Kitten’s Ears -Cyanotis is an Easy to Grow Succulent with Unusual Leaves

White container of Cyanotis somaliensis A spreading perennial called Kitten's ears because of its resemblance. Easy to grow, Kitten’s Ears (Cyanotis)  seen above is Over 30 years old. If you are a garden lover, then you’ll understand why a plant like this feels like part of the family. Mom and Dad had this plant and container in their garden when they lived in Fountain Valley.

I’m not sure how long they’d had it in their yard before moving to Seal Beach in 1988, which is when they gave it to me. Cyanotis, commonly known as Kitten’s Ears is an evergreen perennial that falls into the day flower category, because its dainty flowers generally last for only one day.
I took this photo in the morning because when I first go out, this is what greets me. By evening the flower has closed, but the next morning I’m greeted by others.  Kitten’s Ears prefer bright light, but not too much water. It is easily propagated from cuttings.


I started this new plant by placing a cutting in potting soil. They like fairly rich, yet loose soil, so I mixed a little pumice with the potting soil.

I have always thought of Kitten’s Ears as an outside plant, but while I was doing a little research, I noticed that some people consider them house plants. Now I have a lovely little Kitten’s Ears living next to my kitchen sink where it gets bright light from the window. I’m very pleased with my new house plant, and I’m hoping it will be happy indoors.

24 thoughts on “Kitten’s Ears -Cyanotis is an Easy to Grow Succulent with Unusual Leaves

  1. What a lovely picture of your Kitten’s Ears Janice. That lovely plant sure goes a long way back. You have certainly taken good loving care of it. Thank you.

  2. I just bought a kitten ears and i got a clearance price but some fell off. I want to start thise to full out the pot. I appreciate the pictures and how to propagate. Yours isbeautiful and well cared for!

    • I am hoping that by now your plant is doing well, and you have a lovely full pot of Kitten’s Ears. Thanks for your comment.

  3. I have had my plant for 2 years it has barely grown and is small with tiny green leaves. Why isn’t it growing? Help!

    • Hi Julie, thanks for writing, I am wondering, if you are over watering your plant, or is it getting enough light? Mine is in direct sunlight outside and when I had one growing inside I kept it near a window that had good light. Kitten’s ears is a succulent, therefore you have to be especially careful with water. Please let me know if this helps at all. Janice

  4. Hi Janice, I live where the temperature in the summer is usually in the 80-95 range. Can the kitten ears tolerate the heat or should they be in the shade?

    • Hi Cheryl, Thanks for you email. My kitten’s ears are in full sun most of the time, but they can do well in partial shade as well. I find that the plant tends to be less compact when in shade, so I do keep mine in full sun, even though we have very hot summers here is southern California.

  5. I had one of these for right at 30 years. My grandmother gave it to me right after I married. I lost it this year :(…I never knew what it was called. Just knew it was a beautiful and hearty plant. Thanks for your article for now I know what to look for by name.

    • Kitten’s Ears goes well with other succulents. You can place it with plants for the color combination, but remember that this plant does not like a lot of water, and therefore should be placed with plants that have the same water needs.Thank you for your question. Janice

  6. My kitten ears is a.new baby plant.its all green,I’m looking forward to watching it grow,hopefully,it gets as.colorful and beautiful as your 30 year old plant.

  7. Your plant is beautiful! I have one that is leggy and looking brownish in the middle. I’m sure I’ve over watered it. Do you think I should cut it way back?

    • Hi Beckie, I have found that my plant gets leggy when it has to reach for sun exposure. You may be over watering it. Usually once a year i have to remove old sections of my plant. The edges get crispy for lack of a better word, and they pull off easily. This leaves a cleaner looking plant. I have just done this. This seems to be the growing habit here in southern California. Would love to hear back from you. Certainly hope this helps. Janice

    • I don’t think so. I keep mine outdoors year round, but it rarely goes below 38 degrees Fahrenheit here in southern California.

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