The succulent varieties within the Cotyledon genus typically experience their flowering period from June to August. Their blooms are usually bell-shaped and colored in shades of orange-red, which attract a variety of pollinators such as birds, butterflies, and bees. It's possible that their remarkably successful pollination strategy has led to the emergence of numerous natural variations within Cotyledon orbiculata, with Cotyledon orbiculata cv. being one of them.

Cotyledon orbiculata cv, valued for its visually appealing leaf shapes and colors, has gained significant popularity among enthusiasts. However, it's important to remain attentive to specific care considerations. Are you curious about how to achieve their red coloration as depicted in images? Do you wish to understand why they tend to shed leaves? Continue reading for further insights!

The appearance of Cotyledon orbiculata cv.

Similar to most Cotyledon species, Cotyledon orbiculata cv. is an upright succulent shrub with stout stems capable of growing tall and developing woody stems, often forming dense clusters. The succulent leaves of this variety are opposite, flattened-ovate to orbicular in shape, and range from green to gray in color. These leaves are covered with a powdery white substance, which serves to reduce internal moisture evaporation and protects against intense light exposure.

The leaf tips and edges of Cotyledon orbiculata cv. are prone to reddening, resembling a shy maiden blushing. During early summer, elongated flower stalks emerge, bearing orange-hued bell-shaped flowers. Towards the conclusion of this article, I will also provide a list of similar cultivars for your reference.

Basic Care Tips

Sun&Heat

Cotyledon orbiculata cv. thrives in environments characterized by ample sunlight and a cool, dry atmosphere. It's partially shade-tolerant and dislikes hot and humid conditions. When exposed to abundant sunlight, Cotyledon orbiculata cv. develops a robust growth form with tightly packed leaves, each one plump, thick, and distinctly orbicular. The substantial white farina on the leaf surfaces contributes to their deep reddish hue.

Conversely, insufficient light coupled with excessive watering can result in stretched, sparsely arranged plants. In such cases, the succulent plant's overall structure becomes loose, and the leaves turn a pale green, appearing thin and elongated. Therefore, ensuring a sufficient duration of light exposure is essential. During spring, autumn, and winter, placing it outdoors for sunlight exposure is recommended. In summer, when temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius, shading and cooling measures should be taken to prevent sunburn. Click here to learn how to fix leggy succulents.

Watering

Cotyledon orbiculata cv. leaves are plump and store a relatively high amount of water internally. Even if left without watering for a couple of months, it won't perish. When Cotyledon orbiculata cv. experiences water shortage, the bottom leaves tend to wrinkle. With proper watering, the plant will gradually recover. Achieving successful care for the succulent relies significantly on mastering the right watering balance.

During the comfortable temperatures of spring and autumn, you can determine whether watering is necessary based on the dryness of the soil. Follow the "soak and dry" principle, and no need to water excessively every few days.

Soil

For a smaller Cotyledon orbiculata cv, a strong root system is crucial; it's advisable to have a slightly higher proportion of peat soil in the cactus soil mix. This is because peat soil promotes root development, allowing the roots of the plant to establish themselves before fully absorbing nutrients for healthy growth.

If Cotyledon orbiculata cv. is a larger specimen, a higher proportion of granular soil, constituting more than 70% of the mix, is recommended. The increased use of granular soil assists in maintaining control over the plant's growth, enabling the thriving of Cotyledon orbiculata cv. This approach contributes to the plant's aesthetic appeal, ensuring it takes on a more visually pleasing form.

Propagation

Cotyledon orbiculata cv., being a larger succulent, can be propagated through methods such as beheading cuttings and division, as well as leaf propagation. Beheading cuttings and division are most successful during the spring and autumn seasons when the chances of survival are higher. After inserting the cuttings into the soil, it takes a considerable amount of time for Cotyledon orbiculata cv. to develop roots. During this period, maintaining good ventilation and diffused light is essential. Once proper adventitious roots have formed, regular care can be resumed. Click here to learn how to propagate succulents bu beheading.

Unlike certain succulent varieties that can be propagated through leaf cuttings, Cotyledon orbiculata cv. has a lower success rate using this method. Hence, leaf propagation is not recommended.

Pruning

Cotyledon orbiculata cv. belongs to the category of plants that are easy to branch. During the spring season, it's advisable to trim away any diseased or weak branches, as well as excessively tall or elongated top shoots. This practice not only enhances the overall aesthetics of Cotyledon orbiculata cv. but also stimulates the development of numerous new lateral buds, facilitating effortless potting up.

Have you ever been confused by these questions?

Q1：How to make my Cotyledon orbiculata cv. deeply red?

A1: Sunlight: Increasing the amount of direct sunlight the plant receives can intensify the red coloring. As long as the weather isn't excessively hot or cold, placing your Cotyledon orbiculata cv. outdoors with direct sun is the most natural way to promote its color. But please remember not to take this risk during the summer with over 86°F.

Stress: Cotyledon orbiculata cv. develop more vibrant colors as a response to stress. Stress can be induced by exposing the plant to slightly harsher conditions, such as mild temperature fluctuations, limited water, or changing its location. Cotyledon orbiculata cv. thrives best when the temperature difference is around 18°F during their growth period.

Cooler Temperatures: Cooler temperatures can often encourage red pigmentation in succulent leaves. If you're growing the plant in a climate where temperatures drop during the winter months, you might notice more intense coloring during this time.

Q2: Is Cotyledon orbiculata cv. a winter grower?

A2: Cotyledon orbiculata cv. exhibits a growth pattern that embraces the cooler seasons while entering a summer dormancy during high temperatures. But actually, it's not exclusively a winter grower; its growth phase typically spans from September to June of the following year, with the potential for turning red during the winter. Therefore, during summer and winter, watering can be guided by the following principle: provide a half-soak watering approximately once a month, aiming to prevent rot. Click here to learn more about succulent dormancy.

Q3: Can Cotyledon orbiculata cv. absorb water through its leaves?

A3: Cotyledon orbiculata cv. and many other succulent plants are capable of absorbing water through their leaves. This process is known as "foliar absorption" or "foliar uptake." However, while foliar absorption can be beneficial for succulents, it's important to note that their primary mode of water intake is through their roots. Overreliance on foliar absorption can lead to issues like fungal infections or pest infestations.

In general, it's best to provide water directly to the soil around the roots of your succulent and avoid spraying water directly onto the leaves.

Q4: What caused leaves dropping of my Cotyledon orbiculata cv?

A4: Like other Cotyledon orbiculata varieties, Cotyledon orbiculata cv. is also prone to leaf dropping, which is influenced by genetics. However, other factors can also contribute to its leaf shedding.

Overwatering: When the roots are constantly wet, they can't access the oxygen they need, and this can lead to root damage or fungal infections, further resulting in unstable leaves.

Environmental Stress: Sudden changes in environmental conditions, such as abrupt shifts in temperature, exposure to drafts, or a sudden increase in light intensity, can stress the plant and cause leaves to drop.

Transplant Shock: If you've recently repotted or transplanted your Cotyledon orbiculata cv., it might experience transplant shock, leading to leaf drop. This is a common reaction as the plant adjusts to its new surroundings. Ensure that you've transplanted it carefully and provided appropriate aftercare. Inappropriate care conditions and practices can both lead to its leaf dropping.

Q5: Is Cotyledon orbiculata cv. slow to root?

A5: The rooting process of Cotyledon orbiculata cv. tends to be slower compared to other varieties. While some varieties might establish roots within a week or ten days under normal temperatures, Cotyledon orbiculata cv. might take around a couple of weeks to even a month to root. If temperatures are too high or too low, the time for successful potting and root establishment would be further extended.
Ideally, planting should be carried out at around 68F. Additionally, it's advisable to opt for larger plant forms when purchasing as they have a higher chance of rooting faster. Smaller succulents not only tend to be hard to root but are also more susceptible to rotting.

Similar Varieties of Cotyledon orbiculata cv.

Cotyledon orbiculata var. Orbiculata

Cotyledon orbiculata var. orbiculata is native to regions such as South Africa and Namibia. It features relatively large, elliptical leaves that are slightly thin. It's important to note that this variety serves as the original species for Cotyledon orbiculata cv. (cultivar) which has been further cultivated to exhibit various unique traits.

Cotyledon orbiculata cv. Variegated

Cotyledon orbiculata cv. variegated is a variegated cultivar of Cotyledon orbiculata, characterized by a diverse range of leaf colors, including red, pink, yellow, and green. The most significant difference between this variety and the regular form lies in the more vibrant leaf colors. Just like the regular form, this variegated cultivar is also highly sought after by succulent enthusiasts.

Cotyledon pendens

Cotyledon orbiculata has a close relative known as Cotyledon pendens. The key distinction between the two lies in that Cotyledon pendens features a more prominent green hue, and its leaves appear slightly plumper. Moreover, the defining feature of Cotyledon pendens is the presence of small red leaf tips.

Conclusion

After adhering to the fundamental care practices, Cotyledon orbiculata cv. can thrive healthily. By resolving any confusing queries, you'll be better equipped to aid its optimal growth. Here's to hoping you'll soon cultivate a plump and adorable Cotyledon orbiculata cv. plant!