Scientific Name
Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga 'Flavida'
Common Name(s)
Finger Aloe
Synonym(s)
Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga 'Grey Sticks' Cotyledon 'Grey Sticks'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Kalanchoideae
Genus: Cotyledon
Description
Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga 'Flavida' is an attractive succulent shrub with closely packed finger-like leaves along decumbent branches. The leaves are grayish-green with a chalky coating.
During the spring, umbrella-like clusters of bell-shaped, pale orange flowers are held well above the foliage on erect, up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall stalks.
Origin
Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga 'Flavida' is a form of Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga originally collected in the wild in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Cotyledons can be divided into two groups. One group consists of evergreen plants with a summer growing period. The other group comprises deciduous plants, splendidly magnificent with large, solid fleshy stems. The second group grows during the winter and sheds its leaves during the summer.
Cotyledons require a free-draining gritty mix and plenty of sunlight. They tolerate cool, frost-free conditions during the winter if kept dry. Some require pruning to maintain an attractive shape.
Cotyledons should be kept in a sunny position. Follow general succulent watering procedures. Be careful of over-watering when they are deciduous.
As succulents go, Cotyledons certainly are rewarding garden and indoor subjects, practically independent of irrigation in all but full desert conditions. However, they cannot survive poor light or bad drainage in the wet.
Feed it once or twice during the growing season with a fertilizer specifically formulated for cactus and succulents (poor in nitrogen), including all micronutrients and trace elements diluted to ½ the strength recommended on the label.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Cotyledon.
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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