Scientific Name
Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga 'Octopus'
Synonym(s)
Cotyledon orbiculata 'Octopus', Cotyledon 'Octopus'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Kalanchoideae
Genus: Cotyledon
Origin
Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga 'Octopus' is a cultuvar of Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga.
Description
Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga 'Octopus', usually sold as Cotyledon orbiculata 'Octopus', is a succulent shrublet with short, decumbent to erect branches that bear linear, glaucous leaves attractively marked with a red or purple line at their wavy apex. The branches are woody at the base with grey-green bark and emerge at the base of the plant. The leaves resemble the tentacles of an octopus, hence the cultivar name.
The flowers are tubular with recurved, brightly colored petals in shades of orange, red, or yellow and appear in late winter and early spring in clusters that dangle from stalks that can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall.
How to Grow and Care for Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga 'Octopus'
Light: This succulent is somewhat flexible but grows and blooms best in full sun. Indoors, keep it near a sunny window or under a grow light.
Soil: A well-draining soil mix is key to a healthy C. orbiculata var. oblonga 'Octopus'. Poor drainage and overwatering cause root rot in both indoor and outdoor plants. Use a commercial soil mix for succulents, or make your own.
Temperature: Like all Cotyledon, this plant is highly tolerant of high temperatures and tolerates cool, frost-free conditions during the winter if kept dry. C. orbiculata var. oblonga 'Octopus' can withstand temperatures as low as 25 °F (-3.9 °C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b, 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C).
Watering: Follow general succulent watering procedures. During the growing season, water deeply enough for the water to run out of drainage holes, then wait for the soil to completely dry before watering again. Reduce watering during winter.
Fertilizing: Feed once or twice during the growing season with a fertilizer for succulents diluted to half the strength recommended on the label.
Repotting: This plant does not need to be repotted often. However, if the pot becomes too small or shallow, repot it. Use pots with at least one drainage hole at the bottom.
Propagation: C. orbiculata var. oblonga 'Octopus' can be propagated by stem cuttings and mature leaves. The best time for taking cuttings is fall.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Cotyledon.
Toxicity of Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga 'Octopus'
C. orbiculata var. oblonga 'Octopus' is toxic if consumed. Therefore, it should be kept away from children, pets, and livestock.
Links
- Back to genus Cotyledon
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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