Care of Cotyledon undulata and ladysmithiensis

Cotyledon undulata and ladysmithiensis are popular succulents that can beautify the room all year round and the garden in summer. Easy to care for and undemanding, they are ideal for beginners and hobby gardeners with little time - but of course one or the other point should be considered when cultivating.

The succulents Cotyledon ladysmithiensis and undulata may have complicated names, but caring for them is quite simple. If they have a suitable location and if the special requirements of the undemanding plants are taken into account during cultivation, they can give pleasure for a long time. Even beginners can easily propagate, which ensures quick moments of success and the succulent collection can be increased without much effort. Even the robust plants are not immune to care mistakes. Interested hobby gardeners can find out what to look out for here.

Location

Cotyledon undulata and ladysmithiensis originally come from Asia and Africa and are spoiled by the sun in their homeland. Light and warmth are therefore the most important factors when choosing the location for the succulents.

The thick-fleshed plants feel most comfortable in the direct sun. A south-facing window sill is therefore ideal. In summer, however, the plants may also be given a sheltered and bright location outdoors, where they are not directly exposed to the rain.

substrate

Cotyledon ladysmithiensis and undulata require a permeable and loose substrate that tends neither to compaction nor to waterlogging. The easiest choice is therefore cactus soil. Sandy or gritty mixtures based on potting soil are also suitable. One part earth is mixed with one part sand or gravel. Coconut fiber can also be added to improve this combination.

Pour

As with all succulents, the same applies to Cotyledon ladysmithiensis and Cotyledon undulata: less is more. Due to their thick fleshy leaves, the plants have ample storage and easily get through dry periods. Of course, they still need to be watered from time to time. From February to September or October the Cotyledon can be poured or submerged. However, after each watering, make sure that no waterlogging forms, so that the excess liquid can drain off easily. In addition, the surface of the substrate should be well dried before you reach for the watering can again. Depending on the temperature, it is sufficient to water the succulents once a week or every fortnight.

Ideally, rainwater or stagnant tap water is used for this purpose. If the tap water is not too hard, i.e. contains little lime, it can also be used fresh.

repotting and fertilizing

Both Cotyledon undulata and ladysmithiensis do well without additional nutrient supply if they are placed in fresh substrate once a year or every two years. However, after this measure, which is carried out in February or March, the cotyledon needs some protection. Until the roots have gained a foothold again, no direct sunlight should hit the plant. Light shading is therefore recommended for two to three weeks.

If you want to change the substrate less often, you should fertilize during the growth phase. The additional nutrient supply of the Cotyledon ladysmithiensis and undulata takes place from February to September. Cactus fertilizer is used in a weak dosage. As a rhythm, a dose every two weeks is recommended. Alternatively and if available, aquarium water can also be used for fertilization.

multiply

Both the Cotyledon varieties undulata and ladysmithiensis can be propagated by seeds and cuttings. Both variants are quite simple and can be carried out without any problems even without experience.

Propagation via cuttings

The following instructions show how propagation via cuttings is possible:

1. In spring, around March or April, cotyledon cuttings are cut. Large leaves or strong head shoots, which are removed with the stalk, are ideal.
2. Since the succulents have thick fleshy leaves with large water reserves, the freshly cut surfaces are very moist and prone to rot. They therefore need a drying time of at least two days. Only when the cut surfaces are dry can they be planted in the ground.
3. Cactus soil or the substrate mixture described above is also used when propagating via cuttings. The cuttings are inserted about one to two centimeters deep and stabilized - for example with wooden sticks.
4. The substrate is well moistened and kept slightly moist during the first few weeks.
5. Prepared in this way, the planter is placed in a warm and bright place where the succulents are not exposed to direct sunlight.

Root formation takes about four to six weeks. If new shoots appear, the cotyledon can be moved to a sunny spot and treated like the mother plant.

Propagation via seeds

Propagation via seeds takes a little more time. However, it is also quite simple with the following procedure:

1. After flowering, the inflorescences must be left on the succulent. Only when they are completely dry and open easily can the seeds be extracted from them.
2. The fruit bodies are placed in a bag and this shaken. The seeds are released from the shells.
3. Seeds can be overwintered in a dark and dry place before sowing in spring.
4. In the spring, the seeds are placed on sterile potting soil or sterilized cactus soil that is well moistened.
5. Placed in a light and warm location, the seeds of the cotyledon ladysmithiensis or undulata usually germinate within about three to four weeks. If the humidity is low, it is advisable to cover the planter. Glass or transparent film are suitable for this.
6. If the shoots have multiple leaves, they can be placed in a sunny location and cultivated like the adult succulents.

hibernate

If Cotyledon undulata and ladysmithiensis are allowed a winter rest period, they are more robust and less susceptible to diseases and pests. In addition, the renewed budding is stronger. If you have the opportunity, you should keep the plants a little cooler from October. 10 to 18 °C is ideal. Nevertheless, the plants must still receive direct sunlight, i.e. stand by the window even in the winter quarters.

In addition, the fertilization must be stopped and the watering behavior adjusted. Watering continues, but not overflowing. Instead, water should be given weekly and in sips. This prevents the substrate from drying out completely, but at the same time there is no risk of waterlogging. If watering is forgotten, the leaves can quickly become shriveled. Especially in winter, however, it would be dangerous to completely moisten the soil to compensate. During the cool hibernation, cotyledons are not able to absorb large amounts of water quickly. The risk of root rot is therefore very high. It is better to reduce the interval between waterings until the plant has recovered.

If you don't have a cooler location for the cotyledon, you should still stop fertilizing from September to February or March and also reduce the amount of watering.

Common grooming mistakes

Both the Cotyledon variants undulata and ladysmithiensis are actually robust and easy-care plants that easily forgive drought and forgotten fertilizers - but they tend to rot. The most common care mistake and reason for damage is therefore to be found in incorrect watering. If the substrate cannot dry between waterings or if waterlogging occurs, this can quickly become fatal for the plants.

Rescue attempts can still be made in the event of mold growth and root rot. For this it is necessary to remove all affected parts of the plant, let the roots dry for a few days and completely change the substrate. Even then, success is not guaranteed.

Conclusion

Cotyledon undulata and Cotyledon ladysmithiensis are very easy to care for succulents with their jagged or wavy leaf edges, the rich coloring and the flowers are also pronounced are decorative. These cotyledon species are therefore ideal for beginners in plant care to keep them healthy without much effort and even easy to propagate. And of course also ideal for all those who don't want to do without living green despite little time.

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