Baby’s Toes Succulent
A dwarf succulent from Southern Africa, Fenestraria rhopalophylla subs. aurantiaca (Fenestraria aurantiaca) is commonly called Baby’s Toes.
It is a favourite plant with many indoor plant lovers as it is attractive and easy to grow.
With an unusual growth habit, the individual leaves have a rounded stem and a flattened top. These leaves appear as small clumps and are attached to a fleshy root structure.
The mass of flattened green tops is attractive and the yellow daisy like flowers are large for the size of the plant itself.
How To the Grow Baby’s Toes Succulent
This is a succulent that requires a dry summer and a wet winter, good drainage year round is essential. Mostly grown in containers this is an excellent little succulent to grow indoors on a windowsill.
- Watering
A wet/dry watering cycle is best. Water the plant well and then let the soil dry before watering again. - Sun/Light
At least 6 – 8 hours of bright light a day. Indirect light is OK, hot direct afternoon sun should be avoided.
If you notice the foliage beginning to stretch for the light, give it more light. Indoors rotate the plant 45 degrees every 3 – 4 days. - Soil/Potting Mix
A specialist cactus and succulent potting mix works well, free draining is essential. - Pots and Containers
Ensure that the pot you choose has good drainage holes.
In its natural habitat it grows in part shade and this needs to be replicated in cultivation. Morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal, but bright light. If grown indoors, then good filtered light is best.
Propagation
Propagation is easy by division of established clumps, this is best carried out in late winter to spring.
Also possible from seed although germination is slow.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Fenestraria rhopalophylla subsp. aurantiaca
- Common Name – ‘Baby’s Toes’, Fenestraria aurantiaca
- Position – Full sun to a little shade.
- Soil – Say and well drained.
- Height – To around 12 cm plus
- Spread – To around 12 cm plus.
- Evergreen – Yes
- Frost tolerant – Light frosts only, splitting can occur in frosts.