Cotyledon orbiculata
Best low-maintenance succulent for busy plant lovers with sunny windows.
Discover the striking Cotyledon orbiculata, also known as Pig's Ear, a unique succulent native to South Africa. This plant boasts thick, paddle-shaped leaves with a distinctive silvery coating, adding a touch of modern elegance to any sunny indoor space. It's a highly drought-tolerant variety that thrives in direct sunlight and requires minimal watering, making it an easy-care addition to your home. While beautiful, please note it is toxic to pets. It's shipped as an established, potted plant, ready to bring texture and visual interest to your collection.
$14.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
141
/ 9303
#141 in Potted Houseplants
Price vs Category Average
-73%
Below average
Pot Diameter
4
/ inches
Who it's for
- Designers seeking a sculptural statement piece for their home
- Busy professionals needing a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant
- Decorators looking for vibrant, color-changing foliage
Who should skip it
- Apartment dwellers lacking access to bright, direct sunlight
- New gardeners prone to over-nurturing their houseplants
- Pet owners and parents of curious small children
Performance breakdown
Maintenance Ease
Drought-tolerant nature makes this an ideal choice for busy plant owners.
Visual Impact
Silvery, paddle-shaped foliage provides a sophisticated, modern architectural aesthetic.
Light Adaptability
Strict requirement for direct sun limits placement options in darker homes.
Pet Compatibility
Toxic properties necessitate careful placement away from curious cats and dogs.
Propagation Potential
Simple leaf cuttings allow for effortless expansion of your succulent collection.
Environmental Resilience
Robust succulent structure handles neglect and dry indoor air with ease.
Key Specs
Pot Diameter
4 inches
Native Region
South Africa
Hardiness Zones
USDA 9–11
Minimum Temperature Tolerance
25°F (−4°C)
Soil Requirement
Sharply draining cactus or succulent mix
Fertilization Schedule
Monthly during spring/summer
Toxicity
Toxic to cats and dogs
Care Level
Easy
Features
- Thick, silvery-dusted, paddle-shaped leaves
- Highly drought-tolerant succulent
- Produces tall, bell-shaped summer flowers
- Easily propagated from cuttings
- Requires excellent airflow for health
- Thrives best in direct sunlight
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and robust health of the Cotyledon orbiculata upon arrival. Reviewers frequently highlight the plant's impressive size and vibrant aesthetic, noting it often surpasses expectations set by online images. The careful packaging ensures the specimen arrives undamaged, building strong supplier trust. This combination of superior quality and striking visual appeal makes it a highly recommended purchase, offering excellent value for such a unique succulent.
Know before you buy
This plant thrives in direct sunlight. Place it in your sunniest window, such as a south-facing exposure, to ensure it maintains its compact shape and silvery leaf coating.
As a drought-tolerant succulent, it requires very little water. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, and be careful not to let the plant sit in standing water, which can lead to root rot.
No, the Cotyledon orbiculata is toxic to both cats and dogs. It is best to keep this plant in a location that is inaccessible to your pets.
Use a high-quality, sharply draining cactus or succulent potting mix. Proper drainage is essential to prevent moisture buildup around the roots.
Beyond minimal watering and bright light, the most important factor is airflow. Ensure the plant is in a spot with good air circulation to keep the foliage healthy and prevent fungal issues.
With the right amount of direct sunlight, your plant may produce tall, bell-shaped flowers during the summer months. Keep in mind that it does not produce a fragrance.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$14