Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Pickle Plant Plant Care
Senecio stapeliiformis E.Phillips
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light to full sun
50–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Pickle Plant?
Water Pickle Plant every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Pickle Plant Native To?
What Is the Pickle Plant?
Pickle Plant (Senecio stapeliiformis) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Senecio genus. Pickle Plant is native to South Africa, Namibia. Pickle Plant is also known as Flowering Cane, Inverted Cactus.
Pickle Plant displays an upright, trailing, or clumping habit growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Pickle Plant produces small, daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Pickle Plant?
Senecio stapeliiformis requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Pickle Plant Need?
Pickle Plant thrives in bright indirect light to full sun. Avoid placing Pickle Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Pickle Plant Prefer?
Senecio stapeliiformis grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Pickle Plant prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pickle Plant?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Pickle Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Pickle Plant?
Feed Pickle Plant every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Pickle Plant?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Pickle Plant?
Pickle Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to string of pearls plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Pickle Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list, which covers Senecio species (which includes Pickle Plant). View the ASPCA entry
Mildly toxic if ingested, can cause skin irritation
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Pickle Plant?
Pickle Plant is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Pickle Plant Need?
Pickle Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Pickle Plant is native to South Africa, Namibia. In cooler regions, grow Pickle Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Pickle Plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Senecio genus — compare its care with other Senecio species on PlantoScan.
Senecio is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Pickle Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Senecio stapeliiformis E.Phillips, family Asteraceae (first published in Fl. Pl. S. Afr. t. 28. 1921) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Senecio species (which includes Pickle Plant) as toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Pickle Plant Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species