Aptenia Cordifolia (The ‘Hearts And Flowers’ Plant)

Aptenia Cordifolia is native to South Africa and thrives in rainfall regions, found explicitly in shady areas or under trees. It is a fast-growing, short-lived succulent. This succulent was used as an anti-inflammatory, a dressing, and a deodorant.

As an ornamental plant, Aptenia Cordifolia is often seen in outdoor landscape gardens and under trees canopies. If you are looking for a perennial plant to add to your succulent garden or collection, Aptenia Cordifolia Variegata might be an option.

Family:	Mesembryanthemaceae
Genus:	Aptenia
Scientific Name:	Aptenia Cordifolia
Other Names:	Baby Sun Rose, Dew Plant, Heart-Leaved Ice Plant, Red Apple
Growth Season:	Spring to Summer Seasons
Preferred Temperature:	20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit
Hardiness Zone:	USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 10
Average Mature Height & Width:	1 foot tall and 2 feet wide
Dormancy:	During the cold season and winter season
Toxicity:	Aptenia Cordifolia is a non-toxic plant. It is not poisonous, so that you may touch your succulent directly, even without gloves. It is a perfect option for outdoor and indoor gardens wherein pets and kids can roam freely.

Physical Characteristics

Aptenia Cordifolia Variegata is a perennial, low-growing ground cover succulent. The roots are fleshy and thick. This succulent has fleshy, flat, and heart-to-oval-shaped leaves. The leaves can grow up to 60 x 25 millimeters and are widely spaced in a stem. Under the bright sunlight, the leaves also sparkle. The bright pink, purple, red, and shiny flowers can grow small to medium. Aptenia Cordifolia can produce fruits that are small capsules.

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Aptenia Cordifolia Care

This succulent can tolerate high rainfall and extreme drought. You may water this plant regularly during its growing season. Just wait for the soil to dry before watering thoroughly. Aptenia Cordifolia prefers full sunlight to partial shade. This succulent thrives in sandy soil. You can feed your succulent with controlled-release fertilizer twice yearly during its growing season. Feeding your succulent is not essential but will aid in providing the nutrients your succulent needs to thrive. 

DO YOU KNOW? Caring (propagating, pruning/trimming, beheading, watering, …) is a set of skills that is applicable to almost every succulent. Read the in-depth succulent care guide right here >>

Richard from Succulent City

Aptenia Cordifolia Growth

Aptenia Cordifolia can be easily propagated through seeds and cuttings. If you use the seeding method, do it during the summer season. Remember that you may add a slow-release fertilizer to your soil before sowing the seeds.

When propagating through cuttings, always use a clean garden knife. When pruning your succulent, it is advisable to do it during the growing season. Pruning your succulents helps promote growth by removing dying or dead leaves.

You do not need to repot your Aptenia Cordifolia as often. Although the plant is fast-growing, you may check if the roots are escaping through the drainage holes already so that you may repot your Aptenia Cordifolia.

Watch out for common pests that attract your plants, such as mealybugs, snails, and slugs. Watering your plant in moderation and providing sufficient sunlight requirements is advisable. 

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