Bell-flowered Cotyledon(Cotyledon campanulata) Indoor Care, Propagation and Common Problems
Some links in this post may be affiliate links
Cotyledon campanulata (Bell-flowered Cotyledon) blossoms in bright light with 4-6 hours direct sunlight, average warmth, moderate humidity and loose, fast-draining, all purpose soil that is low in organic matter coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
Cotyledon campanulata also called Wonderful Bells Cotyledon is a small, succulent shrub with elongated, upright, fleshy, light-green, finger-like leaves which are covered with fine hairs.
Bell-flowered Cotyledon leaves are borne on a thick, woody stem in a rosette pattern. They have a serrated margin and they turn red at the tips in bright light.
Botanical name: Cotyledon campanulata
Family: Crassulaceae
Common names: Bell-flowered Cotyledon, Wonderful Bells Cotyledon
Origin
Cotyledon campanulata is native to South Africa in Eastern Cape where it is found growing in clumps in arid areas.
Size
Wonderful Bells Cotyledon can grow to a height of 1 ft and a spread of about 1 ft.
Flowers
Bell-flowered Cotyledon Succulent blooms in late spring to early summer with yellow, bell-shaped, pendulous flowers which are borne on a stem at the center of the rosette.
This characteristic of bell-shaped flowers gives this plant the common names, 'Bell-flowered Cotyledon' and 'Wonderful Bells Cotyledon'. The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies.
Toxicity
Cotyledon campanulata like other Cotyledon plants is considered toxic to both humans and pets. As outlined by Wikipedia, some plants in the Cotyledon Genus have been found to cause stock losses among goats, pigs and poultry.
Related Plants
Bell-flowered Cotyledon is closely related to the following plants which are also great plants for the home.
1. Cotyledon undulata (Silver Crown Plant)
2. Cotyledon orbiculata (Pig's Ear Plant)
3. Cotyledon pendens (Cliff Cotyledon)
4. Cotyledon tomentosa (Bear's Paw Succulent)
5. Cotyledon velutina (Velvet Cotyledon)
Cotyledon campanulata Care Indoors
Cotyledon campanulata grows best in bright light with 4-6 hours direct sunshine, average warmth of 16-250C, moderate humidity of 50-55% and loose, fast-draining, all purpose soil that is low in organic matter coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Bell-flowered Cotyledon repotting is only needed when it becomes pot-bound or when the potting medium is completely broken down. Pruning is necessary to keep the plant neat, to control growth and to minimize pest and disease infestations. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to provide them.
Watering
Like all succulents, Bell-flowered Cotyledon does not like overwatering and soggy soil. It is best watered by the 'soak and dry' method.
Water Cotyledon campanulata deeply during the growing season until water comes out through the drainage hole and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Decrease watering in the cold period as growth is reduced at this time, thus, the plant does not need much water for growth.
Only use water that is at room temperature to water the plant to avoid plant shock as it can result in leaf drop and reduced growth.
Confirm that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is fast-draining to prevent the plant from sitting in soggy soil which can result in rotting and death of the plant.
Take care not to wet the foliage to avoid fungal diseases or water from the bottom instead and always empty the bottom saucer (plate) once the plant has absorbed enough water. Read more on how to water houseplants the right way.
Light Requirements
Cotyledon campanulata requires bright light with at least 4-6 hours of morning or afternoon sunlight. Keep it away or shield it from hot direct sunshine to prevent scorching of the leaves.
Wonderful Bells Cotyledon can also be grown under grow lights if the natural lighting is not adequate. Check out these full spectrum grow lights on Amazon.
Regularly rotate the pot to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for even growth.
Bell-flowered Cotyledon Succulent can be grown outdoors, however, gradually acclimate it and place it in a shaded place first to prevent scorching of the leaves.
Temperature and Humidity
Cotyledon campanulata requires an average warmth of 16-250C during the growing season and a minimum of 100C in the cold season.
Keep the Bell-flowered Cotyledon away from frost and cold drafts like windy doors and windows, air conditioning units among others as prolonged exposure can cause leaf drop and the death of the plant.
Cotyledon campanulata has no need for extra humidity. Average room humidity of 50-55% is ideal for this plant. Clean the leaves with a soft brush to get rid of dust and also discourage pest infestations.
Ascertain that there is good air circulation and do not mist the plant to prevent fungal disease infestations which are prevalent in damp, poorly ventillated conditions.
Fertilizer
Feed Cotyledon campanulata monthly during the growing season with a cactus and succulents fertilizer to promote a lush growth. Do not feed in the cold season as growth is minimal and feeding at this time can result in fertilizer burn and eventual death of the plant.
Potting Mix
The best potting mix for Cotyledon campanulata should be coarse, low in organic matter and one that drains easily to prevent it from holding excess water. The soil should be loose enough to allow water to drain out quickly. Cactus and succulents soils are ideal for the plant.
Repotting
Repot Cotyledon campanulata at the beginning of the growing season only when it has become pot-bound or when the potting medium has completely broken down. Use a pot that is 1 size larger than the current one to avoid overpotting and retention of excess moisture.
Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy to prevent root-rot and eventual loss of the plant.
Select a clay pot rather than a plastic or ceramic pot as a clay pot is porous and allows the soil to dry out faster to keep it from staying wet for too long. Take a look at these clay (terracotta) pots on Amazon.
Ensure that the soil is dry before repotting. Take the Cotyledon campanulata out of its pot and brush off soil from the roots. Snip off any dead or dry roots and treat the wounds with a fungicidal solution.
Place the plant in the center of its new pot and back fill with fresh, loose, fast-draining soil while spreading the roots as you fill the pot.
Do not fill the pot completely but allow a space of about 1 in. unfilled for watering purposes.
Put back the plant to its display position and keep it dry for about 5-7 days to minimize the risk of rot-root disease.
Pruning
Pruning Cotyledon campanulata involves removal of any dead or diseased leaves to keep it neat and also discourage pest and disease infestations. Snip the leaves at the base with a sterilized knife or pair of scissors to prevent diseases transmission.
Cutback the stems if they become straggly to rejuvenate growth and encourage a compact, bushy growth. Minimize the number of cuts as much as possible to avoid unnecessary injuries to discourage fungal disease infestations.
Propagation
Cotyledon campanulata (Bell-flowered Cotyledon) can be propagated at the beginning of the growing season from stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.
How to propagate Cotyledon campanulata from stem cuttings
Take 3-5 in. stem cuttings from a healthy Cotyledon campanulata and allow the cutting to dry out (callus) for a few days to prevent rotting.
Once callused, insert the lower cut end of the stem cuttings in moist, fast-draining, rooting soil.
Place the set up in a well-lit, warm place away from direct sunlight and ensure that there is good air circulation to discourage fungal diseases.
Maintain the soil slightly moist until the stem cuttings have rooted. Rooting may take upto 4 weeks.
Allow substancial growth before transplanting the new Bell-flowered Cotyledon after which routine care can begin.
How to propagate Cotyledon campanulata from leaf cuttings
Take leaf cuttings complete with the petiole from a healthy Cotyledon campanulata. Allow the leaf cutting to dry out (callus) for a few days to prevent rotting.
When calloussed, lay the leaf cutting on moist, fast-draining, rooting mix while ensuring that the cut end does not come into contact with the soil to prevent rotting.
Postion the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight to prevent scorching of the leaf cuttings.
Maintain the soil slightly moist through out. Ensure that there is good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
With time, the leaf cutting will form roots and eventually a small rosette will form at the base of the leaf cutting. This may take from 4-6 weeks.
Allow substancial growth of the rosette before transplanting the new Bell-flowered Cotyledon into its own pot after which routine care can begin.
Cotyledon campanulata Common Problems
Cotyledon campanulata (Bell-flowered Cotyledon) growing problems include leaf drop, wilting and droopy leaves, leaf spots, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.
Pests
Common pests in Cotyledon campanulata are scale insects, mealy bugs and spider mites. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the rest of plants. Spray the plant with an insecticidal soap to get rid of the pests. Make sure to cover the entire plant.
Diseases
Cotyledon campanulata is also prone to powdery mildew which is prevalent in overwet conditions coupled with poor air circulation and is characterized by spotting or coating of the leaf surface with a white powdery deposit.
Isolate the affected plant to minimize spread to other houseplants and treat it with neem oil. Improve ventilation and make sure that there is good air circulation for the plant.
Water the Bell-flowered Cotyledon from the bottom to avoid wetting the foliage and always allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Do not allow the plant to sit in soggy soil; always empty the bottom saucer (plate) once the plant has absorbed enough water. Ascertain that the pot has a drainage hole and that the soil drains easily to prevent it from getting soggy.
Dropping leaves
Dropping leaves in Cotyledon campanulata are due to a number of reasons. If accompanied by mushy stems the cause is overwatering or soggy soil which results in too much water in the soil.
Take care not to overwater this succulent by allowing the soil to dry out between waterings and ensuring that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.
The second reason for leaf drop in Bell-flowered Cotyledon is underwatering if the leaves are shrivelled (wrinkled) and droopy. Water the plant thoroughly during the growing season and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Lessen watering in the cold season but do not allow the soil to dry out completely for a prolonged period of time.
The third reason for leaf drop in Wonderful Bells Cotyledon is too little light (inadequate light). Place the plant in bright light with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight during the growing season or instal a grow light if the natural lighting is not sufficient. Check out this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
The fourth reason for leaf drop in Bell-flowered Cotyledon is too low temperature due to cold drafts. Keep the plant away from windy windows and doors, air conditioning units among others.
The fifth reason for leaf drop in Bell-flowered Cotyledon is watering the plant with too cold water which causes plant shock. Water the tropical succulent plant with water that is at room temperature to prevent plant shock.
The sixth reason for leaf drop in Wonderful Bells Cotyledon is pest infestations. The plant is prone to sap-sucking pests like scale insects, mealy bugs and spider mites. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the rest of the plants and treat it with appropriate products to get rid of these pests.
Wilted (wrinkled) and drooping leaves
Wilted (wrinkled) and drooping leaves in Cotyledon campanulata are caused by underwatering which results in too little moisture in the soil. Therefore, the plant cannot get enough water to take up to the leaves which loss their turgidity and begin to wilt.
To prevent wilting and wrinkled leaves, water the plant liberally during the growing season and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in the cold season but do not allow the soil to dry out completely for a long periods of time.
Brown soft leaf spots
Brown soft leaf spots in Cotyledon campanulata are caused by leaf spot disease which is prevalent in poorly aerated, overdamp conditions Improve the ventilation and ensure that there is good air circulation at all times. In addition, water the Bell-flowered Cotyledon from the bottom to avoid wetting the leaves.
You liked it? Share on social media.
Related Content
Amazon Associates Disclosure
Homeplantsguide.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.