Scientific Name
Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga 'Octopus'
Synonym(s)
Cotyledon orbiculata 'Octopus', Cotyledon 'Octopus'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Kalanchoideae
Genus: Cotyledon
Origin
This succulent 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 emerge at the base of the plant, bearing 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. Leaves resemble the tentacles of an octopus, hence the cultivar name.
Flowers are tubular with recurved, brightly colored petals in shades of orange, red, or yellow and appear in clusters that dangle from up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall stalks in late winter and early spring.
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 when it comes to high temperatures and tolerant of 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: You do not need to repot this plant often. Repot when you see that the pot becomes too small or shallow. 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, keep it 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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