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(Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga)
Finger Aloe (Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga)
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The Fun Chronicles
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The Fun Chronicles
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Photo by: The Fun Chronicles | License Type: CC0 1.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Uploader: The Fun Chronicles | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements for Palatine, Illinois
| This Plant | Your Site | Plant Suitability for Your Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| • Precipitation | 4" - 45" | 36" | Aquatic | Aquatic |
| • High Temp. | 64°F - 93°F | 84°F | Your summer temperatures are normal for this plant. | Excellent |
| • Low Temp. | 22°F - 53°F | 13°F | Your winter temperatures may be too cold for this plant | Too cold |
This plant may not grow well at your location - your precipitation is too high.
Summary
Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga, commonly known as Finger Aloe, is an evergreen succulent plant native to rocky outcrops and arid regions of South Africa. It typically grows to a height and width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters), forming a rounded shrub-like appearance. The leaves are thick, fleshy, and finger-like, with a gray-green color often edged with a red line. Finger Aloe is notable for its striking orange, pink, and red bell-shaped flowers that bloom in winter and spring, adding a splash of color to the garden during these seasons.
Finger Aloe is valued for its drought tolerance and architectural form, making it a popular choice for rock gardens, succulent collections, and as a container plant. It is also used in xeriscaping due to its low water requirements. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun, requiring very low to low amounts of water, and prefers well-draining soil. While generally easy to maintain, it is sensitive to overwatering which can lead to root rot. It is also susceptible to mealybugs and fungal diseases if conditions are too damp.CC BY-SA 4.0
Finger Aloe is valued for its drought tolerance and architectural form, making it a popular choice for rock gardens, succulent collections, and as a container plant. It is also used in xeriscaping due to its low water requirements. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun, requiring very low to low amounts of water, and prefers well-draining soil. While generally easy to maintain, it is sensitive to overwatering which can lead to root rot. It is also susceptible to mealybugs and fungal diseases if conditions are too damp.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Succulent
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Orange, Pink, Red
- Flowering Season: Winter, Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Very Low, Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Rocky outcrops and arid regions of South Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Vågblad
Scientific Names: Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga, Cotyledon flavida, Cotyledon zuluensis, Cotyledon coruscans, Cotyledon galpinii, Cotyledon oblonga, Cotyledon simulans, Cotyledon virescens, Cotyledon canaliculata
GBIF Accepted Name: Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga (Haw.) DC.