Pussy Ears
Cyanotis somaliensis
A trailing Somalian succulent with small lance-shaped leaves covered in soft white hairs. Stems stay compact, and small purple or blue flowers with yellow anthers appear in the growing season. Easy care if you water the soil, not the fuzzy leaves.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Easy
Humidity
Moderate
Pet Friendly
Cyanotis somaliensis is generally considered non-toxic to pets. However, as with most plants, ingestion of large quantities may cause minor gastrointestinal upset in sensitive animals.
Care Notes
Light
Place your Pussy Ears in bright, indirect light. Gentle morning sun is fine. Harsh afternoon sun can scorch leaves and damage the soft hairs.
Water
Water when the top half of the mix is dry. Pour onto the soil, not the foliage, so trapped moisture in the hairs does not invite rot. Cut back watering in winter. Use a pot with drainage holes.
Soil
Use a cactus or succulent mix with perlite or coarse sand so water drains quickly. An oversized wet planter is the fastest way to lose this plant.
Humidity & Temperature
Moderate humidity suits it better than bone-dry air. A pebble tray helps if your home is very dry, as long as the pot is not sitting in water. Keep temperatures around 60–80°F.
Common Issues
Leggy stems mean more light. Brown or less fuzzy leaves can come from low humidity or direct sun. Overwatering and root rot are the usual causes of decline.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength
Soil
Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added grit or perlite.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
Trailing stems reaching 12-18 inches in length
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation
Stem cuttings are highly successful when rooted in either water or moist potting medium.
Common Varieties
The straight species is the most common; often confused with Cyanotis kewensis (Teddy Bear Vine).
Narrow lance-shaped bright green leaves densely covered in soft silvery-white hairs.