Picture via cienciaybiologia
Basic Info
Carpobrotus Edulis is also commonly known as the Hottentot Fig. One of the most notable features of the plant is best apparent when looking at the picture of the plant. There you can see the bright green leaves that are mostly red around the edges and tips this can be increased more if the plant is stressed correctly. The fruits from the plant are yellow, and edible.
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Carpobrotus
Care and Propagation Information
Watering
Carpobrotus Edulis ‘Hottentot Fig’ can be quite beautiful when it is well-taken care of. This succulent type needs typical watering as the other succulents. The watering method is very important to keep your Hottentot Fig healthy. It should not sit on the water, and an excess amount of water should be avoided. The best way of watering is soak and dry method this succulent. Yet, the succulent should be controlled to avoid overwatering.
General Care for Carpobrotus Edulis ‘Hottentot Fig’
This succulent type is a unique one that blooms in the spring. When it blooms, you will enjoy pink flowers. It is a nice addition to your collection of plants especially if you have it displayed in a beautiful pot.
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Quick Facts:
- Prefers full sun
- Can be grown outdoor
- Grows up to 15 cm (6″) wide
- Can die easily if overwatered see: How to Water Succulent Plants
- Does not handle cold well
- Prefers Zone 9b-11b -3.9°C (25°F)
- Best propagated by cuttings, leaves, offsets or seeds
- Flowers are light pink
Where to Plant
Carpobrotus Edulis ‘Hottentot Fig’ succulents need strong light. When planting this succulent type in a garden, make sure it gets sunlight. Full to partial sun is the best for its growth. It is better to grow outdoor rather than indoor.
This type of succulent prefers a warm climate. It can survive at zone 8b-11b which is around -3.9°C (25°F). If you live in a cold area, it is better to plant Hottentot Fig in an indoor environment. As long as it gets enough sunlight, the plant will grow happily.
When selecting what pot to use be sure that you understand the difference between the material used (See our guide on how to pick the best plant pot).
How to Propagate Carpobrotus Edulis ‘Hottentot Fig’
Hottentot Fig can be propagated by leaves, cuttings, offsets or seeds. This succulent type does not require repotting often. Of course, the first-time repotting is essential when it is bought from the store. You can learn all about How To Repot Succulents in our guide.
Like all the other succulent types, a well-drained soil mixture is essential. If you want to know about well-drained soil mixtures, check How to Prepare Well-drained Soil for Succulent Plants.
How to Propagate Carpobrotus Edulis ‘Hottentot Fig’ By Leaves
When propagating Hottentot Fig with leaves. (Learn How to Propagate Succulents in detail here.) You should get a leave carefully from the mother plant. It should be a healthy leave that has no part left on the stem. In this way, the propagation will work. Before replanting, wait for a few days to allow it to callous. Use well-draining soil for your new succulent plant. Don’t forget to water when the soil dries out.
How to Propagate Carpobrotus Edulis ‘Hottentot Fig’ From Cuttings
When propagating Hottentot Fig from cuttings, cut a leaf from the mother plant carefully with a clean knife or scissors. Before replanting, wait for a few days to allow it to callous. Use well-draining soil for your new succulent plant. Don’t forget to water when the soil dries out.
How to Propagate Carpobrotus Edulis ‘Hottentot Fig’ From Offsets
Hottentot Fig propagates from offsets. To be able to propagate from the mother plant, you might wait several years for the main plant to produce an offset. To start this process, use a sharp knife and remove an offset from the main plant. When you remove the offset, clean the extra soil from it. Before replanting, wait for a few days to allow it to callous. Use well-draining soil for your new succulent plant. Don’t forget to water when the soil dries out.
How to Propagate Carpobrotus Edulis ‘Hottentot Fig’ Using Seeds
This succulent type is a slow grower so even if it can be propagated by its seeds, this method is not recommended. To propagate from the seeds, plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture. This method can be used outdoors. In cooler areas, indoor propagating is recommended.
Origin and Habitat
Carpobrotus Edulis ‘Hottentot Fig’ is native to South Africa (mostly around Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Northern Cape).
