Pixie Beans Succulent

Pixie Beans Succulent (Cotyledon papillaris 'Pixie Beans') is a small, chubby succulent that grows in clusters of fat, round, blue-green leaves, each tipped with a light red edge. It stays about 5cm high and spreads to 20cm. Easy care and very drought tolerant once established, it suits pots, rockeries and bright indoor spots.

Why you'll love it

• Chubby little beans. The fat, round, blue-green leaves are tipped with a slender stripe of deep red.
• Each plant is different. The form varies, with some plants more blue-green, some more lemon-green, some compact and some more trailing.
• Easy care. It is hardy and drought tolerant once established, and it forgives the occasional missed watering.
• Spreads in all directions. Stems radiate outward as the plant grows, and some carry flowers at the tips.
• Small and versatile. At 5cm high it fits a shallow bowl, a windowsill pot or a pocket in a rockery.

Where it works best

Pots and bowls. Plant it in a shallow terracotta bowl with a gritty mix, alone or among other succulents.

Rockeries. Set it among stones, 20cm apart, where the drainage is sharp and the sun is bright.

Indoors. It does well in bright light on a sunny windowsill. A north-facing window gives the brightest light.

Growing Pixie Beans Succulent in Australia

Position and climate. Bright sunlight, and exposed locations are fine. Treat it as frost tender: in gardens with frost, grow it in a pot that can come under cover. It suits Mediterranean, warm temperate, subtropical and arid gardens.

Soil. Free-draining, gritty soil. It is very happy in rocky, sandy ground, and in pots use a cactus and succulent mix.

Water and feed. Water sparingly when the soil is dry to the touch, and reduce watering in winter when temperatures drop. Feed in the growing seasons with a slow release food for container plants.

Pruning. No pruning needed. Snip off any straggly stems if you want it more compact.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Pixie Beans Succulent as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Plant it in a gritty mix, water it in, then leave it alone until the soil dries. Expect it to take its time before it starts to cluster.

Our tubes are supplied by our grower, so they are not always on hand. If the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none at the moment, and the notify button on this page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Succulents for hot climates
• Succulent care tips and tricks
• Plants that suit pots
• Indoor plants for bright rooms

Common questions

How big does it get?

About 5cm high and up to 20cm wide. It is a small, slow plant, so it is a good fit for shallow bowls.

How much water does it need?

Water sparingly, only when the soil is dry to the touch, and less in winter. Overwatering is the common problem with succulents.

Is it safe for pets?

No. Cotyledons contain compounds that can harm pets if eaten, so grow it out of reach of chewing cats and dogs.