Family: Aizoaceae
Common Name: Baby's Toes, Window Plant

The two species of this succulent genus are native to Namibia. They are clump-forming plants that offset from the base, producing upright, almost cylindrical leaves, each with a transparent window in the top. The window allows light to penetrate into the leaf to produce chlorophyll, the green pigment of the plant. In cultivation all, or most, of the leaves are visible, but in their habitat they are often buried in sand with only the window visible.

Species

F. aurantiaca grows 3-5 cm (1-2 in) high, forming clumps up to 15 cm (6 in) across. The flowers are daisy-like and usually bright yellow. Flowering time varies but is often late summer to autumn.

Cultivation

In frost-prone climates, grow in pots of cactus compost in an airy, intermediate greenhouse or conservatory with maximum light. Keep plants dry over winter but carry out moderate watering in the growing season. Outdoors, the plants need full sun and poor, very well drained soil. Propagate from seed or offsets.

Climate

Zone 10.