Fenestraria rhopalophylla ssp. aurantiaca

baby toes
Tiny succulent, seemingly from another planet. Windows on tips to let in the sun. Yellow / white daisy like flowers. Great for pots. Shelter from winter rains.
height 1–2in
width 2–3in
tolerates Pots
water
needs		 Low
water
info		 Likes to go dry out completely between waterings. Good drainage is essential for this plant, which grows in almost pure sand in habitat.
hardy
to		 30F
exposure Part Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Requires Perfect Drainage
fertilizing All Purpose
origin South Africa
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 13, 16, 17, 19–H2

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

Special Interest

The ‘windows’ of this plant are a fascinating adaptation. In habitat the plant grows with the leaf mostly underground, and only its windows exposed right at soil level. This allows sunlight to penetrate the leaf which photosynthesizes from the inside! In this way the plant gets a large surface area to photosynthesize with, but only a very small surface area exposed to the elements. Many succulent windows will illuminate if you shine a light in them, or place them in a window where they can be backlit.