The Enigmatic Ogre Ear Succulent: A Guide to Growing and Caring for this Unique Plant

Oleh Mrs. Kirk Murazik May 26, 2023 Post a Comment

If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind plant to add to your collection, look no further than the Ogre Ear Succulent. This fascinating plant is known for its unusual appearance and easy care requirements, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

The Ogre Ear Succulent, also known by its scientific name Cotyledon Orbiculata, is a member of the Crassulaceae family of plants. Native to South Africa, this succulent grows in rocky areas and can reach up to 3 feet in height. The leaves of the Ogre Ear Succulent are thick and fleshy, with a unique shape that resembles the ears of an ogre.

Despite its intimidating name, the Ogre Ear Succulent is a low-maintenance plant that is perfect for busy gardeners. It requires minimal watering and thrives in bright sunlight, making it an ideal choice for those who don't have a lot of time to devote to plant care.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Ogre Ear Succulent and provide you with all the information you need to grow and care for this unique plant.

1. Appearance

The Ogre Ear Succulent is known for its distinctive appearance, which sets it apart from other succulents. The leaves of the plant are thick and fleshy, with a rounded shape that resembles an ear. They are typically green in color, although some cultivars may have a reddish tint.

The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide, although it will usually remain smaller when grown in a container. The Ogre Ear Succulent produces small pink or yellow flowers in the summer, although these are not its main attraction.

2. Lighting Requirements

Like most succulents, the Ogre Ear Succulent thrives in bright sunlight. It should be grown in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, although it can also tolerate partial shade.

If you're growing the plant indoors, place it near a sunny window that receives plenty of natural light. You can also supplement its lighting with artificial grow lights if necessary.

3. Soil Requirements

The Ogre Ear Succulent requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Use a cactus or succulent mix, or create your own by mixing equal parts sand, perlite, and peat moss.

When planting the succulent, make sure the soil is dry to the touch. This will help prevent water from getting trapped in the soil, which can lead to root rot.

4. Watering Requirements

One of the benefits of growing the Ogre Ear Succulent is that it requires minimal watering. The plant is drought-tolerant and can go several weeks without water.

When watering the succulent, do so deeply but infrequently. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent overwatering.

5. Fertilizing Requirements

The Ogre Ear Succulent does not require frequent fertilization, but you can feed it once or twice a year during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10.

Be careful not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can lead to excessive growth that may detract from its unique appearance.

6. Propagation

The Ogre Ear Succulent can be propagated from stem cuttings or leaf cuttings. To propagate from stem cuttings, take a cutting that is at least 4 inches long and allow it to callus over for several days. Then, plant the cutting in well-draining soil and keep it out of direct sunlight until it has rooted.

To propagate from leaf cuttings, remove a healthy leaf from the plant and allow it to callus over for several days. Then, place the leaf on top of well-draining soil and mist it lightly with water. The leaf should develop roots within a few weeks.

7. Pests and Diseases

The Ogre Ear Succulent is relatively pest-resistant, but it can be susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites. If you notice any signs of infestation, treat the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.

The plant can also be susceptible to root rot if it is overwatered or planted in poorly-draining soil. To prevent this, make sure the plant is planted in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.

8. Companion Planting

The Ogre Ear Succulent pairs well with other succulents and cacti in container gardens. It can also be planted with low-growing ground covers to create a colorful and interesting display.

If you're looking for a companion plant that will complement the unique appearance of the Ogre Ear Succulent, consider pairing it with Echeveria Black Prince or Graptopetalum paraguayense.

9. Uses

While the Ogre Ear Succulent is primarily grown for its unique appearance, it also has a number of uses in traditional medicine. The plant has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory issues, digestive problems, and skin conditions.

The plant is also commonly used in landscaping and xeriscaping due to its low maintenance requirements and drought tolerance.

10. Fun Facts

The scientific name for the Ogre Ear Succulent, Cotyledon Orbiculata, comes from the Latin word "cotyledon," which means "seed leaf."
In South Africa, the plant is known as "pig's ears" due to its unusual shape.
The Ogre Ear Succulent is a popular plant for bonsai enthusiasts due to its unique appearance and ability to be trained into different shapes.

The Ogre Ear Succulent is a fascinating plant that is sure to turn heads in any garden. Its unique appearance, low maintenance requirements, and versatility make it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Whether you're looking to add a new succulent to your collection or simply want to try something different, the Ogre Ear Succulent is definitely worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Ogre Ear Succulent toxic?

No, the Ogre Ear Succulent is not toxic to humans or pets.

2. How often should I water my Ogre Ear Succulent?

Water your Ogre Ear Succulent deeply but infrequently. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

3. Can I grow the Ogre Ear Succulent indoors?

Yes, the Ogre Ear Succulent can be grown indoors as long as it receives plenty of bright sunlight.

4. What is the best fertilizer for the Ogre Ear Succulent?

Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 to feed your Ogre Ear Succulent once or twice a year during the growing season.

5. How do I propagate the Ogre Ear Succulent?

You can propagate the Ogre Ear Succulent from stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.

6. What are some companion plants for the Ogre Ear Succulent?

The Ogre Ear Succulent pairs well with other succulents and cacti, as well as low-growing ground covers.

7. How big does the Ogre Ear Succulent get?

The Ogre Ear Succulent can grow up to 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide, although it will usually remain smaller when grown in a container.

8. What are some common pests and diseases of the Ogre Ear Succulent?

The Ogre Ear Succulent can be susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites, as well as root rot if it is overwatered or planted in poorly-draining soil.

9. What are some uses of the Ogre Ear Succulent?

The Ogre Ear Succulent has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, and is also commonly used in landscaping and xeriscaping.