Pig's Ear Care (Cotyledon orbiculata)

This succulent prefers bright, open conditions similar to its native South African habitat.

• Provide 4–6 hours of direct morning sun plus bright light the rest of the day; light afternoon shade is helpful in very hot climates.
• Outdoors, place Pig's Ear where it gets east or southeast exposure; indoors, use a south- or west-facing window with filtered afternoon sun.
• Too much harsh midday sun can scorch leaves, while low light causes stretched, pale growth; increase light gradually in spring to avoid burn.

This drought-tolerant succulent stores water in its leaves and needs infrequent, careful watering.

• Allow the top 3–5 cm of soil to dry completely before watering; in fast-draining ground or pots, this often means waiting until leaves feel slightly less firm.
• During active growth in spring and autumn, water thoroughly, then drain away excess; in winter, water sparingly, only when soil is fully dry.
• Use very well-draining, gritty soil to protect Cotyledon orbiculata from root rot; yellow, mushy leaves indicate overwatering, while shriveling leaves suggest it is too dry.

This species prefers warm, dry conditions and is sensitive to frost and prolonged cold.

• Aim for 65–80°F (18–27°C) for strongest growth, with good air movement and dry foliage at night.
• Protect plants when temperatures drop near 40°F (4°C); brief light chills may be tolerated, but freezing below 32°F (0°C) can damage leaves and stems.
• In hot regions, it copes with 90–95°F (32–35°C) if soil is fast-draining and roots are shaded; intense heat plus excess moisture increases rot risk, especially in winter.

Humidity is not a critical factor for this drought-adapted succulent.

This species needs very fast-draining, mineral-rich soil to prevent root rot.

• Use a sandy, gritty mix, such as 50–70% coarse mineral content (pumice, perlite, or coarse sand) with the rest a light potting base.
• Aim for slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 6.0–7.0, avoiding heavy clay or peat-heavy mixes that hold water.
• For Cotyledon orbiculata in pots, add extra pumice or perlite to increase aeration and keep the root zone oxygenated.
• Avoid compacted, waterlogged, or fine-textured soil, which quickly causes root and stem rot in Pig's Ear.

This species is well suited to container growing.

• Select a wide, relatively shallow pot that matches the spreading root system and prevents the plant from toppling as stems elongate.
• Choose a heavier material such as terracotta or ceramic to add stability and allow moisture to evaporate from the sides.
• Elevate the pot on feet or a stand so drainage holes stay clear and excess water can escape rapidly after each watering.

Cotyledon orbiculata benefits from light feeding but tolerates lean, sandy soils well.

• Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (for example 10-10-10) at 1/4–1/2 strength during active growth in spring–summer.
• Apply every 4–6 weeks for container plants; in-ground Pig's Ear usually needs less or none.
• Avoid high-nitrogen products, which cause weak, leggy growth and softer leaves.
• Stop feeding in fall–winter to prevent soft, frost-tender tissue and root burn in low light.

Pruning Cotyledon orbiculata is useful to maintain shape, remove damage, and support flowering.

• Trim in late winter or early spring before strong new growth starts.
• Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning snips to remove dead, damaged, or crossing stems.
• Shorten overly long or top-heavy shoots just above a node to keep a compact, stable form.
• After flowering, cut back spent flower stalks at the base to direct energy to leaves and roots.

This succulent prefers slightly tight pots and infrequent disturbance, so repot only when needed.

• Repot when roots circle the pot, emerge from drainage holes, or growth stalls despite good light.
• Plan repotting for late spring, using a shallow container with gritty, fast-draining cactus or succulent mix.
• Move up only 2–5 cm in pot diameter to prevent waterlogged soil around the roots.
• Handle the root ball gently, loosen circling roots lightly, and keep soil just barely moist for 7–10 days afterward.

Cotyledon orbiculata is commonly propagated from stem or leaf cuttings, with seeds used less often.

• Take healthy stem or full leaf cuttings in late spring–summer from non-flowering shoots.
• Allow cut surfaces to callus in dry air for 2–5 days to limit rot risk.
• Set cuttings in a very well-drained mix, such as 50% cactus soil and 50% perlite or pumice.
• Keep in bright, indirect light at 70–80°F with very light, infrequent watering until roots form.

This succulent is frost-tender and needs protection in regions with cold winters.

• In-ground plants suit mild climates only; use a gritty, well-drained site and avoid frost pockets.
• Mulch lightly with coarse gravel around the crown, not against stems, to keep the base dry.
• Move containers indoors before temperatures drop near 32°F, placing them in bright, cool, dry conditions.
• Water sparingly in winter, allowing soil to dry almost completely between light waterings.