Pig's Ear Crassula (Crassula cotyledonis)

Pig's Ear Crassula

Crassula cotyledonis

Fleshy, rounded leaves hold desert resilience like tiny water pillows. Succulent perennial; common name: Pig's Ear Crassula.

Full sun
1/week
Beginner
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Bright direct sunlight for 6+ hours daily; tolerates partial shade during extreme midday summer heat
💧
Watering Water deeply only when the entire soil volume is completely dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
🌡️
Temperature Thrives in 18–28°C; tolerates brief light frosts down to 5°C but avoid prolonged cold exposure
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Thick, rounded, pale green to blue-green leaves arranged in opposite pairs, forming compact rosettes
  • Flower: Small, star-shaped white to pale pink blooms in terminal clusters
  • Stem: Short, woody stems that branch slowly with age
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Water when soil is fully dry; allow excess water to drain completely from the pot

Fertilization

Diluted succulent fertilizer once monthly. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote compact, healthy growth

Eggshell powder topdressing:Grind dried, rinsed eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on the soil surface and mix into the top 1 cm of soil to avoid pest infestations
Pruning
  • Remove dead, shriveled leaves from the base of rosettes to maintain a tidy appearance
  • Trim leggy stems in early spring to encourage compact, bushy growth
  • Snip off spent flower stalks after blooming to redirect plant energy to foliage development
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental succulent for rock gardens, container planters, and indoor desk displays