 ℉ (20 and 38 ℃) and perform best in their native habitat, which has warm summers and mild winters. During winter, it is recommended to keep temperatures between 50 and 68 ℉ (10 and 20 ℃) for optimal growth.
Fertilizer
For Little pickles, light doses of fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season are enough. Do not fertilize in winter or in summer when the plant is dormant. Cut back on fertilizer for repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before you start feeding again. Fertilizing helps maintain healthy growth and promotes blooms.
Pot & Repot
When repotting Little pickles, choose a pot slightly larger than the current one that provides good drainage. Use a gritty, well-draining succulent or cactus mix. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, brush off excess soil, and plant it at the same depth. Wait a few days before watering so any root damage can heal. Repot in spring or fall and place it in a brightly lit location.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Succulent, Vine, Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Crassothonna
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 10 cm
- Mature Spread
- 20 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Red, Purple
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Flower Size
- 2.54 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Summer
- Native Area
- South Africa
Other names.
