Cotyledon orbiculata aka Pig's Ear

Taxonomy

Cotyledon orbiculata, also known as pig's ear or round-leafed navel-wort, is a unique perennial succulent native to South Africa. This evergreen shrub can reach a height of 100cm and features oval, grey-green leaves that are covered in a white wax and occasionally have a red edge. Its fleshy leaves provide natural sun protection, often referred to as powdery. The plant produces small, bell-shaped flowers in shades of orange, yellow, or red on long stems up to 70cm in late summer and autumn. Despite its delicate appearance, this succulent is frost-resistant, making it suitable for colder climates. Its natural habitat includes rocky plains and grassy areas with abundant sunlight. The flowers, although not as striking as the leaves, are odorless and bloom year-round. These flowers grow on slender, drooping stems that can reach up to 24 inches (60 cm) in height.

Common names

Pig's Ear, Pig's Ears, Dog's Ears

How to care for Pig's Ear

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Pig's Ear due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Pig's Ear does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

To keep your Pig's Ear healthy, it's important to use a potting soil that won't retain too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Pig's Ear prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Humidity

Pig's Ear thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

The Pig's Ear is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Region of origin

Pig's Ear’s native range is Southern Africa to the Middle East.


More info:
Wikipedia