Crassulaceae
Pig's Ear (Cotyledon orbiculata): Complete Care Guide
Cotyledon orbiculata
An easy-care succulent that thrives with minimal attention. Water sparingly every 2 weeks or when soil is completely dry. Provide at least 6 hours of bright direct sunlight daily. Use well-draining cactus mix and never let it sit in water. Keep in temperatures above 5°C and protect from frost.
Every 14 days
Direct sun
5° - 35°C
20% - 50%
Categories
What is Pig's Ear?
Pig's Ear (Cotyledon orbiculata) is a easy-care plant from the Crassulaceae family. Cotyledon orbiculata, commonly known as Pig's Ear, is a robust succulent native to Southern Africa. It features distinctive rounded, silvery-white fleshy leaves often edged in red, and produces elegant orange to red tubular bell-shaped flowers on tall stems in late summer. A member of the Crassulace...
Pig's Ear grows up to 1.3m, with spread of 90cm, watering every 14 days, 5°C – 35°C, 20–50% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Pig's Ear tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 28 days.
How to Care for Pig's Ear?
TLDR: Pig's Ear needs Direct sun, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between 5-35°C with 20-50% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Pig's Ear?
Water every 14 days in summer, and reduce to once a month in winter. Always wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again. Never let the pot sit in standing water — empty the saucer after watering to prevent root rot.
How Much Light Does Pig's Ear Need?
Place in the brightest spot available — a south or west-facing window is ideal indoors. Outdoors, full sun is preferred. Pig's Ear needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive and produce its characteristic orange flowers.
What Is the Best Soil for Pig's Ear?
Use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. Amend with extra perlite or coarse sand (50/50 ratio) to improve drainage. Avoid heavy, moisture-retaining soils as Cotyledon orbiculata is highly sensitive to waterlogged conditions.
What Pot Should You Use for Pig's Ear?
Terracotta pot with drainage hole — terracotta wicks away excess moisture, ideal for this drought-tolerant succulent. Ensure the pot is only slightly larger than the root ball.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 180 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Pig's Ear and Where Does It Come From?
Cotyledon orbiculata, commonly known as Pig's Ear, is a robust succulent native to Southern Africa. It features distinctive rounded, silvery-white fleshy leaves often edged in red, and produces elegant orange to red tubular bell-shaped flowers on tall stems in late summer. A member of the Crassulaceae family, it is widely cultivated as an ornamental in gardens and as a houseplant.
How to Propagate Pig's Ear?
Leaf Cutting
Do not bury the leaf — just rest it on the soil surface. Avoid direct sun during rooting.
- 1 Select a healthy, mature leaf from the base of the plant
- 2 Allow the cut end to callus for 2-3 days in a dry, shaded spot
- 3 Place the callused end on top of dry, well-draining succulent mix
- 4 Mist lightly every few days and wait for roots to develop
- 5 Once rooted, water normally
Materials needed:
Offset Division
Wait until offsets are at least 2-3 cm in size before separating them.
- 1 Identify offsets (pups) growing at the base of the mother plant
- 2 Gently separate the offset using a clean knife or by hand
- 3 Allow the cut end to callus for 1-2 days
- 4 Plant in well-draining succulent mix and water lightly
- 5 Keep in bright indirect light until established
Materials needed:
How Big Does Pig's Ear Grow?
TLDR: Pig's Ear can reach up to 1.3m tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
1.3m
Spread
90cm
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Pig's Ear?
TLDR: Pig's Ear is susceptible to 7 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Fun Facts
Cotyledon orbiculata can grow up to 1.3 meters tall in its native Southern African habitat
The silvery coating on its leaves is a natural waxy powder that helps reflect intense sunlight and reduce water loss
Its cardiac glycoside content makes it one of the leading causes of livestock poisoning in South Africa
The name 'orbiculata' comes from Latin meaning 'circular' or 'disc-shaped', referring to its distinctive round leaves
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Pig's Ear?
Is Cotyledon orbiculata toxic to pets?
How much light does Pig's Ear need?
Why are my Pig's Ear leaves turning yellow?
When does Cotyledon orbiculata flower?
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peace Lily | Easy | Low light | 4d | ⚠️ |
| Swiss Cheese Plant | Easy | Partial shade | 10d | ⚠️ |
| Golden Pothos | Easy | Low light | 8d | ⚠️ |
| ZZ Plant | Easy | Low light | 18d | ⚠️ |
