Cotyledon orbiculata
Also known as: Pig's ear
Pig's ear: flat round grey paddles with red rims and drooping orange bells loved by sunbirds. It belongs to the Cotyledon genus, comes from South Africa (widespread), stays around Rosettes 30–60 cm, and tolerates USDA 9b–11; protect below -2 °C dry. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Cotyledon
- Origin: South Africa (widespread)
- Mature size: Rosettes 30–60 cm
- Hardiness: USDA 9b–11; protect below -2 °C dry
- Toxicity: ⚠️ Toxic to pets and livestock
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Cotyledon
- Origin
- South Africa (widespread)
- Mature size
- Rosettes 30–60 cm
- Growth habit
- Erect stems with flat round paddle leaves
- Leaf colour
- Grey-white powdery to green paddles with red margins
- Flower colour
- Orange-red bell clusters
- Hardiness
- USDA 9b–11; protect below -2 °C dry
- Toxicity
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets and livestock
- Other names
- Pig's ear
About the Cotyledon orbiculata
Pig's ear: flat round grey paddles with red rims and drooping orange bells loved by sunbirds. Very hardy for a cotyledon (dry cold to about -2 °C) and one of the classic South African garden succulents. Toxic to livestock.
Care and cultivation
Cotyledons are shrubby South Africans with thick decorative leaves. Bright light, a normal succulent mix and moderate watering suit them. Bear's paws (C. tomentosa) drops its 'fingers' if overwatered. Note the toxicity: keep them away from pets and wash hands after pruning. Light: Bright light with some direct sun. Water: Every 2 weeks in growth; little in winter. Use a Standard succulent mix.
Description
Cotyledon orbiculata is a Cotyledon succulent from South Africa (widespread). Pig's ear: flat round grey paddles with red rims and drooping orange bells loved by sunbirds. Very hardy for a cotyledon (dry cold to about -2 °C) and one of the classic South African garden succulents. Toxic to livestock.
Identification
Look for: Grey-white powdery to green paddles with red margins leaves in a Rosettes 30–60 cm form. Also answers to Pig's ear. The genus is Cotyledon, which already narrows down the care requirements considerably. Nickname: 'Pig's ear'.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my Cotyledon orbiculata?
Every 2 weeks in growth; little in winter. Always let the soil dry completely between waterings, and water less in winter when growth slows.
How much light does Cotyledon orbiculata need?
Bright light with some direct sun. If the plant stretches or loses colour, it needs more light.
Related succulents
Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Cotyledon orbiculata, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.