Silver Crown Plant (Cotyledon undulata) Care Indoors, Propagation and Problems
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Silver Crown Plant (Cotyledon undulata) blossoms in bright light to full sunlight, average warmth, moderate humidity and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, succulents soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
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.
Botanical name: Cotyledon undulata
Family: Crassulaceae
Common names: Silver Crown Plant, Silver Ruffles Plant
Origin
Cotyledon undulata is native to South Africa where they are found on coastal flats and rocky hillsides, or as cremnophytes on cliff faces.
Size
Cotyledon Silver Ruffles is a small succulent shrubby plant which grows to a height of about 1-2 feet.
Toxicity
The leaves in 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.
Related Plants
Silver Ruffles Plant is related to the following plants which are also great succulent plants for any suitable space.
1. Cotyledon orbiculata (Pig's Ears 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
Silver Ruffles are spectacular plants for any plant collection. You may obtain these plants online from Etsy (Link to Etsy).
Silver Crown Plant Care Indoors
Silver Crown Plant prefers bright light to full sunlight, average warmth of 16-260C, moderate humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained, succulents soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Cotyledon undulata care also requires repotting 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.
Watering
Water Silver Crown Plant thoroughly during the hot season and allow the top 2-3 inches 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. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely to avoid leaf drop.
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.
Light Requirements
Silver Crown Plant grows best in bright light to full sunlight. If the light is not enough, the plant may become leggy growing with wide spaces between the leaf nodes.
Cotyledon undulata can be grown under grow lights where 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 and prevent leggy growth.
If you choose to grow the Silver Ruffles Plant outdoors, gradually acclimate it and place it in a shaded place to avoid scorching of the leaves.
Temperature and Humidity
Average warmth of 16-260C are ideal for Silver Crown Plant. The sudden change in temperature between day and night is excellent for this succulent plant. Keep it away from cold drafts to prevent sudden drops in temperatures which can result in stunted growth and leaf drop.
Moderate humidity of 50-55% is adequate for Cotyledon Silver Ruffles. It has no need for extra humidity. Make sure that there is good air circulation for the plant. Do not mist it to prevent fungal disease infestations which are prevalent in damp, poorly ventillated conditions.
Potting Medium
Silver Crown Plant soil 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 mix is ideal for this plant.
Fertilizer
Feed Cotyledon Silver Ruffles 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 that 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 because it is porous and therefore allows the soil to dry out faster. Take a look at these terracotta pots available on Amazon.
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
Cotyledon undulata propagation is easily done at the beginning of the growing season from stem cuttings.
Silver Crown Plant propagation from stem cuttings
Take a cutting of about 2-4 inches 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
Cotyledon undulata growing issues include leggy growth, leaf drop, leaf spots, diseases and pests among others. Keep reading for more on these problems, their remedies and solutions.
Pests
Silver Crown Plant is prone to mealy bugs and scale insects. Isolate the affected plant to reduce spread to other plants and treat it appropriately for the pests.
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.
Dropping (shedding) leaves
Overwatering or underwatering are the causes of leaf drop in Silver Crown Plant. Water the plant thoroughly during the growing season and allow the top 2-3 inches 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. Learn more on how to water houseplants the correct way.
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 plant in a brighter spot or instal a grow light if the natural light is not adequate. Check out this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
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 prevalent in 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.
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