Cotyledon pendens is a charming and distinctive succulent prized for its trailing or cascading growth habit, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets and elevated planters. Native to specific regions, this plant showcases fleshy, often colorful leaves that gracefully spill over the edges of containers, adding a touch of elegant informality to succulent collections. Mature Cotyledon pendens plants can produce clusters of stunning, pendulous bell-shaped flowers, often in vibrant shades of orange or red, that dangle gracefully from their trailing stems.
 
Key Features of Cotyledon pendens
Trailing Growth Habit: The most notable characteristic is its pendulous stems that can reach significant lengths, making it ideal for hanging displays.
Fleshy, Rounded Leaves: The leaves are typically rounded to ovate, thick and fleshy, and arranged oppositely along the stems.
Color Variations: Leaf color can range from shades of green and grey-green to beautiful hues of pink, orange, and red, often intensifying with cooler temperatures and increased sunlight.
Powdery Coating (Farina): The leaves are often covered in a powdery white coating (farina) that gives them a soft, matte appearance and helps protect them from sun and water loss. Handle with care to avoid rubbing it off.
Bell-Shaped Flowers: Mature plants can produce clusters of pendulous, bell-shaped flowers, typically in shades of orange or red, adding further ornamental value.
 
Care for Your Cotyledon pendens
Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight to maintain vibrant colors and healthy growth. While it can tolerate some direct morning sun, intense afternoon sun should be avoided to prevent leaf burn.
Soil: Requires a well-draining soil mix to prevent root rot, a common issue with succulents. A commercial cactus and succulent mix is suitable.
Watering: Water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry to the touch. Overwatering should be avoided. Reduce watering significantly during the dormant winter months.
Temperature: Prefers mild temperatures and is generally not frost-tolerant. Protect from freezing conditions.
Humidity: Adapts well to average humidity levels. Good air circulation is beneficial.
 
Maintenance for a Thriving Plant
Handling Farina: If your Cotyledon pendens has farina, handle the leaves gently and water from the base to avoid damaging this protective layer.
Pruning: Pruning can be done to maintain shape, control length, or remove any dead or damaged stems. It is best done in the spring or early summer.
Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot only slightly larger with good drainage. Spring is a good time for repotting.
Pest Control: Monitor for common succulent pests such as mealybugs and aphids. Treat any infestations promptly with appropriate methods.
Fertilizing: Fertilize sparingly during the active growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer formulated for succulents. Avoid over-fertilizing.
 
Propagation Methods for Expanding Your Collection
Stem Cuttings: A relatively easy method. Take healthy stem cuttings a few inches long, allow the cut ends to callus over for a few days, and then plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil lightly moist until roots establish.
Leaf Cuttings: While possible, leaf propagation can be slower. Select healthy, plump leaves, allow the cut end to callus, and place them on top of well-draining soil. New plantlets may eventually emerge.
Seeds: Propagation can also be done by seeds, although this method is typically slower and less common for home gardeners.
 
Cotyledon pendens is a delightful trailing succulent that adds a touch of graceful beauty to any collection or display. Its colorful, fleshy leaves and pendulous stems make it a standout choice for hanging baskets and elevated arrangements, bringing a relaxed yet elegant charm to indoor and outdoor spaces.
 
 
* Picture and information intended only as a guide.  Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.
 
** All plants will be posted bare rooted.