How to Grow and Care for Silver Crown Plant (Cotyledon undulata) Indoors
Some links in this post may be affiliate links
Botanical name: Cotyledon undulata
Family: Crassulaceae
Common names: Silver Crown Plant, Silver Ruffles Plant
Description
Silver Crown Plant (Cotyledon undulata) also called Silver Ruffles Plant is a small succulent shrubby plant with unusual gray waxy-edged and bloom-covered leaves that give it a very sculptural shape.
The leaves are shaped like scallop shells. The stems are covered with thick, white, coating. The flowers are orange to yellow.
Size
Silver Ruffles is a small succulent shrubby plant which grows to a height of about 1-2 ft.
Origin
Cotyledon undulata is native to South Africa where they are found on coastal flats and rocky hillsides, or as cremnophytes on cliff faces.
Related Species
Cotyledon undulata is closely related to Cotyledon orbiculata (Pig's Ear Plant), another Cotyledon plant that is a popular houseplant.
Where to Buy
Various Silver Ruffles in various sizes are available online for sale at Etsy. Buy beautiful and healthy Silver Crown Plant (Cotyledon undulata) online from Etsy.
Photo Credit: World of Succulents
Silver Crown Plant Care Indoors
Silver Crown Plant (Cotyledon undulata) thrives in bright light to full sunlight, average warmth and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Cotyledon undulata has no need for high humidity. Repotting is only needed when the plant becomes root-bound. Pruning is necessary to keep the plant neat and to reduce pest and disease infestations. Keep reading for more on the best growing conditions and how to provide them.
Light Requirements
Silver Crown Plant grows best in bright light to full sunlight. It can also grow under a grow light where the natural lighting is not adequate.
Regularly rotate the pot to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for even growth.
If you choose to take the Silver Ruffles Plant outdoors, gradually acclimate it and place it in a shaded place to avoid scorching the leaves.
Watering
Water Silver Crown Plant thoroughly during the hot season and allow the top 2-3 in. of soil to dry out between waterings to maintain the soil moderately moist.
Cut down on watering significantly in the cold months to keep the soil moderately moist but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy to avoid root-rot and eventual death of the plant.
Take care not to wet the leaves as it can lead to rotting. Water from the bottom instead.
Use room temperature water to water the Silver Ruffles Plant to avoid shocking this tropical plant.
Temperature
Average warmth temperatures between 16-260C are ideal for Silver Crown Plant. The sudden change in temperature between day and night is excellent for this succulent plant.
Humidity
Average room humidity is adequate for Silver Crown Plant. It has no need for high humidity.
Fertilizer (Feeding)
Feed Silver Crown Plant monthly during the growing period with a balanced, liquid fertilizer for lush growth. Stop feeding in the cold season as growth is reduced at this time.
Once in a while, flush out accumulated salts from the soil 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.
Repotting
Repot Silver Crown Plant only when it becomes pot-bound. Use a shallow rather than a deep pot as it has shallow roots. The pot should be only 1 size larger than the previous one.
Ensure the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy which can lead to root-rot and death of the plant.
Use a clay pot for Silver Ruffles Plant because it is porous and therefore allows the soil to dry out faster.
Soil
The best soil for Silver Crown Plant should be rich in organic matter, loose and free-draining to avoid getting soggy soil. The soil should be loose enough to allow water to drain out fast enough.
Cactus and Succulents soil is ideal. Purchase quality Cactus and Succulents Soil for Silver Ruffles Plant online from Etsy.
Pruning
Pruning Silver Crown Plant requires the removal of dead and diseased leaves to maintain the plant neat and discourage pest and disease infestation. Remove dead flowers to keep it neat and tidy.
Propagation
Silver Crown Plant (Cotyledon undulata) can be propagated at the beginning of the growing season from stem cuttings.
How to propagate Silver Crown Plant from stem cuttings
Take a cutting of about 2-4 in. long from a healthy Silver Crown Plant.
Ensure that the cutting has 2 or 3 leaf nodes as this is where new growth will come from. Strip off the lower leaves.
Allow the cuttings to dry (callus) for 1-3 days before planting to prevent rotting.
Once callussed insert the cutting into moist, cactus and succulents soil as it drains easily.
Ascertain that the rooting container has a proper drainage to prevent the soil from getting soggy soil to avoid rotting.
Place the set up in a warm, well-lit place and water sparingly, only when the soil is dry.
Avoid overwatering as it can lead to rotting by ensuring that the pot has a drainage hole.
Silver Ruffles Plant cuttings should root in 3-4 weeks. Allow the new plant to be well established after which routine care can begin.
Silver Crown Plant Problems Indoors
Silver Crown Plant (Cotyledon undulata) problems indoors include leggy growth, leaf drop, leaf spots, diseases and pests among others. Keep reading for more on these problems, their remedies and solutions.
Leggy Growth
Leggy growth in Silver Crown Plant is an indication of inadequate lighting; the plant is reaching for light therefore it stretches.
You can resolve this issue by placing the Silver Ruffles Plant in a brighter spot or instal a grow light if the natural light is not adequate.
Rotting plant base, yellowing and shriveled leaves
Rotting plant base followed by yellowing and shrivelled leaves in Silver Crown Plant is an indication of basal stem-rot disease which is brought about by overwet conditions.
Avoid overwatering and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining to prevent the soil from getting soggy.
In addition, avoid wetting the foliage during watering and ensure that there is free air circulation to reduce disease infestations.
Dropping (shedding) leaves
Overwatering or underwatering are the causes of leaf drop in Silver Crown Plant.
Water the Silver Ruffles Plant thoroughly during the growing season and allow the top 2-3 in. of soil to dry out between waterings.
Significantly reduce watering during the cold season but do not allow the soil ball to dry out completely.
Avoid soggy soil by ensuring that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining.
Brown soft leaf spots
The cause of brown soft spots in Silver Crown Plant is leaf spot disease which is enhanced by poor air circulation. Ensure there is free air circulation at all times.
Pests
Silver Crown Plant is prone to Mealy Bugs and Scale Insects. Isolate the affected plant to reduce spread to other houseplants and treat it appropriately for the pests.
Is Silver Crown Plant toxic?
The leaves of Silver Crown Plant (Cotyledon undulata) contain cotyledontoxin which is toxic to sheep, goats, horses, cattle, poultry and dogs. If ingested it causes a condition called cotyledonosis. Keep the plant out of the reach of animals.
