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Cliff Cotyledon (Cotyledon pendens) Plant – Complete Growing & Care Guide

About the Plant

• Botanical Name: Cotyledon pendens
• Common Name: Cliff Cotyledon, Trailing Cotyledon
• Family: Crassulaceae
• Plant Type: Trailing succulent
• Origin: South Africa
• Growth Habit: Cascading stems ideal for hanging baskets and wall planters.
• Flowers: Bell-shaped orange to coral-red flowers that bloom mainly in spring and summer.

Pot Size

• Start with a 4–6 inch pot.
• Mature plants grow well in 6–8 inch hanging pots.
• Always use pots with drainage holes.

Best Potting Mix

Use a well-draining succulent mix:

• 40% Cactus/Succulent potting mix
• 30% Coarse sand or perlite
• 20% Cocopeat
• 10% Compost or vermicompost

Avoid heavy garden soil.

Light Requirements

• Bright indirect light is ideal.
• 2–4 hours of gentle morning sunlight promotes compact growth.
• Avoid harsh afternoon sun, especially during Indian summers.

Watering

• Water only when the soil is completely dry.
• Summer: Every 7–10 days.
• Winter: Every 15–20 days.
• Overwatering is the most common cause of root rot.

Temperature

• Ideal: 15–30°C
• Protect from frost and prolonged temperatures below 5°C.

Fertilizer

• Feed once every 30–45 days during the growing season.
• Use a diluted succulent fertilizer or balanced liquid fertilizer (NPK 19:19:19 at half strength).
• Avoid excessive nitrogen.

Humidity

• Prefers low to moderate humidity.
• Ensure good air circulation.

Pruning

• Trim long or damaged stems after flowering.
• Pruned stems can be used for propagation.

Propagation

• Easily propagated from stem cuttings.

1. Cut a healthy stem.
2. Let the cut end dry for 2–3 days.
3. Plant in dry succulent mix.
4. Water lightly after 4–5 days.
5. Roots usually develop within 2–4 weeks.