Cotyledon

( kot - il - LEED - on )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of succulent shrubs and sub-shrubs includes species which need sun to light shade and little to moderate water to perform well in the garden. They are native to South Africa, and vary widely in size and appearance. These plants are wonderful for a variety of uses in the garden, doing well in containers, raised beds, or in the ground. Use Cotyledon plants as additions to drought-tolerant or rock gardens, use them in succulent arrangements, or add them to mixed beds and borders. Take care when planting these succulents in the landscape, as all plant parts are toxic to humans, pets, and livestock if ingested.

Cotyledon Species and Varietals

Cotyledon is a genus within the plant family Crassulaceae, and includes 10 species of succulent plants. The ideal growing zones for these plants vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Cotyledon orbiculata (Pig's Ear, Round-Leaved Navel-Wort, Dollar Plant, Plakkie)
This species is best when grown in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones 12, 13, 16, 17, and 21-24. They reach 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide relatively quickly and leaves are grey-green to whitish, edged with red. Varieties with green leaves are cultivated, as well. Stems carry clusters of orange drooping flowers shaped like bells. This is a great shrub for mild climates, and it enjoys well-drained soils. They are also great for containers. Pig's Ear is considered invasive in New Zealand and Australia. Varieties are listed and described below:

'Chocolate Line'
With variegated leaves that have red margins.

'Elk Horns' / 'Staghorn'
Finger-like foliage that sometimes has yellow variegation.

'Happy Young Lady'
With uniquely colored foliage.

'Lighthouse Road'
With distinct fan-like, flat succulent foliage.

'Macrantha'
To 2-3 feet tall and wide with pale green leaves and orange-red blooms.

'Tiny Wonder'
Compact, dwarf form with silver-blue leaves that have pink margins.

'Whitewash' ('Ivory Shell')
With large, rounded white leaves that have prominent red edges.

Cotyledon pendens (Cliff Cotyledon, Cliff Hanger Cotyledon, Kransplakkie, Kransklokkie, Cliff Succulent, Cliff Bell)
This species produces a trailing plant with slender, dangling stems clothed in small, succulent almost ovate leaves. Foliage is grey-green and has reddish edges. Flowers are bell-shaped and orange-red with yellow protruding stamens. This species is very popular collector's item in the succulent trade, and is considered rare.

Cotyledon tomentosa (Bear's Paw, Bear Paw, Kitten Paw)
This species is native to South Africa, and forms a succulent evergreen shrub with large, chunky fuzzy green leaves that resemble the paws of certain mammals. Flowers are orange, bell-shaped, and are present in springtime. Plants are hardy down to 41 degrees Fahrenheit; this species does well in USDA hardiness zones 9b-11b.

Cotyledon undulata (Silver Crown Plant, Silver Ruffles)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones 17, 23 and 24. It produces thick leaves dusted with white powder, and gets 1.5 feet tall and wide at maturity. Leaves have wavy edges, and the plant produces clusters of orange flowers in the spring and summertime. Be careful when watering this plant, as overhead water will rid the plant of its leaf powder, as will contact with hands and tools.

Caring for Cotyledon

Take care when planting these succulents in the landscape, as all plant parts are toxic to humans, pets, and livestock if ingested. Plant Cotyledon succulents in a space in the landscape that receives full sun; ideally, they appreciate between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day for the best color and blooms. Ensure that soil is well-draining and has a pH of between 5.0 and 7.0 (acidic to neutral). If local soils do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of sand and rocks before installing. Apply a layer of rock mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention.

Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. When established, these succulents are drought-tolerant, able to get by on rainwater alone for much of the year with supplemental waterings during extended periods of drought. Soil can be allowed to dry out completely between waterings. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms. Protect plants from frost and extreme heat (above 85 degrees Fahrenheit). Cotyledon plants are considered long-lived perennials, able to survive for over 10 years in the landscape before needing to be replaced.

Caring for Cotyledon in Containers
Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with perlite and sand or rocks, and top with a layer of rock mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened; Cotyledon succulents are drought-tolerant. Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.

Propagation

The best way to propagate Cotyledon is by cutting in springtime. To propagate your succulent, you will need a clean, sharp knife or garden shears and a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix (if you will not be replanting in the ground). When you have gathered your materials, follow the directions below to propagate your plant:

Use your clean, sharp garden shears or knife to cut off a piece of stem with leaves. Place this cutting on its side and leave it in a dry, warm, shaded spot for at least three days. This will cause the root end to heal and form a hard callous. Doing this helps the plant avoid root rot when it gets planted in potting mix.
Fill your pot with the potting mix described above, and then place the calloused end of your cutting into the soil. Push down until the cutting can stay upright without assistance. Place the pot in a spot that receives bright, indirect light and water lightly once a week. Do not allow the soil to become too moist or dry out completely.
Your cutting should grow roots in about two weeks, whether or not it is placed in potting medium. To check for roots, lightly tug on the plant. If it resists, you have roots.