The perennial succulents form columns of leaves that are thick and rise up like small toes with flattened tops. The tops possess a translucent membrane over the top of the leaf. The vertical leaves may be mistaken for stems but are really modified foliage. Baby toes succulent may be mottled, grayish green to fully gray or even brown.
Baby toes succulent care:
When trying to figure out Fenestraria care, it’s important to keep in mind this plant’s natural habitat and growth pattern. Fenestraria naturally occurs in Namaqualand, which covers parts of Namibia and South Africa. Namaqualand is mostly dry and desert-like, with hot summers, cold winters and little rainfall.
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| source pic: pinterest.com |
This succulent has adapted to its harsh habitat by developing the ability to grow partly underground. Its little digit-like leaves have translucent tops, which are sometimes the only parts of the plant sticking out of the ground. Because light can travel through the tops the plant can still photosynthesize even when mostly covered.
Light:
So, as discussed above, Fenestraria is very efficient at making the most of the light it gets. This means it can do well in a pretty wide range of light levels. It can take quite a bit of direct sun as long as it’s not getting absolutely blasted outdoors, but bright indirect light should also work. In your home, place it near a window (or under a grow light) that allows plenty of light to reach it.
Location:
Because Fenestraria isn’t used to receiving a lot of water or growing in moist soil, a relatively dry environment is probably preferred. Try finding a spot on your home that’s well-ventilated and not too humid.
Temperature:
As can be expected from a versatile plant like this one, Fenestraria can take a very wide range of temperatures. It has no problem with summer heat but is also tolerant to light frost. Do keep in mind that it should be kept dry when temperatures get very low to prevent frost damage.
Watering baby toes succulent
Watering mistakes are probably the no. 1 cause of death for most succulents, and this is no different for Fenestraria. In fact, it’s worse.
This succulent is notoriously picky about when it wishes to be watered. This can be pretty confusing, but it helps to keep in mind that this is not a summer grower. Unlike many other plants it spends its summers in dormancy, as it’s too hot and dry in its natural habitat to keep growing during this period.
Once springtime is over and the heat pushes your Fenestraria into dormancy, stop watering. Maybe give a very light sprinkle here and there but nothing more or rot will occur.
During the autumn, spring and especially winter months, your Fenestraria is active and wants to be watered. Wait until the soil has fully dried, then soak it thoroughly and let it dry again.
Soil and Transplanting:
Baby Toes prefers well-drained, sandy or calciferous soil. You can create an ideal mixture by mixing potting soil with some perlite or pumice.
Baby Toes Pest and Disease Problems
This plant is virtually free of pests and diseases which make it very popular to manage.
However, there are chances of root-rot if you overwater.
If leaves begin to yellow, reduce the frequency of watering.
Take care to keep pets from ingesting this plant as it can be toxic to them when eaten.
