Fenestraria, whose common names are baby toes or window plant, is a genus of succulent plants in the family Aizoaceae, native to Namaqualand in Namibia and South Africa. The name Fenestraria comes from the Latin word for window (‘fenestra,’ which describes the leaves.
This perennial succulent plant comes under the plant department of angiosperms (flowering seed plants). This plant is best grown indoors in intense, indirect light, due to the fact that our hot, humid climate is really different from its native environment of seasonal rain and generally arid conditions.
In the wild, the plant typically grows under sand, except for the transparent pointers, which allow light into the leaves for photosynthesis. The plant produces optical fibers made from crystalline oxalic acid, which send light to below-ground photosynthetic sites.
Foliage: The round leaves are set up in a rosette. The point of the leaf is flat and clear, allowing light to penetrate. In nature, the leaves are mainly belowground, with only the tips aboveground.
Flowers: The big, yellow flowers look like daisy flowers. These big flowers grow about 5–10 cm above the leaves on a thick stalk.
In this Fenestraria Pictorial Guide, we will cover the following 4 types.
1. Fenestraria Aurantiaca – 4 Types of Fenestraria Pictorial Guide
Fenestraria Aurantiaca is an evergreen mat-forming geophyte that is mostly subterranean, with only the tips of the leaves visible above ground. Its origin and environment are in coastal South Africa, from Namaqualand in the Northern Cape to Luderitz in Namibia.
Fenestraria aurantiaca, or baby toes, is a lovable succulent with upright, ghost-green leaves resembling child toes that might flush pink in particular conditions. The genus name comes from the Latin word fenestra, suggesting window. The surface of the “Baby Toes” is similar to upward-peeking and semi-transparent windows.
This is a little, slow-growing, low-maintenance plant that is best for amateur garden enthusiasts. Provide a well-drained soil far from reflected heat. As soon as it is developed, it requires little water. It is suitable for warm-climate landscapes, rock gardens, and container gardens, but it looks especially nice on your windowsill as a houseplant.
2. Fenestraria Aurantiaca f. Rhopalophylla – 4 Types of Fenestraria Pictorial Guide
Fenestraria Aurantiaca F. Rhopalophylla is a genus of succulent plants in the family Aizoaceae, native to Namaqualand in Namibia. also known as “child toe succulents.” Infant toes, venestor plant, and window plant are some common names.
It is a small, stemless succulent that forms clumps of erect, glaucous green leaves with a convex pinnacle with a translucent window. Roots are thick, shallow, and dispersing. Leaves are up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long and appear to be smooth and club-shaped. Flowers can appear alone or in groups of up to three. They are golden yellow, as much as 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter, and appear on long pedicels from fall to spring.
Blooming occurs from fall to early spring, and the flower opens to reveal lovely golden-yellow tones. The flowers have five sepals and lots of petals, and they are on long stalks.
3. Fenestraria Rhopalophylla – 4 Types of Fenestraria Pictorial Guide
Fenestraria Rhopalophylla, commonly known as “Baby Toes,” is in the family Mesebrianthemaceae (Aizoaceae). The origin of Fenestraria rhopalophylla is in coastal South Africa (from Namaqualand in the Northern Cape to Luderitz in Namibia).
Instead of rosettes, this “window-leaf” succulent grows tubes, and only the tips of its leaves are seen above ground in the wild. It has white or yellow flowers that bloom in the spring or fall. “Child Toes” is a preferred plant for indoor succulent gardens.
“Child Toes” has windowed leaves, similar to Lithops. As there is no green pigment, light can pass through the top, transparent area of the plant. It is inactive in the heat of the summertime. It’s important not to water during this time, as doing so might cause root rot.
4. Fenestraria Rhopalophylla subsp. Aurantiaca – 4 Types of Fenestraria Pictorial Guide
Fenestraria Rhopalophylla Subsp. Aurantiaca is native to the seaside desert in South Africa’s Northern Cape Province and southern Namibia and does best in drier, warmer temperate climates. It is adapted to sporadic rains in winter and is dormant in summer.
The plant produces optical fibers of crystalline oxalic acid, which can send light to the photosynthetic websites. Fenestraria, the genus name of this plant, is derived from fenestra.
Flowers can appear singly or in groups of up to three.They are golden yellow, as much as 1.2 inches (3 cm) in size, and appear on long pedicels from fall to spring.
Fenestraria rhopalophylla subsp. aurantiaca grows in areas with sandy or calciferous soils. The plants grow in extremely dry areas with winter rainfall of less than 100 mm. In the wild, it is mostly buried by sand. The transparent fenestrate leaf pointers are often above the sand and allow light into the leaves for photosynthesis.
