Also known as Dog's Ears · Paddle Plant · Pig's-Ears
Pig's ear (Cotyledon orbiculata) is a succulent shrub native to South Africa, known for its thick, fleshy, gray-green leaves and bell-shaped flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers bright, direct sunlight, but can tolerate some shade. Too much shade can lead to etiolation.
Infrequent
25% intensity
Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce watering in winter.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate to Warm
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-24°C. Can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures in winter but protect from frost.
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly during the growing season with diluted succulent fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Contains bufadienolides (cardiac glycosides) which are toxic if ingested, causing gastrointestinal upset, cardiac issues, and potentially death in humans and animals.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the most common cause of death for pig's ear.
In winter, reduce watering significantly to mimic its natural dormancy period, watering only enough to prevent complete desiccation of the potting medium.
Prune to maintain shape and remove any dead, damaged, or leggy stems. Pinch back tips to encourage bushier growth. Pruning can be done at any time, but is best performed in spring before active growth begins.
This helps direct energy to healthier parts of the plant.
Propagate easily from stem or leaf cuttings. Allow cuttings to callous over for a few days before planting in well-draining soil. Roots will form within a few weeks, especially when the plant is actively growing.
Use a sandy or gritty mix for best results.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a cactus or succulent blend. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one.
Repotting is best done in spring.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Pig's Ear (Cotyledon orbiculata)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| kingdom | Plantae |
| division | Tracheophyta |
| class | Magnoliopsida |
| order | Saxifragales |
| family | Crassulaceae |
| genus | Cotyledon |
| species | Cotyledon orbiculata |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
