# Pig's Ear (Cotyledon orbiculata)

> Native to South Africa, Cotyledon orbiculata is celebrated for its thick, paddle-shaped leaves heavily dusted with a chalky white powdery farina and rimmed with vivid red margins. From late winter into spring, it sends up stout flowering stems bearing clusters of nodding, bell-shaped orange-coral blossoms. This drought-tolerant shrubby succulent provides striking architectural contrast and enduring sculptural interest.

- **Scientific Name:** *Cotyledon orbiculata*
- **Botanical Family:** Crassulaceae
- **Care Difficulty:** Easy (1/5)
- **Cold Hardiness:** -2°C (USDA Zone 9b); can survive brief, light frosts but must be protected from sustained freezing conditions.
- **Pet Safety / Toxicity:** Toxic to Pets (May cause irritation or toxicity if ingested by cats/dogs)
- **Canonical URL:** https://sukulentler.com/en/species/cotyledon-orbiculata
- **Markdown Source:** https://sukulentler.com/en/species/cotyledon-orbiculata.md
- **Botanical Photo:** https://sukulentler.com/assets/images/articles/species_cotyledon_orbiculata.webp?v=1794614486

## Light & Sun Exposure

Full sun to at least 6 hours of bright direct sunlight daily; intense light enhances the powdery farina coating and rich red leaf margins.

## Watering Schedule & Method

Strict soak-and-dry protocol; allow the potting substrate to dry out thoroughly between waterings, drastically reducing frequency in winter.

## Soil & Gritty Mix Formula

65% Pumice/Lava rock/Perlite + 35% Cactus peat; gritty, highly porous mineral substrate to prevent root rot.

## Cold Tolerance & Overwintering

-2°C (USDA Zone 9b); can survive brief, light frosts but must be protected from sustained freezing conditions.

## Propagation Methods

Stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, and seeds; allow cutting surfaces to callous in a dry, shaded area for 3–5 days before planting.

## Available Language Editions

- [TR: Domuz Kulağı (Cotyledon orbiculata)](https://sukulentler.com/tr/turler/cotyledon-orbiculata.md)
- [DE: Schweineohr (Cotyledon orbiculata)](https://sukulentler.com/de/arten/cotyledon-orbiculata.md)
- [ES: Oreja de Cerdo (Cotyledon orbiculata)](https://sukulentler.com/es/especies/cotyledon-orbiculata.md)