How Tall Can Your Baby Toes Plant Grow? Factors That Affect Height

Baby toes plants, also known as fenestraria, are cute little succulents that can grow up to 6 inches tall. Their compact size makes them perfect for windowsills and deskscapes. Though baby toes tend to stay short, there are several factors that affect how tall they can grow.

Genetics – The Most Important Factor

Genetics play the biggest role in determining the maximum height of your baby toes. There are over a hundred different species and cultivars of baby toes ranging from miniatures under 2 inches to larger varieties up to 6 inches tall.

The most common species found as houseplants are Fenestraria rhopalophylla and Fenestraria aurantiaca. F. rhopalophylla is the larger of the two, capable of growing up to 5-6 inches tall. F. aurantiaca is a smaller variety, maxing out around 3-4 inches.

When buying baby toes, try to find out the specific name of the plant if height is important to you Miniature hybrids like ‘Mikado’ and ‘Nana’ will stay under 2 inches no matter what you do. Larger species can reach their full genetic potential with ideal care

Sunlight – Needs Bright Light to Grow Tall

Baby toes require a lot of sunlight to grow to their maximum height. Like most succulents, they do best in 8 hours of direct sun per day or under a strong grow light. With insufficient sunlight, baby toes can become elongated and leggy as they stretch toward the light source.

A sun-starved baby toes may survive in a dim corner but won’t thrive. Give them as much sun as possible for compact, robust growth. Acclimate the plants gradually if moving them from lower light conditions to avoid sunburn.

Soil – Needs Quick Draining Mix

Use a sandy, fast-draining potting mix for baby toes. Prepackaged cactus and succulent soil blends work well. You can also make your own mix with equal parts potting soil, coarse sand, perlite or pumice.

Proper soil drainage prevents soggy conditions that will cause root rot and limit growth. Make sure the pot has drainage holes too. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

Re-pot baby toes every 2-3 years in fresh soil, or whenever they become top heavy and tip over. Choose a wide, shallow container that matches their spreading root system.

Water – Wait Until Soil is Completely Dry

Overwatering is the most common mistake when growing baby toes. Wait until the soil has dried out completely before watering again. The smaller the plant, the less water it will need.

To check soil moisture, stick your finger in the pot and make sure the first 1-2 inches are totally dry. You can also pick up the pot to gauge the weight. Dry soil is very lightweight.

When in doubt, wait an extra day or two. It’s better to underwater than overwater baby toes. Their thick leaves can store water like camels!

Temperature & Humidity

Baby toes prefer warm, dry conditions around 70-80 °F (21-27°C). Cooler temps below 50 °F (10°C) can slow growth and cause leaf drop. High humidity can lead to rot as well.

If you don’t live in a warm, arid climate, focus on providing plenty of light and not overwatering. Use a space heater or grow lights to maintain warmth in winter. A circulating fan will help control humidity.

Fertilizer – Use Sparingly

Feeding is not essential for baby toes, but a diluted fertilizer every 2-4 weeks in spring and summer helps support growth. Use a half-strength, balanced succulent fertilizer or low-nitrogen formula (ex. 5-5-5).

Overfertilization can cause leggy, weak growth. Skip fertilizer entirely if the plants are not actively growing.

Troubleshooting Stunted Baby Toes

If your baby toes are growing slowly or staying much smaller than expected, there are a few possible causes:

• Insufficient light – Increase sunlight exposure or use grow lights.

• Overwatering – Allow soil to dry out between waterings.

• Poor drainage – Repot in fast-draining soil and container.

• Low temperatures – Move to a warmer spot and use a space heater in winter.

• Rootbound – Check if roots are crowding pot and repot in larger container.

• Pest infestations – Mealybugs and mites can stunt growth. Inspect and treat any pests.

• Incorrect variety – Make sure you don’t have a miniature cultivar that stays small.

With the right care, most baby toes will reach their maximum genetic potential for height within a few years. Patience and consistency are key!

Ideal Conditions for Maximum Baby Toes Growth

Here is a summary of the optimal growing conditions for taller baby toes plants:

• Genetics – Select larger species/cultivars, not miniatures.

• Sun – At least 8 hours of direct sun daily. South window or grow lights.

• Soil – Gritty potting mix with excellent drainage.

• Water – Allow soil to dry out between waterings.

• Temperature – Average room temps around 70-80 °F (21-27°C).

• Humidity – Keep humidity low to avoid rot.

• Fertilizer – Optional diluted feeding every 2-4 weeks during growth.

Enjoy Your Growing Baby Toes!

With a little luck and proper care, you can enjoy watching your baby toes mature from tiny sprouts to fully grown succulents. The variation in sizes, shapes, and colors is amazing!

Pay close attention to your plant’s needs, especially sun exposure and avoiding overwatering. Before you know it, your baby toes will have grown up.