Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ – Pig’s Ear Succulent - Evergreen Trees Direct

Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ – Pig’s Ear Succulent

$40.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 20cm

20cm

Current Stock Height Guides

20cm: 0.15m - 0.25m approx.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 0.4m to 0.6m (to 1m in flower)

Mature Width: 0.6m to 1m

Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ – Pig’s Ear Succulent is expected to grow 10cm to 20cm per year (slow to moderate).

Root Ball Dimensions

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

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About Your New Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ – Pig’s Ear Succulent

Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga 'Macrantha' is the Pig's Ear Succulent, an evergreen clumping plant with thick, paddle shaped grey-green leaves finely edged in red. The foliage is waxy and holds its colour all year on sturdy upright stems. Tall stems carry drooping orange-red bell flowers well above the leaves over summer.

It wants full sun to light shade and sharp drainage. Sandy or gravelly soil suits it; heavy wet clay does not. Growth is slow to moderate at 10 to 20 centimetres a year. Heat, wind and long dry periods are no trouble, but frost marks the leaves, so keep it to frost free spots.

Rockeries, raised beds, dry garden borders and containers are its usual homes. Landscapers use it in waterwise commercial plantings and coastal verges where irrigation is limited. Mass planted it forms a low grey band that reads well against dark mulch or rendered walls, and it asks for almost no upkeep.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Cotyledon orbiculata 'Macrantha'

What is Cotyledon orbiculata 'Macrantha'?

It is the Pig's Ear Succulent, an evergreen clumping plant from southern Africa with thick, paddle shaped leaves in grey-green, finely edged in red. The leaves are waxy and store water, giving the plant a solid, sculptural look. Tall stems carry hanging orange-red bell flowers through summer.

How big does it grow?

The foliage clump sits around 40 to 60 centimetres tall and spreads to roughly a metre over time as new rosettes form. Flower stems lift well above that, taking the plant close to a metre in summer. It spreads slowly, so it stays where you put it in a garden bed.

When does it flower?

Summer, from about December through February, on stems held clear of the foliage. The flowers are tubular orange to coral bells that hang downwards and are visited by honeyeaters. Cut the spent stems off at the base once the display finishes to keep the clump looking tidy.

Can it grow in pots?

Yes, and it is one of the better succulents for containers. Use a free draining cactus and succulent mix in a pot with drainage holes, and avoid a saucer that holds water underneath. Terracotta suits it because the mix dries faster. Water only when the mix has dried right through.

Is it frost tolerant?

No. Frost marks and rots the fleshy leaves, so grow it in frost free or sheltered positions. It is at home in warm temperate, subtropical and arid climates, and handles heat, wind and long dry periods without complaint. In cold districts keep it in a pot under an eave through winter.

Is it safe around pets and children?

No. Cotyledon orbiculata contains cardiac glycosides and all parts are toxic if eaten, to people, pets and livestock. It is a well documented poisoning risk for grazing stock. Plant it away from areas where small children or animals browse, and wash your hands after cutting stems or handling the sap.

How do I care for Cotyledon orbiculata 'Macrantha'?

Give it sun, sharp drainage and very little else. Water occasionally through summer and hold off through winter. Plants in the ground need no fertiliser, though potted specimens take a light succulent feed in spring. Remove spent flower stems and damaged leaves, and watch for mealybug in the leaf joints.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Enriched Planting Mix

What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

What plants is it suitable for?

It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

Is it safe for natives?

No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

Is it certified organic?

Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

How much do I need?

Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

Can I use it in pots?

It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

Does it need to be watered in?

Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

View full details

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Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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Uses in my Garden

Groundcovers
Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots

Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ – Pig’s Ear Succulent works in an:

Succulent / Dry Garden – sculptural planting with cacti, agaves, and drought-style textures.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Is Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ – Pig’s Ear Succulent Evergreen or Deciduous?

Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ – Pig’s Ear Succulent is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 0.4m to 0.6m (to 1m in flower)

Mature Width: 0.6m to 1m

Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ – Pig’s Ear Succulent is expected to grow 10cm to 20cm per year (slow to moderate).

Growth Rate of Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ – Pig’s Ear Succulent

Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ – Pig’s Ear Succulent is expected to grow 10cm to 20cm per year (slow to moderate).

They are considered to have a:

Slow Growth Rate
Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ – Pig’s Ear Succulent

Is Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ – Pig’s Ear Succulent frost tolerant?

Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ – Pig’s Ear Succulent is Frost Sensitive – May suffer damage from frost, best in frost-free or protected spots.

Does Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ – Pig’s Ear Succulent Flower?

Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ produces clusters of bell-shaped flowers in shades of orange to red, typically in late winter to spring. The blooms rise above the fleshy grey-green foliage, offering a bold seasonal contrast and adding ornamental interest to succulent gardens.

Does Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ – Pig’s Ear Succulent flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Summer

Flower Type:

Bell-shaped

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

Is Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ – Pig’s Ear Succulent an Australian Native Tree?

No

Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ – Pig’s Ear Succulent is Native to South Africa, where Cotyledon orbiculata grows naturally on rocky slopes and in dry, well-drained habitats.

What is the Wildlife Value of Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ – Pig’s Ear Succulent ?

Its tubular flowers provide a nectar source for bees and other pollinating insects when in bloom. While primarily valued as an ornamental succulent, it contributes to local biodiversity by supporting pollinators during its flowering period.

How much Sunlight does Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ – Pig’s Ear Succulent need?

Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ – Pig’s Ear Succulent will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preferred Soil?

Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ performs best in free-draining sandy or gritty soils with a neutral pH. It will tolerate poor soils provided drainage remains excellent. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged conditions, as excess moisture can quickly lead to root rot. Keep soil lightly moist during establishment, then allow it to dry between watering as the plant matures.

Is Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ – Pig’s Ear Succulent Drought Tolerant?

Is Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ – Pig’s Ear Succulent Drought tolerant?

As a young plant it benefits from light, regular watering to establish, particularly during warmer months. Once established, this variety shows excellent drought tolerance and thrives with minimal watering, making it well suited to low-water and arid-style plantings.

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How To Plant Your Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ – Pig’s Ear Succulent

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ – Pig’s Ear Succulent

Feature planting: 60 cm to 1 metre apart to let the silver paddle foliage spread.

Mass planting: 40 to 50 cm apart for a dense silver groundcover.

Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ – Pig’s Ear Succulent is expected to grow 10cm to 20cm per year (slow to moderate).

Slow Growth Rate
Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ – Pig’s Ear Succulent

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, this is drought tolerant and only needs a deep soak during extended dry periods.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape if used as hedging or screening. For a clear trunk feature, remove lower branches as the tree grows.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Macrantha’ – Pig’s Ear Succulent in Different Soil

Cotyledon orbiculata performs best in free-draining loam or sandy loam with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is sharp.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch lightly to moderate surface temperature.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and coarse organic compost before planting.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline preferred. Avoid waterlogging at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Cotyledon orbiculata ‘Macrantha’ frost tolerant?
A: No, it is frost sensitive and should be planted in frost-free or protected positions.

Q: How much water does it need?
A: Once established, it requires very little water and only occasional watering during extended dry periods.

Q: Can it be grown in pots?
A: Yes, it performs very well in containers with free-draining soil.

Q: Does it require regular pruning?
A: No, maintenance is minimal and limited to removing spent flower stems or damaged leaves.

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