Scientific Name
Fenestraria rhopalophylla subsp. aurantiaca (N.E.Br.) H.E.K.Hartmann
Common Name(s)
Baby Toes, Baby's Toes, Window Plant
Synonym(s)
Fenestraria aurantiaca
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Fenestraria
Origin
This succulent is native to Namibia and South Africa. It generally grows in sandy or calciferous soils. Its status is under review to determine whether its proper status is that of a full species or a subspecies of Fenestraria rhopalophylla.
Description
Fenestraria rhopalophylla subsp. aurantiaca, also known as Fenestraria aurantiaca, is a small, stemless succulent that forms clumps of erect, glaucous green leaves with a convex apex with a translucent window. Roots are thick, shallow, and spreading. Leaves are smooth, club-shaped, and up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long. Flowers appear solitary or in groups of up to 3. They are golden yellow, up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter, and appear on long pedicels from fall to spring.
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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 watch 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.
Links
- Back to genus Fenestraria
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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