Scientific Name
Cotyledon papillaris L.f.
Synonym(s)
Cacalia papillaris, Cotyledon acaulon, Cotyledon cuneata, Cotyledon glandulosa, Cotyledon glutinosa, Cotyledon gracilis, Cotyledon jacobseniana, Cotyledon meyeri, Cotyledon pseudogracilis, Cotyledon teretifolia, Kleinia papillaris, Tylecodon papillaris, Cotyledon 'Choco Line'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Kalanchoideae
Genus: Cotyledon
Description
Cotyledon papillaris is a spreading succulent shrublet with decumbent to procumbent branches often rooting when touching the soil. It grows up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall. This species is very variable, with many forms existing. Leaves are erect, yellowish-green to glaucous, up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long, and up to 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) wide. Flowers are small, bell-shaped, yellowish to orange-red, and droop from the top of up to 10 inches (25 cm) tall stalk from late spring to summer.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °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 plants of the second group grow during the winter and shed their leaves during the summer.
These succulents require a free-draining gritty mix and plenty of sunlight. They are tolerant of 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 overwatering 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 1/2 the strength recommended on the label.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Cotyledon.
Origin
This species is native to South Africa.
Links
- Back to genus Cotyledon
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
