Pigs ear succulent
The pigs ear plant, also known as the pigs ear succulent or Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, is a succulent plant native to South Africa. It is characterized by its thick, fleshy leaves that are arranged in a rosette formation. The leaves are green with a reddish-brown margin, and they are covered in small, white hairs. The pigs ear plant blooms in the spring and summer, producing clusters of small, yellow flowers.
The pigs ear plant is a popular ornamental plant, and it is relatively easy to care for. It prefers full sun or partial shade, and it can tolerate a wide range of soil types. The plant is drought-tolerant, but it should be watered regularly during the growing season. The pigs ear plant is also relatively pest- and disease-free.
It is suitable for several places in the garden. It is an ideal plant for the rockery but also grows well in a container.
It will also add texture and form to the well-drained flower border. You need to provide good drainage if you grow it in Containers. The plants will reach approximately 4 feet in height.
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Cotyledon orbiculata flower
Cotyledon orbiculata flower blooms in June-July and sometimes extends till August.
Flowers of Pig’s ear succulent are mostly orange-red. You can also find yellow color flowers.
The colorful, hanging, bell-shaped flowers form in clusters on the ends of elongated 2 feet flower stalks.
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How often to water Pig’s ear succulents
It needs very little water. During the spring and summer, the plants are watered well but are allowed to dry thoroughly between watering.
Fertilizer for Pigs ear succulent
Pigs ear succulents grow very fast. It needs no fertilizer.
You can apply balanced fertilizer only once during the growing season.
The best soil for Pigs’s ear succulent
It needs well-drained soil. You can use a soil mix consisting of 1 part peat moss to 1 part loam to 2 parts sand or perlite.
You can also add small gravel to increase the drainage.
Light and Temperature for Pig’s ear succulent
Light requirements: Pig’s ear succulents need full sun to light shade. In nature, it grows in full sun and can also grow well in semi-shade under trees. It needs a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight for it to maintain its vibrant colors. You can place it near a south-facing window or in a location where it can get sufficient light.
Temperature requirements: Pig’s Ear Succulents are resilient and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. They are typically hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. Ideally, they prefer temperatures between 65°F (18°C) and 75°F (24°C) during the day.
However, they can withstand temperature extremes, with some varieties tolerating temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C) and as high as 100°F (38°C) for short durations. The plant can tolerate moderate frosts. If planted in an unprotected spot during black frost, its flowers will get damaged. If you’re growing them outdoors and frost is a concern, consider bringing them indoors or providing some form of frost protection, such as covering them with a cloth or moving them to a sheltered location.
Pig’s ear succulent propagation
You can propagate Pig’s ear succulent through cutting and seeds.
Pig’s ear succulent propagation from seed
- It may be grown from seed, but it is not the easiest propagation method.
- Spring is the best time to sow the seed.
- Do not overwater and keep it moist.
- You can transplant it once the seedling reaches about 2-4 cms.
Pig’s ear succulent propagation from cuttings
- You can propagate Pig’s ear through cutting in spring which is the easiest propagation method.
- Make sure that you keep the soil dry to prevent rotting.
- You can transplant it once the cutting has rooted.
Pests and diseases in Pig’s ear succulent
Pig’s ear succulent is not much bothered by Pests. Sometimes they are by snails in the garden.
Pig’s ear Poisonous
Pig’s ear plants are highly toxic to sheep and goats, but they rarely eat them. It causes Cotyledonosis(intoxication affecting nervous and muscular systems) in them.
It is also poisonous to dogs and cats. This plant contains toxic substance cardiac glycosides (cardenolides or bufadienolides).
Cotyledon orbiculata uses
Its leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat, soften, or remove hard corns, warts, and boils.
To treat bacterial infection and inflammation, toothache, earache, abscesses, skin rashes, epilepsy, and syphilis.
It attracts birds and bees.
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Cotyledon orbiculata varieties
- Cotyledon adscendens
- Cotyledon barbeyi
- Cotyledon campanulata
- Cotyledon cuneata
- Cotyledon chrysantha
- Cotyledon elisae
- Cotyledon galpinii
- Cotyledon orbiculata
- Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ( Macrantha)
- Cotyledon papilaris
- Cotyledon pendens
- Cotyledon tormentosa
- Cotyledon tormentosa subs ladismithiensis
- Cotyledon undulata
- Cotyledon Velutina
- Cotyledon woodii
Reference: http://www.plantoftheweek.org/week217.shtml
