Round-leafed navel-wort (Cotyledon orbiculata)

Also known as: Oblong pigs ear, Finger pigs ear, Common pigs ear

The **Round-leafed navel-wort (Cotyledon orbiculata)** is a plant species indigenous to South Africa, notable for its considerable variability in appearance. It commonly inhabits grasslands, fynbos, and karoo regions.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Round-leafed navel-wort

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

1.3 m

Spread

60 cm

Leaf Color

Green Silver Gray

Flower Size

1-2 cm

Flower Color

Orange Red

Images of Round-leafed navel-wort

Quickly Identify Round-leafed navel-wort

Look for fleshy, oval or rounded leaves often coated with a white, powdery substance, and bell-shaped flowers that range from red to yellow.

Scientific Classification of Round-leafed navel-wort

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Saxifragales

Family

Stonecrop

Genus

Seed leaf

Species

Round-leafed navel-wort

Planting and Growing of Round-leafed navel-wort

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Round-leafed navel-wort?

For Cotyledon orbiculata, water deeply but infrequently, ensuring the soil is thoroughly moistened. Use approximately 200 ml of water per session and water until you see drainage from the pot's bottom.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Round-leafed navel-wort? ›

What should I do if my Round-leafed navel-wort is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Round-leafed navel-wort? ›

How to save an overwatered Round-leafed navel-wort? ›

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Round-leafed navel-wort?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Cotyledon orbiculata ideally requires full sun to partial sun, translating to about 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. This light range promotes lush growth and vibrant leaf colors, essential for its aesthetical and physiological health.

How much sunlight does Cotyledon orbiculata need? ›

What solutions ensure ideal lighting for Cotyledon orbiculata? ›

What benefits arise from optimal lighting conditions for Cotyledon orbiculata? ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Round-leafed navel-wort?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Cotyledon orbiculata thrives in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. This range keeps the plant in optimal growth conditions, allowing it to maintain healthy leaf structure and color. When maintained in this ideal range, the plant will have an enhanced photosynthetic rate and efficient metabolic processes.

What Soil is Best for Round-leafed navel-wort?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Calcareous soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Cotyledon orbiculata thrives in well-drained soil that prevents waterlogging. This quality is crucial to avoid root rot, which can be fatal to succulents like this. Ensuring well-drained soil helps maintain healthy roots and robust growth. While being drought-tolerant, Cotyledon orbiculata benefits from a nutrient-rich medium. Adding organic matter can enhance soil fertility, providing essential nutrients that support vibrant foliage and blooming. An aerated soil structure facilitates proper oxygen flow to the roots, essential for the metabolic processes. This promotes plant health by enhancing water absorption and preventing diseases. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Round-leafed navel-wort?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Cotyledon orbiculata benefits from a balanced nutrient supply tailored to its growth needs. During its active growing season in spring and summer, apply a half-strength liquid fertilizer once a month. Ensure that the fertilizer is diluted properly to prevent root burn. For slow release, apply a small dose, about the size of a tablespoon, around the plant’s base twice a year.

How to Prune Round-leafed navel-wort?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Start by sterilizing your pruning shears with rubbing alcohol. Then, remove any brown or shriveled leaves by cutting them close to the stem. Prune back any leggy growth to encourage a bushier appearance. Ensure cuts are made at a 45-degree angle where possible.

How to Propagate Round-leafed navel-wort plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Choose healthy, disease-free plants to take cuttings or collect seeds. This increases the chances of successful propagation as healthy parent plants are more likely to produce vigorous offspring.

Use sterilized pruning shears to take a 5-10 cm cutting from a healthy stem. Ensure the cut is clean and avoid bruising the plant tissue. Remove lower leaves to expose nodes where roots can develop.

Scatter seeds on well-draining potting mix and lightly cover them with a thin layer of sand. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, by using a spray bottle to water gently.

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How to Repot Round-leafed navel-wort plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Cotyledon orbiculata signals its need for repotting when it becomes root-bound, and you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes. Additionally, if the growth slows or the plant becomes top-heavy and is prone to tipping over, it is time to consider repotting.

Select a pot that provides ample room for root expansion, ideally 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the old pot. Ensure it has drainage holes to prevent water stagnation, which can lead to root rot. A slightly heavier pot like terracotta can help balance the plant's weight and prevent tipping.

Opt for a well-draining cactus mix to prevent water retention around the roots. This type of soil typically contains sand, perlite, or pumice, which enhances drainage and aeration, protecting roots from rot and providing an optimal growing environment.

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Toxicity of Round-leafed navel-wort

Is Round-leafed navel-wort toxic to humans?

The round-leafed navel-wort is considered moderately toxic to humans, with all parts of the plant posing a risk if swallowed. Accidental ingestion of any section of round-leafed navel-wort can result in poisoning, which may present a variety of symptoms. Those who have consumed portions of this plant might suffer from gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Furthermore, symptoms can also involve lethargy, weakness, and irregular heart rates. It is essential for people, particularly those with children or pets, to recognize the toxic characteristics of this plant and to take measures to avoid any unintentional consumption of its parts.

Is Round-leafed navel-wort toxic to cat?

Round-leafed navel-wort presents a moderate toxicity hazard for cats. If a cat inadvertently consumes any portion of this plant, it might display signs of physical distress that could signal poisoning. Given that the entire plant is toxic, it is crucial to prevent cats from accessing round-leafed navel-wort. Pet owners should remain alert, as cats may show illness or discomfort without clear symptoms, making prompt veterinary care essential.

Is Round-leafed navel-wort toxic to dog?

The round-leafed navel-wort carries a moderate toxicity risk for dogs. Canines may inadvertently consume parts of this plant, resulting in toxic effects. Every part of the plant is poisonous, and ingestion can lead to a variety of concerning symptoms. Dog owners must be alert for any signs of discomfort, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or unusual behavior, which could signify poisoning from the round-leafed navel-wort. If a dog shows any of these symptoms after exposure to this plant, it is crucial to seek prompt veterinary assistance to ensure the best possible health outcome for the pet.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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