Introducing the stunning succulent Lady Fingers, also known as Cotyledon orbiculata 'Oophylla' a rockstar of succulent subshrubs Cotyledon orbiculata! It is also known as lady's finger, pig's ear, and round-leaved navelwort. Hailing all the way from the vibrant coastal regions in South Africa, as well as southwestern Namibia.  

The lady's finger has branched stems and grey-green leaves that flaunt a white, waxy coating and a bold dark purple mark at their rounded tips; it knows how to make heads turn. This moderately fast-growing succulent 6 inches in height, spreads like wildfire into charming colonies that command attention.  

These opposite egg-shaped leaves, which can resemble the shape of a lady's fingers, earning it this popular nickname, become even more swoon-worthy when basking in full sun.  

During summer, clusters of stunning orange-red flowers on short, erect stalks appear alongside the succulent sensation's foliage, adding a burst of color that will make you breathless with delight.  

To encourage new growth, maintenance includes removing dried flowers and replanting every three years. All that needs to be done is to cut off the younger heads, remove the old growth, and replant. Like other members of the Crassulaceae family, Cotyledon orbiculata oophylla is not known to be toxic to humans and pets. 

Watering Needs 

Ladyfingers are a type of succulent that does not require much water. These cotyledons are adapted to survive in arid environments, so it's important to avoid overwatering them. Water them thoroughly, and then let the soil dry completely before watering again. During the growing season, which is generally from spring to fall, you can water them about once a week. In the winter, you can reduce watering to once every two to three weeks. 

Overwatering Cotyledon orbiculata can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. To avoid this, make sure to use well-drained soil and a pot with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. It's also important to avoid getting water on the leaves or flowers of the lady finger succulent, as this can lead to fungal diseases. Instead, water the soil directly and allow the excess water to drain away. 

Light Requirements 

The lady's fingers require plenty of sunlight to thrive. This ladyfingers plant prefers bright, indirect light, so it's best to place them in a sunny spot or under grow lights if you're keeping them indoors. However, it's important to avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, which can cause their leaves to burn. If you notice that the leaves of your Cotyledon orbiculata oophylla ladyfingers are turning brown or yellow, it may be a sign that they're getting too much direct sunlight. 

In addition to sunlight, these cotyledon succulents also require a period of darkness each day to remain healthy. Make sure to provide them with at least 12 hours of darkness each day to allow them to rest and recover. If you're keeping them indoors, you can achieve this by placing them in a room that gets natural light during the day and turning off any artificial light sources at night.

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

The lady fingers plant favors very airy, sandy soil that drains well. Planting them in ordinary soil will result in compacted roots, stunted growth, and most likely root rot. Instead, make or buy a well-draining potting mix, or ideally use our specialized succulent potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your succulent to thrive. 

Natural fertilizers with an equal mixture of NPK (5-10-5) also last longer and keep your soil alive by adding other beneficial compounds and microbes that encourage plant health and nutrient absorption. So, skip those harsh chemicals and give your cotyledon succulent some love with some awesome natural fertilizer! 

Hardiness Zones & More 

The ladyfingers are hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. These plants are adapted to warm, arid environments and are not tolerant of frost or freezing temperatures. If you live in a colder climate, you can still grow Cotyledon oophylla as indoor plants, as long as you provide them with plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil. 

In terms of temperature and humidity, these lady-finger plants prefer warm, dry conditions. They can tolerate temperatures between 50-80°F and prefer humidity levels between 30-50%. However, they are adapted to low-humidity environments and can survive in drier conditions as well. If you're keeping them indoors, it's important to avoid placing them near air conditioning vents or drafty windows, as this can cause their leaves to dry out. 

Give this Cotyledon orbiculata oophylla - Ladyfingers succulent a try if you're looking for an easy plant to care for!