Green Pig Ear / Oreja de Cerdo Verde

Green Pig Ear / Oreja de Cerdo Verde (Cotyledon orbiculata) is a beautiful succulent with thick, fleshy green leaves shaped rather wonderfully like little pig ears. The leaves often develop reddish edges, especially when the plant receives plenty of light, and as it matures it can send up tall flower stems carrying beautiful hanging coral-red to orange bell-shaped flowers. It has a very sculptural presence in the garden, yet is incredibly easy to grow and asks for very little attention.

Originally from southern Africa, Pig Ear also has a long history as a medicinal plant. The thick fleshy leaves have traditionally been used externally as poultices for swelling, inflammation, boils and other irritated areas of the skin. The soft inner part of the leaf has also traditionally been placed over corns and warts, while warmed leaf preparations have a history of use for earache and toothache. It is another wonderful example of a succulent that is much more than an ornamental plant, carrying an old tradition of plant medicine within those thick water-filled leaves.

Green Pig Ear loves good light and will grow in full sun or bright partial shade. More sun often brings out the beautiful reddish colouring around the edges of the leaves. Like many succulents, it prefers loose, very well-drained soil and does not want to remain constantly wet. Allow the soil to dry somewhat between watering, especially once the plant is established. It grows easily from cuttings and gradually develops into a branching, shrubby succulent that can become quite substantial.

This is a lovely plant for rock gardens, borders, pots and those hotter, drier parts of the garden where other plants may struggle. I especially love the contrast between its lush, fat green leaves and those delicate hanging flowers. It is hardy, unusual, medicinal and beautiful, and a very easy plant to find a home for in the garden.

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