Cotyledon papillaris Pixie Bean

This prostrate silver leaved form of Cotyledon papillaris Pixie Bean is a small compact spreading plant suited to rockeries and hanging baskets. Very attractive small bean like foliage with a silver dusting and contrasting dark red tips.

This is a great hardy sun loving addition for the garden or pot collection. Top dress with a general fertilizer every year or so to maintain active growth.

Slow growing spreading to about 200-250mm over 2 years.

If watered to often from the top the white or silver powder on the leaves will wash off and through contact when handling or touching.  

New spring growth comes out white or silver then fading to grey green as the plant matures.

There are several forms of Cotyledon papillaris Pixie Bean grown commercially. One we call string form, another known as choco line and. Each are distinctive selections of the same species from different regions of South Africa.

Care Tips

LIGHT: Cotyledon is happy in full sun to semi shade, but the harshest sun can cause sunburn. The less sun it gets, the more green the leaves become.

WATER: Water sparingly from autumn to spring, and use even less water during summer dormancy.

SOIL: Cotyledon papillaris grows well in a sandy-gritty, well-draining soil mix.

PLANTING: This succulent is best suited for hanging baskets, retaining walls, or wall gardens where its branches can hang freely. It also grows nicely in pot up to 12 cm or larger bowls as arrangements.

FERTILISER: Fertilise when the plant begins looking lackluster, or slows in growth, using a little general-purpose fertiliser.

BLOOMING: Groups of reddish flowers bloom at the end of leaved branches during winter.

DORMANCY: Cotyledon is dormant during the hotter summer months. In dry soil, it is hardy down to -5° C, so protect plants during winter.

PROPAGATION: Cotyledon papillaris propagates via cuttings or leaves. Cuttings can be rooted wherever you’d like them to grow, and leaves can be propagated in sand and later transplanted.

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