This store requires javascript to be enabled for some features to work correctly.

HOME

PLANTS

Cacti&Succulents
Indoor Plants
- All Plants
- Philodendron
- Calathea
- Sansevieria
- Peperomia
- Hoya
- Ferns
- Carnivorous Plants
Outdoor Plants
- All
- Shrubs
- Acer®
- Alstroemeria®
- Hydrangeas®
- Tropical Plants
- Fruit Snacks®
- Grasses®
- Climbing Plants
- Conifers
New varieties
Roses
Baby Plants
Mystery Box®

PLANT FINDER

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

HYDROCULTURE

GARDENING

Pots and Planters

PLANT CARE

Soil Guide
Aroid Care
Orchid Care
Bonsai Care
Substrates
Λιπάσματα
Φυτοπροστασία
Accessories
Ars©
Terrarium Scenes®
- TERRARIUM ACCESSORIES

GIFT CARD

BLOG

Delosperma echinatum 12cm

Name: Delosperma echinatum 12cm
Brand: Greenleaf Garden Center
SKU: Delospech12cm
Price: 10.0 EUR
Availability: InStock

€12,00

€10,00

Quantity

Succulent · Aizoaceae · Velvety branching form

Delosperma echinatum

Not a cactus, just very cuddly — it is testing you 🧐

Family: Aizoaceae · Pot diameter: 12cm · Height: 20cm

Aizoaceae
Soft translucent papillae
Very bright position
Complete dry-down
Compact branching

Delosperma echinatum is a small succulent with such an unusual surface that it catches the eye before you even study its details. Its fleshy stems and leaves are covered in translucent, soft papillae that look like tiny spines, giving the whole plant a playful, almost velvety finish.

As it branches, it builds a dense green mound that looks complete on its own or at the front of a succulent display. Small cream-to-yellow flowers add a bright seasonal accent, yet its true signature remains that unexpectedly soft, hedgehog-like texture.

What makes it special

Its personality comes from the contrast between a prickly appearance, a soft touch and lively compact branching.

Spines that do not prick

The translucent projections are soft epidermal papillae, creating the characteristic fuzzy look without the rigidity of cactus spines.

A dense miniature silhouette

Short fleshy stems branch readily and fill the pot, producing a satisfying, established look in a compact footprint.

A delicate floral accent

Small pale flowers rise above the textured foliage and add a subtle burst of light to the green mound.

Why you will love it: it combines collector-level detail, a pleasant tactile quality and a charming shape that instantly starts conversations.

In your spacePlacement & plant pairingsWhere it looks its best and which plants complement it

In your space

Where it looks its best

Place it by a very bright south- or west-facing window, or in a sheltered sunny outdoor position after gradual acclimation. Low terracotta or a matte cachepot lets its unusual texture remain the focal point.

Plant pairings

Plants that complement it

Pair it with succulents that share its preference for strong light and a deep drying cycle, while keeping each plant in its own pot.

Echeveria lilacina — its smooth, powdery rosette makes an elegant contrast with the fuzzy surface.
Crassula ovata — glossy oval leaves contribute a stronger, shrubby geometry.
Curio herreanus — trailing stems add movement beside the compact mound.

Care at a glance

Light

Abundant bright light with some gentle sun. Introduce stronger direct sun gradually.

Water

Water thoroughly only after the entire mix has dried; surplus water must drain away at once.

Climate

Dry air, good ventilation and protection from frost or prolonged cold rain.

Pets

It has no hard spines, but it is not intended for chewing. Keep it away from persistent access.

For this plant

Substrate & nutrition

Suitable substrateSybasoil Cacti & Succulent Premium Mix 5ltView product

Suitable nutritionCactus&Succulent focus 100mlView product

Detailed careComplete care guideLight, drying cycle, climate, substrate and nutrition in detail

Light and position

Very bright light supports dense growth and crisp texture. Morning or late-afternoon sun is valuable, while intense midday sun requires gradual acclimation.

Watering correctly

Soak evenly only when the mix is dry throughout, then let the pot drain. Do not count fixed days; assess depth, pot weight, temperature and season.

Air and humidity

Good airflow lets the finely textured surface dry quickly after watering. Avoid closed terrariums, persistent humidity and water trapped among the stems.

Temperature and growth

It grows actively in mild to warm conditions with ample light. Growth slows in cold or very dim conditions, when water use falls sharply.

Substrate

Use a very airy succulent mix with a high mineral fraction and unobstructed drainage holes. Fine roots should never remain in dense, wet soil.

Feeding and repotting

During visible new growth, a dilute balanced fertiliser with low nitrogen every four to six weeks is sufficient. Do not feed in cold weather, during heat-stalled growth or immediately after repotting.

Botanical identityIdentity & natural originAccepted name, origin of the form and natural distribution

Accepted botanical identity

The accepted name is Delosperma echinatum (Lam.) Schwantes, a member of Aizoaceae. It is not a cactus but a succulent related to the ice plants.

From Mesembryanthemum to Delosperma

Lamarck published the basionym Mesembryanthemum echinatum in 1788. Gustav Schwantes made the present combination in 1927; older names including Drosanthemum pruinosum are treated as synonyms.

South-eastern Cape origin

The species is native to the south-eastern Cape of South Africa, forming small succulent shrubs in subtropical, seasonally dry places where excess water drains rapidly.

From natural habitat to home care: its low branching habit and fleshy tissues are adapted to alternating moisture and dry periods. In a pot, that means abundant light, an airy mineral-rich mix and another watering only after the root zone has dried.

Greenleaf for Plant NerdsScientific details nobody asked forBotanical details for anyone who wants to know what lies behind the plant’s appearance

The “hairs” are epidermal papillae

The translucent projections are neither areoles nor spines. They are specialised epidermal papillae that scatter light and create the plant’s distinctive rough appearance.

Fleshy leaves and stems

Water is stored in more than one organ, helping the plant remain plump between widely spaced rainfall events.

Aizoaceae flowers

Numerous narrow petals and a bright centre are familiar floral traits among many members of the ice-plant family.

A name meaning prickly

The epithet echinatum evokes a hedgehog or spiny surface, precisely describing the visual effect of the papillae.

Frequently asked questions

Useful answers about placement, watering, seasonal behaviour and the plant’s distinctive traits.

01Do the translucent points prick?

No. They are soft epidermal papillae rather than hard spines. Handle the plant gently, however, because the fleshy stems can snap.

02Can it take direct sun?

Yes, after gradual acclimation. Begin with mild morning or late-afternoon sun and increase exposure rather than moving it abruptly from indoors.

03When does it need water?

When the mix is dry well down and the pot feels light. Water deeply at that point and allow every trace of surplus water to drain.

04Why are the stems stretching and thinning?

It usually needs more light. Move it gradually to a brighter position; new growth can become compact, although old stretched stems will not shorten.

05When can it flower?

Flowers are most likely on a mature, well-lit plant during its warmer active period. Exact timing varies with age and conditions.

06Does it need frequent feeding?

No. A dilute, low-nitrogen feed while it is visibly growing is enough. Excess nutrition produces soft, vulnerable growth.

Cart (0)

Delosperma echinatum 12cm

Delosperma echinatum 12cm

Delosperma echinatum

What makes it special

Spines that do not prick

A dense miniature silhouette

A delicate floral accent

Where it looks its best

Plants that complement it

Care at a glance

Light

Water

Climate

Pets

Substrate & nutrition

Light and position

Watering correctly

Air and humidity

Temperature and growth

Substrate

Feeding and repotting

Accepted botanical identity

From Mesembryanthemum to Delosperma

South-eastern Cape origin

The “hairs” are epidermal papillae

Fleshy leaves and stems

Aizoaceae flowers

A name meaning prickly

Frequently asked questions

Delosperma echinatum 12cm — Care & Tips

We take care of the packaging!

With specially designed boxes, we ensure that the plants will reach you intact, no matter what they encounter on the way!

All plants in 3L pots or larger are placed in individual boxes that secure the plant at the base of the pot, preventing it from tipping over.

The cardboard used for the boxes is specially made to provide resistance to potential impacts during transport.

Recently Viewed