Description
Cotyledon orbiculata 'Mucronata' is an upright, sparingly branched succulent up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall, with very attractive, dumpling-shaped leaves. They are upwardly inclined and are tightly overlapped with all parts of the leaves covered with a white powder, likened by some to "icing sugar" and have strongly undulating flat margins. In summer appear up to 1 foot (30 cm) tall inflorescences topped with dangling reddish-orange flowers.

Growing Conditions and General Care
Cotyledons can be divided into two groups. One group consists of evergreen plants with a summer growing period. The other group is made up of deciduous plants, splendidly magnificent with large, solid fleshy stems like. The second group grows during the winter, and sheds its leaves during the summer.

Cotyledons require a free-draining gritty mix and plenty of sun. They are tolerant of cool, frost-free conditions during the winter if kept dry. Some require pruning to maintain an attractive shape. Cotyledons should be kept in a sunny position. Follow general succulent watering procedures. Be careful of over-watering when Cotyledons are deciduous. As succulents go, Cotyledons certainly are rewarding garden and indoor subjects, practically independent of irrigation in all but full desert conditions, though they cannot survive poor light or bad drainage in the wet.

Feed it once or twice during the growing season with a fertilizer specifically formulated for cactus and succulents (poor in nitrogen), including all micro nutrients and trace elements diluted to . the strength recommended on the label.

Though not spectacular, they are elegantly decorative and often interesting in shape. The inflorescences of the larger species often make fine components of dried arrangements in floral design.

Pests and Problems
Their main enemies are sucking bugs.