Scientific Name
Fenestraria rhopalophylla subsp. aurantiaca (N.E.Br.) H.E.K.Hartmann
Common Names
Baby Toes, Baby's Toes, Window Plant
Synonyms
Fenestraria aurantiaca
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Fenestraria
Description
Fenestraria rhopalophylla subsp. aurantiaca, also known as Fenestraria aurantiaca, is an evergreen, perennial succulent, up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall, with a not present or very reduced stem. The tip of each leaf is transparent and diffuse the light to the rest of the leaf. The roots are thick, shallow, and spreading. The leaves are smooth, glaucous green, with a convex apex and up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long. The flowers are solitary or in groups of up to 3, golden yellow, up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter, and borne on long pedicels.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
As with most succulent plants, the biggest problem is over or under-watering. While Baby Toes are tolerant of drought conditions, they need moisture to store in their leaves to sustain them during the growing season.
Move pots to a fully sunlit area where temperatures range at least 65 °F (19 °C).
Baby Toes have few pest or disease problems, but do watch out for rot when plants are overwatered or in pots that don't drain well.
Fertilize in early spring with a half dilution of cactus and succulent food. Suspend watering in the dormant season. Other than that, care of Baby Toes is so easy the infant whose toes they resemble could almost grow these great little succulents.
Origin
Fenestraria rhopalophylla subsp. aurantiaca is native to Namibia and South Africa. The status of this succulent is under review to determine whether its proper status is that of a full species or a subspecies of Fenestraria rhopalophylla.
Links
- Back to genus Fenestraria
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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