The Different Types of Baby Toes Plant: A Complete Overview

Baby toes plants, scientifically known as Fenestraria rhopalophylla, are adorable little succulents that are named for their tiny, toe-shaped leaves. They are native to the arid regions of South Africa and Namibia. With their plump leaves and tendency to cluster together, they have become quite popular as houseplants.

There are a few different varieties and cultivars of baby toes plants that you may encounter. Here is an overview of the most common types:

Fenestraria rhopalophylla

This is the standard or species variety of baby toes. It has fleshy, cylindrical green leaves that end in a clear, bulbous window-like tip. The leaves emerge in tight rosette clusters from underground stems. Mature plants reach about 3 inches in diameter.

In ideal conditions Fenestraria rhopalophylla will produce small white or yellow daisy-like flowers in late summer to early fall. However it primarily grows as a foliage plant. These are the most commonly available baby toes in nurseries and garden centers.

Fenestraria aurantiaca

F aurantiaca is a variety of baby toes that produces darker reddish-orange leaves The leaf tips tend to be more swollen and bulbous than the standard green variety. The flowers are bright golden yellow.

This variety is sometimes labeled as F. rhopalophylla ‘Aurora’ or ‘Golden Baby Toes’ in the nursery trade. It needs the same care as standard baby toes but shows off nice coloration with stress or cool temperatures.

Fenestraria rhopalophylla ‘Nana’

The ‘Nana’ cultivar of baby toes forms miniaturized clumps. It stays under an inch in diameter, forming adorably petite clusters. The leaves are fatter and more stubby than the standard variety. Everything else about its appearance and needs are similar.

‘Nana’ is perfect for small-scale succulent gardens, miniature dish gardens, terrarium planters, and tabletop indoor displays. Its tiny size makes it one of the most popular baby toes varieties for collectors and enthusiasts.

Fenestraria rhopalophylla ‘Slender Slavo’

‘Slender Slavo’ is another dwarf cultivar, but its growth habit is more spreading than clumping. The leaves are longer and more tubular, giving it a very thin, spindly look. The rosettes only reach about 2 inches wide but will creep along the soil surface.

The red leaf tips provide nice contrast against the light green leaf bases. ‘Slender Slavo’ is fun for cascading over the edges of pots and planters or decorating fairy gardens. The slender leaves are prone to breaking off easily.

Fenestraria rhopalophylla ‘Okavango’

This selection of baby toes has wider, chunkier leaves that sometimes take on a more purplish tinge. It forms tidy clumps like the standard variety. ‘Okavango’ comes from a particularly harsh desert environment, so it tends to be more heat and drought tolerant than other types.

The leaves will turn deep red or purple under stress from full sun exposure or inadequate watering. Providing more shade and water will cause them to turn green again. The color variation is entirely natural and reversible based on conditions.

Fenestraria rhopalophylla ‘Cape Sunset’

‘Cape Sunset’ is similar to ‘Okavango’ but with more pronounced red tones in the leaves. Even with adequate water and partial shade, the leaves maintain dark red shading along the edges and pinkish centers. The red leaf windows are quite striking.

This cultivar is sometimes sold as F. rhopalophylla ‘Red Tips’ or ‘Ruby Slippers’ as well. It provides great color impact for mixed succulent planters and arrangements.

Fenestraria rhopalophylla ‘Solar Ice’

Here’s a uniquely variegated variety of baby toes. ‘Solar Ice’ has green leaves with irregular white spots, speckles, streaks, and splotches. About half of each leaf is white while the other half is green.

The variegation occurs naturally as random mutations in the cells of the plant. It can sometimes revert back to solid green without the white markings. ‘Solar Ice’ grows like standard baby toes but offers extra visual appeal from the speckled foliage.

Fenestraria rhopalophylla ‘Caput Medusae’

This selection forms the largest clumps of any baby toes variety, reaching up to 5 inches across. It has fat, almost bulbous green leaves that tightly stack together in dense clusters. The huge colonies resemble a head of Medusa, hence the name ‘Caput Medusae.’

Despite the larger size, ‘Caput Medusae’ needs the same care and conditions as other baby toes. It works nicely as a specimen succulent in indoor pots or outdoor rock gardens. The bulbous stacked leaves are quite eye-catching.

Fenestraria ‘Mixed Hybrids’

You may come across baby toes sold simply as ‘Mixed Hybrids’ without a specific cultivar name. These will be seed-grown plants resulting from open pollination between different Fenestraria selections.

The mixed hybrids exhibit a variety of leaf shapes, colors, and textures blended together. You never know exactly what you’ll get with random hybrid baby toes. That’s part of the fun of growing them!

How to Choose the Right Type

When selecting baby toes for your succulent collection, consider factors like:

• Size – Standard, ‘Okavango,’ and ‘Cape Sunset’ get about 3 inches wide while ‘Nana’ stays under an inch. Go compact or bold.

• Shape – ‘Slender Slavo’ offers long tubular leaves while ‘Caput Medusae’ has short, chubby stacked leaves.

• Color – ‘Aurantiaca’ and ‘Cape Sunset’ provide color while ‘Solar Ice’ gives speckled variegation.

• Growing conditions – All have the same needs but some like ‘Okavango’ tolerate harsher climates.

Overall, most baby toes are easy-care succulents for beginners. Choose the variety that best fits your aesthetic tastes and space requirements. Then give it the bright light, sandy soil, and occasional deep watering that baby toes love. Enjoy watching your cute little succulent toes grow!