Cotyledon orbiculata (Pig's Ear Plant) Care Indoors; Watering, Light, Soil, Problems
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Cotyledon orbiculata (Pig's Ear Plant) requires very bright light to full sunlight, average warmth and humidity, and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
Pig's Ear Plant also called Round-leafed Navel-wort, Silver Pig's Ears or Round-leafed Cotyledon is a popular and easy-care succulent plant for the indoors.
The shape of the leaf has a resemblance to a pig's ear and hence the common name, 'Pig's Ear'. The leaves are grey-green and are covered with a white powdery substance which helps them to reflect light and allows them to conserve water.
Botanical name: Cotyledon orbiculata
Family: Crassulaceae
Common names: Pig's Ear Plant, Round-leafed Navel-wort, Silver Pig's Ears, Round-leafed Cotyledon
Origin
Cotyledon orbiculata is native to South Africa where it is found growing in rocky outcrops in grassy shrubland and the Karoo region.
Size
Round-leafed Navel-wort grows to a height of about 4 feet and the leaves are about 5 inches by 3 inches
Flower
Silver Pig's Ears Plant bears small bell-shaped flowers usually 1.2 inches long which droop from the top of a 24 inches tall stalk. The flowers are usually orange-red but yellow varieties also exist.
Cotyledon orbiculata Varieties
A large number of varieties and cultivated forms of Cotyledon orbiculata are available, some of which may resemble Kalanchoe thyrsiflora (Paddle Plant).
Invasiveness
According to Wikipedia, Pig's Ear Plant is considered an invasive plant in New Zealand.
Is Pig’s Ear Plant toxic to pets?
The leaves of Cotyledon orbiculata Succulent contain cotyledontoxin which is toxic to sheep, goats, horses, cattle, poultry and dogs according to journals.co.za. If ingested it causes a condition called cotyledonosis. Keep the plant out of the reach of animals.
Why grow Pig’s Ear Plant indoors?
- Low-maintenance: It requires minimal watering and thrives on neglect.
- Drought-tolerant: It stores water in its leaves, making it hard to kill.
- Unique and beautiful: The thick, green leaves with red edges resemble pig’s ears.
- Blooms indoors: It produces bell-shaped orange-red flowers in the right conditions.
Related Plants
Pig's Ear Plant is closely related to the following plants which are also great plants for the home.
1. Cotyledon undulata (Silver Crown Plant)
2. Cotyledon campanulata (Bell-flowered Cotyledon)
3. Cotyledon pendens (Cliff Cotyledon)
4. Cotyledon tomentosa (Bear's Paw Succulent)
5. Cotyledon velutina (Velvet Cotyledon)
Where to Buy
If you are looking to add Round-leafed Navel-wort to your plant collection, you may obtain these plants online from Etsy (Link to Etsy).
Cotyledon orbiculata Care Indoors
To care for Pig's Ear Succulent indoors, provide very bright light to full sunlight, warmth of 16-260C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, succulents soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Cotyledon orbiculata repotting is only needed when the plant becomes pot-bound. Pruning is necessary to keep the plant neat and to minimize pest and disease infestations. Keep reading for a detailed outline on the best growing conditions for this plant and how to provide them.
Watering
Water your Cotyledon orbiculata Succulent thoroughly during the growing season and allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Maintain the soil moderately moist and avoid overwatering. Too much moisture can cause yellowing and mushy leaves.
Significantly decrease watering in the cold season to keep the soil slightly moist. However, do not allow the soil to dry out completely to prevent wrinkling and drooping leaves.
Always make sure that the pot has a drainage hole and that the soil is free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy to avoid root-rot and eventual loss of the plant.
Avoid wetting the leaves to minimize fungal disaeses. Use room temperature water, as consistently watering with cold water, can result in stunted growth and plant death.
Light Requirements
Pig's Ear Plant grows best in very bright light to full sunlight. Keep it away from hot direct sunshine to avoid shriveling and yellowing leaves.
Too low light will result in slow growth and pale-green leaves. Move the plant to a brighter place or use a grow light if the natural lighting is not sufficient.
Once a month, give the pot a quarter turn to ensure the plant absorbs light on all sides for uniform growth.
Should you choose to grow the Silver Pig's Ears Succulent outdoors, gradually acclimate it and place it in a shaded place to avoid scorching of the leaves.
Temperature & Humidity
Cotyledon orbiculata prefers a warmth of 16-260C. The sudden change in temperature between day and night is excellent for this succulent plant.
Pig's Ear Succulent has no need for extra humidity; a humidity of 50-55% is adequate for this plant. Maintain free air circulation to discourage fungal diseases and pests.
Fertilizer
Feed your Pig's Ear Succulent with a balanced, liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks in the growing period. Withhold feeding in the cold season as growth is minimal at this time. Avoid too much fertilizer; it can cause leggy growth.
Flush out accumulated salts regularly by running a stream of water through the soil until the water comes out through the drainage hole. Allow it to run for a few minutes and repeat the process several times.
Potting Soil
The best potting soil for Cotyledon orbiculata is a well-draining, sandy mix that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be loose enough to allow water to drain out fast enough. A Cactus and succulents mix is perfect for this plant.
Repotting
Repot your Pig's Ear Succulent only when it becomes pot-bound. Use a shallow rather than a deep pot as they have shallow roots. The pot should be only 1 size larger than the current one.
Ensure the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting. A clay pot is preferable for this plant because it is porous and therefore allows the soil to dry out faster. Take a look at these terracotta pots on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning Cotyledon orbiculata requires the removal of dead and diseased leaves to maintain the plant neat and discourage pests and diseases. Remove dead flowers also to keep the plant neat and tidy.
Pig's Ear Succulent Propagation
Cotyledon orbiculata is best propagated at the beginning of the growing season, from stem-tip cuttings or from leaf cuttings, which can be successfully rooted either in water or in soil. Learn how to propagate Pig's Ears Succulent (Cotyledon orbiculata) in 4 easy ways.
Pig's Ear Plant Problems & Remedies
Cotyledon orbiculata Succulent common problems are yellow leaves, dropping leaves, leggy growth, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and their solutions.
Yellow leaves
The main causes of yellow leaves on Cotyledon orbiculata are too little light, soggy soil, inconsistent watering, temperature stress, nutrients deficiency or aging.
How to fix it
Too little light: Position the plant in very bright light to full sunlight or use a grow light if you do not have enough light in your home.
Soggy soil: Use fast-draining soil and a pot that has a drainage hole.
Inconsistent watering: Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry and do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like AC units, hot surfaces, radiators, hot air vents, windy doors and others.
Nutrients deficiency: Feed the plant with a cactus and succulents fertilizer every 4 weeks in spring and summer.
Aging: This is a natural process. As the lower leaves mature, they turn yellow, brown and eventually drop off.
Dropping leaves
Dropping leaves off Cotyledon orbiculata Succulent are caused by inconsistent watering, soggy soil, too little light, drafts, use of cold water, nutrients deficiency, pest infestation or aging.
How to fix it
Inconsistent watering: Do not water on a schedule; water when the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out but never allow the soil-ball to dry out completely.
Soggy soil: Use free-draining soil and a pot with a drainage hole.
Drafts: Keep the plant away from drafts like radiators, windy doors, drafty windows, AC units, hot air vents among others.
Insufficient light: Position the plant in very bright light to full sunlight or use a grow light if you do not have adequate light in your home.
Nutrients deficiency: Feed the plant with a cactus and succulents fertilizer every 4 months in spring and summer.
Use of cold water: Use room temperature water to avoid cold shock.
Pest infestations: Regularly inspect the plant for pests and take timely control measures.
Aging: This is a natural process. As the lower leaves mature, they turn yellow, brown and eventually fall off.
Leggy growth
A weak and leggy growth on Pig's Ear Plant is caused by too little light; the plant is reaching for light therefore it stretches.
How to fix it
Too little light: Move the plant to a brighter spot or use a grow light if the natural light is insufficient.
Pests
Common pests of Pig's Ear Plant are mealybugs, spider mites and scale insects which are common in dry conditions.
How to fix it
- Isolate the affected plant to reduce spread to other plants and treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ensure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the label.
- Regularly check underneath and between the leaves for these pests and carry out timely control measures.
- Keep the plant well pruned and raise humidity to depress the pest infestations.
Diseases
Cotyledon orbiculata is prone to the following diseases:
1. Leaf spot disease which is characterized by brown, soft leaf spots. It is prevalent in poorly aerated, overdamp conditions.
How to fix it
- Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the rest of the plants.
- Treat the affected plant with a neem oil to depress the infestation.
- Improve air flow to discourage the disease.
- Water from the bottom to avoid wetting the leaves.
2. Stem-rot disease which is brought about by overwet conditions.
How to fix it
- Use a pot that has a drainage hole and fast-draining soil.
- Avoid wetting the foliage during watering.
- Ensure that there is good ventilation for the plant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much sunlight does Pig’s Ear Plant need?
Pig’s Ear Plant thrives in 6-8 hours of bright indirect sunlight.
2. How often should I water Pig’s Ear Plant?
Do not water on a schedule. Water Pig’s Ear Plant only when the top 2-3 inches of soil have dried out.
3. Can Pig’s Ear Plant grow in low light?
No, Pig’s Ear Plant needs bright light to maintain its compact shape and red-edged leaves.
4. How fast does Pig’s Ear Plant grow?
Pig’s Ear Plant has a slow to moderate growth rate, but thrives in the right conditions.
5. Why are my Pig’s Ear leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves in your Pig’s Ear Plant is usually due to overwatering or poor drainage.
6. What are the brown spots on Cotyledon orbiculata?
Brown spots on Cotyledon orbiculata may be caused by overwatering, underwatering, scorching, pests infestation or fungal leaf spot disease.
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