About
Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga is an evergreen succulent subshrub that typically reaches a height of approximately 50 cm. It features thick, fleshy leaves measuring between 5 to 10 cm in length. These leaves are characterized by their obovate to oblong-linear shape and exhibit a grey-green hue, often covered with a powdery waxy layer, while their edges may display a deep red tint. Flowering stems can grow up to 70 cm tall, producing clusters of bell-shaped to tubular, drooping flowers that range in color from pink to orange.
About the genus
Cotyledon consists of succulent perennials and shrubs characterized by simple, opposite leaves. These plants produce nodding, bell-shaped flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow, which are arranged in dense panicles.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1C
Plant details
- Plant type
- Cactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
- Native to
- South Africa
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow under glass in a standard cactus compost, in full light. Provide low humidity. Water freely when in growth and keep just moist at other times. Apply a dilute low nitrogen fertilizer fortnightly during late spring and summer. Keep almost dry in the winter. Stand plants outside during the summer months. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further details
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or from stem cuttings
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to mealybugs, vine weevil and aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free