Care of the succulent plant Cotyledon orbiculata or Round-leafed navel-wort |
The genus Cotyledon, family Crassulaceae, includes 10 species of succulent plants native to Africa. Some species are: Cotyledon orbiculata, Cotyledon undulata, Cotyledon tomentosa, Cotyledon papillaris. Common names: Red Edged Pig's Ear, Pig's ear, Round-leafed navel-wort. This species is native to South Africa. They are succulent plants with a shrubby habit that reach 60 cm (1.96 feet) in height. The fleshy leaves appear in pairs along the stem and are rounded or ovate in shape. The flowers can be red, yellow or orange and appear in terminal panicles in groups of 15 flowers. They bloom in summer. Red Edged Pig's Ear is used as cover plants in the garden or in pots for patios, balconies and terraces. Cotyledon orbiculata needs full sun exposure and warm temperatures. It resists occasional frosts down to -3 ºC (26.6 ºF). Round-leafed navel-wort can be grown in any soil that is well drained. Pig's ear is a drought resistant plant; water moderately in spring and summer (wait for the soil to dry out) and eliminate winter waterings. Fertilize in spring and summer monthly with mineral fertilizer. Cotyledon orbiculata is an easy to grow plant and resistant to pests and diseases; it's very important not to overwatering. Round-leafed navel-wort propagates by stem or leaf cuttings in spring. |
Images of the succulent plant Cotyledon orbiculata or Round-leafed navel-wort |