Cliff Cotyledon (Cotyledon pendens)

Cliff Cotyledon

Cotyledon pendens

Trailing fleshy stems drape like living necklaces, softening edges of shelves or planters. Succulent trailing perennial; common names: cliff cotyledon, trailing cotyledon.

Full sun
1/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Bright indirect to full sun; provide 4–6 hours of daily sunlight, avoiding intense midday sun in hot, arid regions to prevent leaf scorching
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Watering Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot from overwatering
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Temperature Thrives in 15–25°C; protect from frost below 5°C and avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures above 30°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Fleshy, teardrop-shaped leaves with a powdery white epicuticular wax coating; arranged in opposite pairs along trailing stems
  • Flower: Tubular, coral-pink to orange blooms clustered at the tips of mature stems
  • Stem: Slender, trailing stems that become woody at the base as the plant ages
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Care Guide

Watering

Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is completely dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot

Fertilization

Apply diluted succulent fertilizer once monthly. Use a balanced, diluted succulent fertilizer to avoid over-fertilization damage

Eggshell powder top dressing:Grind dried, rinsed eggshells into a fine powder; sprinkle a thin layer on the soil surface once every 3 months to provide slow-release calcium without risking nutrient burn
Pruning
  • Trim leggy stems in early spring to encourage bushier, more compact growth
  • Remove dead or shriveled leaves regularly to maintain plant appearance and reduce pest habitat
  • Cut back overgrown trailing stems to control size; use healthy cuttings for propagation
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and potentially abnormal heart rhythm due to bufadienolides

Humans: Contains bufadienolides; ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset including nausea and abdominal pain

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental hanging plant for indoor shelves or outdoor rock gardens; drought-tolerant ground cover in warm climates