Cotyledon pendens is a rare succulent much-branched shrublet differentiated from other Cotyledon by the thin, hanging shoots up to 60 cm long and the inflorescences with distinct, but short flower stalks.
Cotyledon pendens grows in a predominantly summer rainfall region on south-facing shale cliffs firmly-rooted in crevices forming drooping mats (cliff hanger). The drooping stems will root where they come in contact with any crevice, establishing new clones. The summers are hot, winters cooler, dry and without frost. Rainfall occurs mainly during summer and ranges between 1000–1250 mm (mainly thunder-showers, October to May). The grey-green succulent leaves, covered with powdery bloom, are an adaptation to its dry habitat, the leaf margin is an attractive reddish colour. Cotyledon pendens has eye-catching orange-red bell-shaped flowers produced at the ends of the branches. It is one of the lesser known cotyledons.
