Identifying a Cotyledon Succulent: Care Tips for Your Clearance Find

A friend picked up an intriguing plant from a clearance sale and asked for help identifying it. The photo reveals a classic succulent: a Cotyledon.

What Is a Cotyledon?

Cotyledons are a genus of succulent plants native to Southern Africa. They feature fleshy, often powdery leaves and produce bell-shaped flowers that last for weeks. Like most succulents, they thrive on neglect—preferring dry conditions, bright light, and excellent drainage.

Essential Care Guidelines

• Light: Place in your sunniest window if grown indoors. Outdoors, they enjoy full sun to partial shade.
• Water: Water deeply but infrequently. Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. Overwatering leads to root rot.
• Temperature: Not frost-hardy. Protect from freezing temperatures; bring indoors if you live in a cold climate.
• Soil: Use a gritty, well-draining cactus/succulent mix. Add perlite or pumice for extra drainage.
• Propagation: Easy from leaf cuttings. Simply lay a healthy leaf on dry soil and wait for roots and a new plantlet to form.

With these simple steps, your clearance Cotyledon will flourish and reward you with long-lasting blooms.