Botanical Name: Fenestraria aurantiaca
Common Name: Baby Toes
Fenestraria aurantiaca is a small, unique succulent native to South Africa. It features cylindrical, finger-like leaves that grow partially buried in the soil, with translucent “windows” at the tips that allow sunlight to reach inner photosynthetic tissues. This unusual growth habit makes it a standout in succulent collections, terrariums, or container gardens. Mature plants typically form dense clumps about 2–4 inches tall.
Care and Cultivation:
Prefers bright light to full sun
Water sparingly; allow soil to dry between waterings
Use a well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix
Ideal for pots, terrariums, or rock gardens
Frost Tolerance and Cold Hardiness:
Best suited for USDA Zones 9–11
Not frost-tolerant
Protect from temperatures below 30°F (-1°C)
Bring indoors in cooler climates
Winter Dormancy and Health:
Growth slows in cooler months
Reduce watering during dormancy
Leaves may shrink slightly when dormant; this is normal
Notes:
Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Unique windowed leaves make it highly collectible
Botanical Name: Fenestraria aurantiaca
Common Name: Baby Toes
Fenestraria aurantiaca is a small, unique succulent native to South Africa. It features cylindrical, finger-like leaves that grow partially buried in the soil, with translucent “windows” at the tips that allow sunlight to reach inner photosynthetic tissues. This unusual growth habit makes it a standout in succulent collections, terrariums, or container gardens. Mature plants typically form dense clumps about 2–4 inches tall.
Care and Cultivation:
Prefers bright light to full sun
Water sparingly; allow soil to dry between waterings
Use a well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix
Ideal for pots, terrariums, or rock gardens
Frost Tolerance and Cold Hardiness:
Best suited for USDA Zones 9–11
Not frost-tolerant
Protect from temperatures below 30°F (-1°C)
Bring indoors in cooler climates
Winter Dormancy and Health:
Growth slows in cooler months
Reduce watering during dormancy
Leaves may shrink slightly when dormant; this is normal
Notes:
Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Unique windowed leaves make it highly collectible
