Cotyledon velutina, commonly known as Velvet Cotyledon or Velvet Paddle Plant, is an evergreen succulent plant native to the arid and semi-arid regions of South Africa, particularly thriving in rocky outcrops and cliff faces. It typically grows to a height and width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters), forming a clumping mound of velvety, paddle-shaped leaves that are a soft, silvery-green with a hint of red on the margins. The plant produces tubular, orange or red flowers on tall stalks that rise above the foliage in the summer, which are quite showy and attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.

Velvet Cotyledon is valued for its drought tolerance and unique, textured foliage that adds visual interest to rock gardens, succulent collections, and xeriscaped areas. It is also suitable for container planting due to its moderate size. This succulent requires minimal maintenance, thriving in full sun to part shade and preferring fast-draining sandy or loamy soils. While it is drought-tolerant, occasional watering during prolonged dry periods will keep it looking its best. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot. It is generally pest-resistant but may be susceptible to mealybugs and fungal diseases if overwatered or if airflow is poor.CC BY-SA 4.0