Pig s Ear: Cotyledon orbiculata Care Guide
Succulents

Pig s Ear: Cotyledon orbiculata Care Guide

Cotyledon orbiculata

Pig’s ear care (Cotyledon orbiculata): succulent with round powdery leaves. Full sun, mineral soil, very little water, toxic if eaten.

Characteristics

Scientific nameCotyledon orbiculata
Height30-100 cm
Sunlightpieno sole
Waterbassa
Soildrenante minerale
Toxicitytossica
Growthlenta
Temperature5 a 35 °C
FloweringJun, Jul, Aug
IrrigationWater rarely and only when the soil is dry, at the base without wetting the powdery leaves; in winter almost stop.

Pig’s ear (Cotyledon orbiculata) is a shrubby South African succulent with thick, round grey-green leaves, often red-edged and coated in waxy bloom. It wants full sun, gritty mineral soil and sparing watering. In summer it bears pendulous orange bell flowers on tall stalks. Note: it is toxic.

Flowering season

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Practical tips

Watering

Water needs: bassa — always check soil moisture before watering.

Position

Prefers pieno sole: provide the right light and rotate the plant for even growth.

Substrate

Recommended soil: drenante minerale. Refresh the substrate every 1-2 years.

Leaves

Dust the leaves with a damp cloth to support photosynthesis.

Feeding

Feed during the growing season (spring-summer) and stop in winter.

FAQ

Is pig's ear toxic?
Yes: it contains cardiac glycosides dangerous to pets and people if eaten; keep it away from children, dogs, cats and livestock.
How often should I water pig's ear?
Very little: every 2-3 weeks in summer only when the soil is dry, and almost never in winter; do not touch or wet the powdery bloom on the leaves.

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