Kalanchoe luciae – Paddle Plant, Red Pancakes

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe luciae Raym.-Hamet

Common Names

Paddle Plant, Paddle Kalanchoe, Red Pancakes, Flapjack, Desert Cabbage

Synonyms

Kalanchoe albiflora, Kalanchoe aleuroides

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae

Subfamily: Sedoideae

Tribe: Kalanchoeae

Genus: Kalanchoe

Description

Kalanchoe luciae is a succulent plant up 2 feet (60 cm) tall. The leaves are in rosettes, big, thick, flat rounded, up to 6 inches (15 cm) long and 4 inches (10 cm) wide,  grey-green to yellowish-green in color with red margins. The leaves in some cases will completely turn a vibrant red, especially with cool winter temperatures. Each stem bears clusters of pale yellow tubular flowers.

Kalanchoe luciae - Paddle Plant Red Pancakes

Photo via plantswap.net

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and the flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC). An ordinary potting soil mix is fine. Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.

Many kinds of Kalanchoe will produce tiny plantlets along the leaf margins that can be individually potted up… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.

Origin

Native to Mozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal, Transvaal) and Swaziland.

Subspecies, Varieties, Forms, Cultivars and Hybrids

Kalanchoe luciae ‘Fantastic’

Kalanchoe humilis

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe humilis Britten

Synonyms

Kalanchoe prasina

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae

Subfamily: Sedoideae

Tribe: Kalanchoeae

Genus: Kalanchoe

Description

Kalanchoe humilis is a low growing succulent shrub, up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall with an open rosette of up to 4 inches (10 cm) long gray-green leaves that are strongly marked with maroon spots. The flowers are small dull purple to green in color and rise 10 inches (25 cm) above foliage on an upwardly branched inflorescence.

Kalanchoe humilis

How to Grow and Care

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and the flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window.

Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC).

Many people discard the plants after the bloom is over, but this isn’t really necessary. Simply cut off the flowering head, let the plant rest with reduced water, and resume its normal care. It should flower naturally in spring. Professional growers force Kalanchoes to bloom throughout the year (they are a short-day plant). The two pendant Kalanchoes make excellent hanging plants… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.

Origin

Native to Tanzania, Malawi and Mozambique.

Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri – Donkey Ears

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri Raym.-Hamet & H. Perrier

Common Names

Donkey Ears, Palm Beachbells

Synonyms

Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri var. gastonis-bonnieri, Kalanchoe adolphi-engleri

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae

Subfamily: Sedoideae

Tribe: Kalanchoeae

Genus: Kalanchoe

Description

Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri is a fast growing succulent perennial or biennial that grows up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall and wide with ovate-lanceolate leaves that can be enormous, up to 20 inches (50 cm) long. The leaves are bronze-green covered with a waxy white covering to look overall gray-green and splotched with maroon-brown blotches – these leaves often have small plantlets developing along the leaf margin. The terminal inflorescence begins to rise in fall to grow to a up to 3 foot (90 cm) tall stalk that branches near the top with several clusters of pale peach-colored buds that darken and become the calyces holding the darker reddish-salmon petals with flared tips and yellow interior.

Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri - Donkey Ears

Photo via mgonlinestore.com

How to Grow and Care

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and the flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. Many people discard the plants after the bloom is over, but this isn’t really necessary. Simply cut off the flowering head, let the plant rest with reduced water, and resume its normal care. It should flower naturally in spring. Professional growers force Kalanchoes to bloom throughout the year (they are a short-day plant).

The two pendant Kalanchoes make excellent hanging plants. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC). Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.

Many kinds of Kalanchoe will produce tiny plantlets along the leaf margins that can be individually potted up… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.

Origin

Native to Madagascar.

Kalanchoe delagoensis – Chandelier Plant

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe delagoensis Eckl. & Zeyh.

Common Names

Chandelier Plant, Mother of Thousands, Mother of Millions

Synonyms

Kalanchoe tubiflora, Kalanchoe verticillata, Kalanchoe delagoensis, Bryophyllum tubiflorum, Bryophyllum verticillatum, Bryophyllum delagoense, Geaya purpurea

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae

Subfamily: Sedoideae

Tribe: Kalanchoeae

Genus: Kalanchoe

Description

Kalanchoe delagoensis is a perennial succulent, reproducing asexually by means of small plantlets borne at the ends of each leaf. Stem erect, up to 3.3 feet (1 m), often with short sterile shoots at the base. Leaves simple, usually ternate, sub-cylindrical, up to 6 inches (15 cm) long, up to 0.2 inch (0.6 cm) wide, lower surface sulcate, often spotted with reddish brown, margins near apex with 3 – 9 conical teeth between which spoon-shaped bulbils are produced. Umbels of trumpet-shaped up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long orange to scarlet flowers that dangle in clusters from the top of the plant.

Kalanchoe delagoensis - Chandelier Plant, Mother of Thousands

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and the flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. An ordinary potting soil mix is fine. Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.

Many kinds of Kalanchoe will produce tiny plantlets along the leaf margins that can be individually potted up… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.

Origin

Native to Madagascar.

Subspecies, Varieties, Forms, Cultivars and Hybrids

Kalanchoe х houghtonii

Kalanchoe ‘Pink Butterflies’

Kalanchoe laciniata – Christmas Tree Plant

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe laciniata (L.) DC.

Common Names

Christmas Tree Plant, Cathedral Bells, Lace Leaf Kalanchoe

Synonyms

Cotyledon laciniata, Kalanchoe acutifolia, Kalanchoe aegyptiaca, Kalanchoe alternans, Kalanchoe floribunda, Kalanchoe rosea, Kalanchoe schweinfurthii, Kalanchoe welitschii, Vereia laciniata

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae

Subfamily: Sedoideae

Tribe: Kalanchoeae

Genus: Kalanchoe

Description

Kalanchoe laciniata is a perennial succulent, up to 3.3 feet (1 m), with fleshy ovate to elliptical mid-green leaves, up to 6 inches (15 cm) long. Inflorescence is terminal and peduncled. Flowers are greenish-white to light orange, tubular, up to 0.6 inch (1.5 cm) long.

Kalanchoe laciniata - Christmas Tree Plant

Photo via tropical.theferns.info

How to Grow and Care

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and the flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. Many people discard the plants after the bloom is over, but this isn’t really necessary. Simply cut off the flowering head, let the plant rest with reduced water, and resume its normal care. It should flower naturally in spring. Professional growers force Kalanchoes to bloom throughout the year (they are a short-day plant).

The two pendant Kalanchoes make excellent hanging plants. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC). Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.

Origin

Native to India, Africa, Yemen and Brazil.

Kalanchoe marmorata – Penwiper Plant

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe marmorata Baker

Common Names

Penwiper, Penwiper Plant, Spotted Kalanchoe

Synonyms

Kalanchoe grandiflora, Kalanchoe macrantha

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae

Subfamily: Sedoideae

Tribe: Kalanchoeae

Genus: Kalanchoe

Description

Kalanchoe marmorata is an erect or decumbent succulent perennial growing to 16 inches (40 cm) tall and wide. The leaves are glaucous, spotted with purple, up to 8 inches (20 cm) long and up to 5 inches (13 cm) wide. The flowers are starry white, four-petalled, sometimes tinged with pink, in spring.

Kalanchoe marmorata - Penwiper Plant

Photo via calphotos.berkeley.edu

How to Grow and Care

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and the flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. Many people discard the plants after the bloom is over, but this isn’t really necessary. Simply cut off the flowering head, let the plant rest with reduced water, and resume its normal care. It should flower naturally in spring. Professional growers force Kalanchoes to bloom throughout the year (they are a short-day plant).

The two pendant Kalanchoes make excellent hanging plants. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC). Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.

Origin

Native to Central and West Africa, from Zaire to Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia.

Kalanchoe ‘Elk Antlers’

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe ‘Elk Antlers’

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae

Subfamily: Sedoideae

Tribe: Kalanchoeae

Genus: Kalanchoe

Description

Kalanchoe ‘Elk Antlers’ has very unusual shaped leaves and plant habit. It has uniquely dissected foliage that is bright green with deep maroon margins. The plant sends out aerial shoots with mini-plantlets on the ends.

Kalanchoe 'Elk Antlers'

Photo via pinterest.com

How to Grow and Care

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and the flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. Many people discard the plants after the bloom is over, but this isn’t really necessary. Simply cut off the flowering head, let the plant rest with reduced water, and resume its normal care. It should flower naturally in spring. Professional growers force Kalanchoes to bloom throughout the year (they are a short-day plant).

The two pendant Kalanchoes make excellent hanging plants. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC). Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.

Many kinds of Kalanchoe will produce tiny plantlets along the leaf margins that can be individually potted up… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.

Origin

Garden origin.

Kalanchoe luciae ‘Fantastic’ – Variegated Paddle Plant

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe luciae ‘Fantastic’

Common Names

Variegated Paddle Plant

Synonyms

Kalanchoe ‘Fantastic’

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae

Subfamily: Sedoideae

Tribe: Kalanchoeae

Genus: Kalanchoe

Description

Kalanchoe luciae ‘Fantastic’ is exciting succulent with collage of foliage colors. Like Kalanchoe luciae, the species it is derived from, this plant grows up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall and wide with thick clam-shell-like up to 6 inches (15 cm) long and up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) wide rounded leaves that emerge from the basal rosette. The leaves are like the species with a gray-green color and red highlights but add to this splashes of cream to white variegation and you have ‘Fantastic’. It should produces flowers rising on a single long stem, up to 3 feet (90 cm), bearing clusters of pale yellow tubular flowers from late winter into early spring.

Kalanchoe luciae 'Fantastic'

Photo via sunshinetropical.com

How to Grow and Care

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and the flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC). An ordinary potting soil mix is fine. Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.

Many kinds of Kalanchoe will produce tiny plantlets along the leaf margins that can be individually potted up… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.

Origin

Native to South Africa.

Kalanchoe prolifera – Blooming Boxes

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe prolifera (Bow.) R.-Hamet

Common Names

Blooming Boxes

Synonyms

Bryophyllum proliferum

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae

Subfamily: Sedoideae

Tribe: Kalanchoeae

Genus: Kalanchoe

Description

Kalanchoe prolifera is a fast growing and interesting succulent plant with up to 6 feet (1.8 m) tall, typically unbranched stems holding foot (30 cm) long pinnately compound succulent green leaves in opposite pairs that have reddish purple colored petioles and leaf margins when grown in bright light. As the leaves drop the stem has interesting leaf scar bands along the thick stem, which as the plant matures after several years, is topped with 3 foot (90 cm) tall panicle of greenish orange flowers in late winter – the green calyces of the flower are box shaped and nearly hide the pale orange petals. The plant declines after flowering but many new plantlets form in the inflorescence and the main plant will often sucker up with a new stem so a colony is easy to establish.

Kalanchoe prolifera - Blooming Boxes

Photo via archivo.infojardin.com

How to Grow and Care

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and the flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC). An ordinary potting soil mix is fine. Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.

Many kinds of Kalanchoe will produce tiny plantlets along the leaf margins that can be individually potted up… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.

Origin

Native to Madagascar.

KALANCHOE LAXIFLORA

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe laxiflora Baker

Common Names

Milky Widow’s Thrill

Synonyms

Bryophyllum crenatum, Bryophyllum laxiflorum, Kalanchoe crenata, Kalanchoe laxiflora subsp. laxiflora, Kalanchoe tieghemii, Kitchingia laxiflora

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae

Subfamily: Sedoideae

Tribe: Kalanchoeae

Genus: Kalanchoe

Description

Kalanchoe laxiflora is a succulent subshrub up to 20 inches (50 cm) tall. The leaves are elliptically-shaped, gray or green, often tinged red, particularly along the margins with older leaves often a red-violet color. The inflorescence rises up to 1 foot (30 cm) or more above the plant bearing orange, bell-shaped flowers.

Kalanchoe laxiflora - Milky Widow's Thrill

Photo via naturalezatropical.blogspot.com

How to Grow and Care

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and the flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC). An ordinary potting soil mix is fine. Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.

Many kinds of Kalanchoe will produce tiny plantlets along the leaf margins that can be individually potted up… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.

Origin

Native to Madagascar.

Kalanchoe laxiflora – Milky Widow’s Thrill

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe laxiflora Baker

Common Names

Milky Widow’s Thrill

Synonyms

Bryophyllum crenatum, Bryophyllum laxiflorum, Kalanchoe crenata, Kalanchoe laxiflora subsp. laxiflora, Kalanchoe tieghemii, Kitchingia laxiflora

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae

Subfamily: Sedoideae

Tribe: Kalanchoeae

Genus: Kalanchoe

Description

Kalanchoe laxiflora is a succulent subshrub up to 20 inches (50 cm) tall. The leaves are elliptically-shaped, gray or green, often tinged red, particularly along the margins with older leaves often a red-violet color. The inflorescence rises up to 1 foot (30 cm) or more above the plant bearing orange, bell-shaped flowers.

Kalanchoe laxiflora - Milky Widow's Thrill

Photo via naturalezatropical.blogspot.com

How to Grow and Care

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and the flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC). An ordinary potting soil mix is fine. Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.

Many kinds of Kalanchoe will produce tiny plantlets along the leaf margins that can be individually potted up… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.

Origin

Native to Madagascar.

Kalanchoe orgyalis – Copper Spoons

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe orgyalis Baker

Common Names

Copper Spoons, Cinnamon Bear, Leather Plant, Shoe Leather Kalanchoe

Synonyms

Kalanchoe antanosiana, Kalanchoe cantonasyana

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae

Subfamily: Sedoideae

Tribe: Kalanchoeae

Genus: Kalanchoe

Description

Kalanchoe orgyalis is a much-branched slow growing shrub, up to 6 feet (1.8 m) tall, but is more often seen as a smaller plant. It has spatulate ovate leaves that fold upward from the middle and are a bronze to gray color on the underside while the top side is felted with fine cinnamon colored hairs that eventually age to the same color as the lower surface. In the late winter to early spring appear the bright yellow flowers in terminal clusters at the branch tips.

Kalanchoe orgyalis - Copper Spoons

Photo via ayanas.blogspot.com

How to Grow and Care

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and the flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. Many people discard the plants after the bloom is over, but this isn’t really necessary. Simply cut off the flowering head, let the plant rest with reduced water, and resume its normal care. It should flower naturally in spring. Professional growers force Kalanchoes to bloom throughout the year (they are a short-day plant).

The two pendant Kalanchoes make excellent hanging plants. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC). Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.

Many kinds of Kalanchoe will produce tiny plantlets along the leaf margins that can be individually potted up… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.

Origin

Native to southern and south-western Madagascar.

Kalanchoe pinnata – Miracle Leaf, Cathedral Bells

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers.

Common Names

Air Plant, Cathedral Bells, Life Plant, Miracle Leaf, Goethe Plant, Curtain Plant, Floppers, Good Luck Leaf, Mexican Love Plant, Mother in Law

Synonyms

Cotyledon pinnata (basionym), Bryophyllum calycinum, Bryophyllum pinnatum, Crassula pinnata

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae

Subfamily: Sedoideae

Tribe: Kalanchoeae

Genus: Kalanchoe

Description

Kalanchoe pinnata is an erect succulent, glabrous herb, up to 5 feet (1.2 m) tall. The stems are hollow, fleshy and dark green. Leaves are scalloped and red along margins. Flowers are bell‐like, reddish-purple, pendent, in large spreading panicles with opposite stout branches.

Kalanchoe pinnata – Miracle Leaf Cathedral Bells

Photo via wikimedia.org

How to Grow and Care

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and the flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. Many people discard the plants after the bloom is over, but this isn’t really necessary. Simply cut off the flowering head, let the plant rest with reduced water, and resume its normal care. It should flower naturally in spring. Professional growers force Kalanchoes to bloom throughout the year (they are a short-day plant).

The two pendant Kalanchoes make excellent hanging plants. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC)… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.

Origin

Native to Madagascar.

Kalanchoe sexangularis – Six-angled Kalanchoe

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe sexangularis N.E. Br.

Common Names

Six-angled Kalanchoe

Synonyms

Kalanchoe rogersii, Kalanchoe rubinea

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae

Subfamily: Sedoideae

Tribe: Kalanchoeae

Genus: Kalanchoe

Description

Kalanchoe sexangularis is a succulent subshrub up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall, with squared or ridged stems and green upwardly-cupped, elliptically-shaped, up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) long leaves, that have strong rounded scalloped margins and are often tinged red, particularly along the margins with older leaves often a pinkish-brown color. The inflorescence rises up to 1 foot (30 cm) or more above the plant bearing bright yellow flowers in a flat-topped thyrse.

Kalanchoe sexangularis - Six-angled Kalanchoe

Photo via flickr.com

How to Grow and Care

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and the flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC). An ordinary potting soil mix is fine. Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.

Many kinds of Kalanchoe will produce tiny plantlets along the leaf margins that can be individually potted up… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.

Origin

Native to South Africa.

Kalanchoe synsepala – Walking Kalanchoe

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe synsepala Baker

Common Names

Walking Kalanchoe, Cup Kalanchoe

Synonyms

Kalanchoe gentyi, Kalanchoe trichantha

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae

Subfamily: Sedoideae

Tribe: Kalanchoeae

Genus: Kalanchoe

Description

Kalanchoe synsepala is a very attractive succulent plant, up to 20 inches (50 cm) tall. The enormous fleshy leaves are with red margin. Flowers are tubular, very pale pink to reddish, small in dense terminal cymes. It produces baby plants at the ends of long stems, which eventually and bend down to the ground and take root, giving rise to its common name of Walking Kalanchoe. Blooms in September, October and November.

Kalanchoe synsepala - Walking Kalanchoe

Photo via blog.joins.com

How to Grow and Care

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and the flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. Many people discard the plants after the bloom is over, but this isn’t really necessary. Simply cut off the flowering head, let the plant rest with reduced water, and resume its normal care. It should flower naturally in spring. Professional growers force Kalanchoes to bloom throughout the year (they are a short-day plant).

The two pendant Kalanchoes make excellent hanging plants. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC). Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.

Many kinds of Kalanchoe will produce tiny plantlets along the leaf margins that can be individually potted up… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.

Origin

Native to Madagascar.

Kalanchoe scapigera – Mealy Kalanchoe

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe scapigera Welw. ex Britten

Common Names

Mealy Kalanchoe

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae

Subfamily: Sedoideae

Tribe: Kalanchoeae

Genus: Kalanchoe

Description

Kalanchoe scapigera is a small perennial succulent plant, up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall with thick almost circular laves, up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) and scapiform inflorescences bearing fleshy, bright yellow flowers. The stem is thick, slightly branched, cylindrical and somewhat lignified. The whole plant is glabrous and covered with a white powder.

Kalanchoe scapigera - Mealy Kalanchoe

Photo via flickr.com

How to Grow and Care

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and the flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. Many people discard the plants after the bloom is over, but this isn’t really necessary. Simply cut off the flowering head, let the plant rest with reduced water, and resume its normal care. It should flower naturally in spring. Professional growers force Kalanchoes to bloom throughout the year (they are a short-day plant).

The two pendant Kalanchoes make excellent hanging plants. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC). Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.

Many kinds of Kalanchoe will produce tiny plantlets along the leaf margins that can be individually potted up… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.

Origin

Native to Angola (Namibe Province).

Kalanchoe pumila – Flower Dust Plant

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe pumila Baker

Common Names

Flower Dust Plant

Synonyms

Kalanchoe brevicaulis, Kalanchoe multiceps

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae

Subfamily: Sedoideae

Tribe: Kalanchoeae

Genus: Kalanchoe

Description

Kalanchoe pumila is a dwarf succulent shrub up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. The entire plant is densely covered with 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) long rounded leaves that are toothed and covered with soft whitish waxy hairs which give the plant a frosted look. In late winter to early spring appear the clusters of erectly-held 0.25 inch (0.6 cm) long pink-violet flowers with conspicuous yellow anthers.

Kalanchoe pumila - Flower Dust Plant

Photo via tokyo3.org

How to Grow and Care

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and the flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. Many people discard the plants after the bloom is over, but this isn’t really necessary. Simply cut off the flowering head, let the plant rest with reduced water, and resume its normal care. It should flower naturally in spring. Professional growers force Kalanchoes to bloom throughout the year (they are a short-day plant).

The two pendant Kalanchoes make excellent hanging plants. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC). Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.

Many kinds of Kalanchoe will produce tiny plantlets along the leaf margins that can be individually potted up… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.

Origin

Native to Madagascar.

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana – Flaming Katy

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Poelln.

Common Names

Flaming Katy, Christmas Kalanchoe, Florist Kalanchoe, Madagascar Widow’s Thrill

Synonyms

Kalanchoe globulifera var. coccinea

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae

Subfamily: Sedoideae

Tribe: Kalanchoeae

Genus: Kalanchoe

Description

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is a bushy evergreen succulent perennial, up to 1.5 feet (45 cm) tall and up to 1.6 feet (50 cm) wide. The leaves are fleshy, scallop-edged, ovate and dark green in color. The small flowers are arranged in dense clusters. The classic Kalanchoe blossfeldiana‘s flowers consist of four petals that form a tubular-shape flower and can be red, yellow, orange, pink, purple, white and variant of these.

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana - Flaming Katy Christmas Kalanchoe

Photo via cactuseros.com

How to Grow and Care

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and the flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress.

Kalanchoes prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC). An ordinary potting soil mix is fine… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.

Origin

Native to Madagascar.

Kalanchoe manginii – Chandelier Plant

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe manginii Raym.-Hamet & H. Perrier

Common Names

Chandelier Plant, Beach Bells

Synonyms

Bryophyllum manginii

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae

Subfamily: Sedoideae

Tribe: Kalanchoeae

Genus: Kalanchoe

Description

Kalanchoe manginii is an evergreen succulent perennial growing up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall and wide, with arching branches of rounded, glossy leaves. It bears few flowered, cyme like panicles of tubular, urn-shaped, red flowers, up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) or more long.

Kalanchoe manginii - Chandelier Plant

Photo via pablofelipe09.blogspot.com

How to Grow and Care

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and the flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC). An ordinary potting soil mix is fine. Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.

Many kinds of Kalanchoe will produce tiny plantlets along the leaf margins that can be individually potted up… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.

Origin

Native to Madagascar.

Kalanchoe bracteata – Silver Teaspoons

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe bracteata Scott-Elliot

Common Names

Silver Teaspoons

Synonyms

Kalanchoe bracteata var. bracteata, Кalanchoe nadyae

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae

Subfamily: Sedoideae

Tribe: Kalanchoeae

Genus: Kalanchoe

Description

Kalanchoe bracteata is a small compact shrubby succulent plant, up to 4 feet (1.2 m). The ovate leaves are up to 2 inches (5 cm) long, with a slight point at the tip and short petioles. Typical K. bracteata has a silvery pubescence, there are varieties with smooth leaves. Kalanchoe orgyalis and K. bracteata are similar looking and sometimes mistaken for each others. They are distinguished by their flowers, but the pubescence of K. bracteata can be identified with its 3 angled, two lobed hairs. Kalanchoe hildebrandtii is another close species that can be distinguished by stalkless leaves and small white flowers. The flowers of K. orgyalis are yellow with greenish lobes while those of K. bracteata are red or orange-red. K. bracteata forms plantlets on the flower stem.

Kalanchoe bracteata - Silver Teaspoons

Photo via smgrowers.com

How to Grow and Care

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and the flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. Many people discard the plants after the bloom is over, but this isn’t really necessary. Simply cut off the flowering head, let the plant rest with reduced water, and resume its normal care. It should flower naturally in spring. Professional growers force Kalanchoes to bloom throughout the year (they are a short-day plant).

The two pendant Kalanchoes make excellent hanging plants. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC). Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.

Many kinds of Kalanchoe will produce tiny plantlets along the leaf margins that can be individually potted up… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.

Origin

Native to South Eastern Madagascar.

Kalanchoe marnieriana – Marnier’s Kalanchoe

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe marnieriana H. Jacobsen

Common Names

Marnier’s Kalanchoe

Synonyms

Bryophyllum marnierianum, Kalanchoe humbertii

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae

Subfamily: Sedoideae

Tribe: Kalanchoeae

Genus: Kalanchoe

Description

Kalanchoe marnieriana is a gray leafed succulent subshrub that grows up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall and up to 3 feet (1.2 m) wide, with flat blue-green rounded leaves that are arranged oppositely and flatten together facing toward the branch tips like pages in a book and turn to a pink color in the winter. The rose-pink to red flowers emerge and dangle off reddish stalks at the end of the branches throughout the year – a particularly nice combination in winter when flowers are present above the pink foliage.

Kalanchoe marnieriana - Marnier's Kalanchoe4

Photo via davesgarden.com

How to Grow and Care

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and the flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC). An ordinary potting soil mix is fine. Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.

Many kinds of Kalanchoe will produce tiny plantlets along the leaf margins that can be individually potted up… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.

Origin

Native to Madagascar.

Kalanchoe x houghtonii – Mother of Millions Hybrid

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe x houghtonii D. B. Ward

Common Names

Mother of Millions Hybrid, Mother of Thousands, Mother of Thousands ‘Houghtonii’, Mexican Hat Plant, Good Luck Plant, Devil’s Backbone

Synonyms

Bryophyllum x houghtonii

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae

Subfamily: Sedoideae

Tribe: Kalanchoeae

Genus: Kalanchoe

Description

Bryophyllum х houghtonii is a hybrid of Kalanchoe daigremontiana and Kalanchoe delagoensis, and it can be identified by the V-shaped leaved. It is a biennial erect, unbranching plant up to 30 inches (75 cm) tall. Leaves are arched, boat-shaped, fleshy, tricorncred, and emerald green to brownish-green in color, usually with purple splotches beneath and serrated margins. Plantlets are produced at the margins of leaves. Flowers are pendulous orange and pink in color.

Kalanchoe x houghtonii - Mother of Millions Hybrid

Photo via binary-nature.de

How to Grow and Care

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and the flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC). An ordinary potting soil mix is fine. Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets. Many kinds of Kalanchoe will produce tiny plantlets along the leaf margins that can be individually potted up… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.

Kalanchoe delagoensis – Chandelier Plant

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe delagoensis Eckl. & Zeyh.

Common Names

Chandelier Plant, Mother of Thousands, Mother of Millions

Synonyms

Kalanchoe tubiflora, Kalanchoe verticillata, Kalanchoe delagoensis, Bryophyllum tubiflorum, Bryophyllum verticillatum, Bryophyllum delagoense, Geaya purpurea

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae

Subfamily: Sedoideae

Tribe: Kalanchoeae

Genus: Kalanchoe

Description

Kalanchoe delagoensis is a perennial succulent, reproducing asexually by means of small plantlets borne at the ends of each leaf. Stem erect, up to 3.3 feet (1 m), often with short sterile shoots at the base. Leaves simple, usually ternate, sub-cylindrical, up to 6 inches (15 cm) long, up to 0.2 inch (0.6 cm) wide, lower surface sulcate, often spotted with reddish brown, margins near apex with 3 – 9 conical teeth between which spoon-shaped bulbils are produced. Umbels of trumpet-shaped up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long orange to scarlet flowers that dangle in clusters from the top of the plant.

Kalanchoe delagoensis - Chandelier Plant, Mother of Thousands

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and the flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. An ordinary potting soil mix is fine. Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.

Many kinds of Kalanchoe will produce tiny plantlets along the leaf margins that can be individually potted up… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.

Origin

Native to Madagascar.

Subspecies, Varieties, Forms, Cultivars and Hybrids

Kalanchoe х houghtonii

Kalanchoe ‘Pink Butterflies’

Kalanchoe daigremontiana – Mother of Thousands, Alligator Plant

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe daigremontiana Raym.-Hamet & H. Perrier

Common Names

Mother of Thousands, Alligator Plant, Devil’s Backbone, Mexican Hat Plant

Synonyms

Bryophyllum daigremontianum, Kalanchoe daigremontianum

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae

Subfamily: Sedoideae

Tribe: Kalanchoeae

Genus: Kalanchoe

Description

Kalanchoe daigremontiana is an upright succulent perennial, up to 3 feet (1 m) tall, with opposite, fleshy oblong-lanceolate, grey-green leaves, often spotted with brown-red and with a row of plantlets on each edge. The plantlets form roots while on the plant. The leaves reach up to 8 inches (20 cm) long and up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) wide. The flowers are tubular, greyish pink in color, up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long.

Kalanchoe daigremontiana – Mother of Thousands, Alligator Plant

Photo via 2minutegardener.blogspot.com

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and the flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC). An ordinary potting soil mix is fine. Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.

Many kinds of Kalanchoe will produce tiny plantlets along the leaf margins that can be individually potted up… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.

Origin

Native to the Fiherenana River valley and Androhibolava mountains in southwest Madagascar.

Subspecies, Varieties, Forms, Cultivars and Hybrids

Kalanchoe х houghtonii

Kalanchoe ‘Pink Butterflies’

Kalanchoe ‘Pink Butterflies’

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe ‘Pink Butterflies’

Common Names

Pink Mother of Thousands

Synonyms

Bryophyllum ‘Pink Butterflies’

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae

Subfamily: Sedoideae

Tribe: Kalanchoeae

Genus: Kalanchoe

Description

Kalanchoe ‘Pink Butterflies’ is an incredibly colorful variegated form of an old hybrid that was hard to track down its heritage. The original hybrid Kalanchoe х houghtonii was a cross between Kalanchoe daigremontiana and Kalanchoe delagoensis. At some point a variegated sport of this hybrid appeared and ‘Pink Butterflies’ came to be. The difference between the parent plant and the ‘Pink Butterflies’ is that both parents of the original hybrid are “viviparous”, producing hundreds of tiny plantlets on their leaves that readily fall from the parents root with little to no effort. ‘Pink Butterflies’ while still producing copious quantities of tiny pink butterfly-like plantlets on its leaves have lost their ability to root from plantlets. Sometimes a couple might take, but in general, no. They are pink because they lack chlorophyll. Thus like any of a variegated plant that lacks chlorophyll, they simply die.

Kalanchoe 'Pink Butterflies'

Photo via save-image.com

How to Grow and Care

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and the flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC). An ordinary potting soil mix is fine. Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.

Many kinds of Kalanchoe will produce tiny plantlets along the leaf margins that can be individually potted up.

How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe

The genus Kalanchoe includes more than 100 plants, but only a few are regularly seen in cultivation. Kalanchoes are native to arid areas, and they are popular succulents. Modern hybrids are valued for their interesting leaf-forms or for their flowers.

Flowering Kalanchoes are available in red, pink, yellow, or white. Like many succulents, these are not difficult plants to grow, providing you are careful with the water, especially in the winter.

Growing Conditions

Light: They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window.

Water: Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress.

Temperature: They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC).

Soil: An ordinary potting soil mix is fine.

Fertilizer: Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.

Propagation

Many kinds of Kalanchoe will produce tiny plantlets along the leaf margins that can be individually potted up. These types include The Air Plant (K. pinnata) and K. beharensis. The more popular K. blossfeldiana and K. manginii can be propagated by leaf cutting or tip.

Kalanchoe

Photo via givingplants.com

Grower’s Tips

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and the flowering varieties (K. blossfeldiana) are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. Many people discard the plants after the bloom is over, but this isn’t really necessary. Simply cut off the flowering head, let the plant rest with reduced water, and resume its normal care. It should flower naturally in spring. Professional growers force Kalanchoes to bloom throughout the year (they are a short-day plant). The two pendant Kalanchoes make excellent hanging plants.

Kalanchoe ‘Pink Butterflies’

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe ‘Pink Butterflies’

Common Names

Pink Mother of Thousands

Synonyms

Bryophyllum ‘Pink Butterflies’

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae

Subfamily: Sedoideae

Tribe: Kalanchoeae

Genus: Kalanchoe

Description

Kalanchoe ‘Pink Butterflies’ is an incredibly colorful variegated form of an old hybrid that was hard to track down its heritage. The original hybrid Kalanchoe х houghtonii was a cross between Kalanchoe daigremontiana and Kalanchoe delagoensis. At some point a variegated sport of this hybrid appeared and ‘Pink Butterflies’ came to be. The difference between the parent plant and the ‘Pink Butterflies’ is that both parents of the original hybrid are “viviparous”, producing hundreds of tiny plantlets on their leaves that readily fall from the parents root with little to no effort. ‘Pink Butterflies’ while still producing copious quantities of tiny pink butterfly-like plantlets on its leaves have lost their ability to root from plantlets. Sometimes a couple might take, but in general, no. They are pink because they lack chlorophyll. Thus like any of a variegated plant that lacks chlorophyll, they simply die.

Kalanchoe 'Pink Butterflies'

Photo via save-image.com

How to Grow and Care

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and the flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC). An ordinary potting soil mix is fine. Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.

Many kinds of Kalanchoe will produce tiny plantlets along the leaf margins that can be individually potted up… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.

How to Plant Your Own Succulent Bowl

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener planting a succulent bowl is easy and fun whilst still allowing you to put your personal spin on it. Succulents are an amazing group of plants which have adapted to harsh conditions by storing water in modified fleshy stems and leaves to conserve the precious little water available to them. They really are a tough group of plants, not only are they able to withstand extended periods of neglect, they will actually thrive in the face of adversity.

 The biggest challenge you will face when planting your bowl will be to decide which succulents you are going to use as there is such a diverse range of options available.

Succulent Bowl

The ingredients for your succulent bowl

Succulent Bowl

Use a mix of 1 part river sand to 2 parts potting soil

Succulent Bowl

Start from the middle and work outwards

Succulents prefer as much sunlight as possible but can even tolerate bright light indoors if needed making them great for any spot in the home or garden. If your succulents become leggy and start losing their colour they need more light, also be mindful of decreasing the amount and frequency of watering the lower the light becomes. In the wild succulents do all their growing during the rainy season and go into a dormancy during the dry season. The best guideline for watering succulents is to water them regularly during the growing season whilst ensuring they dry out completely in between every watering. Allow them to dry out more during their dormancy by only watering a little bit as soon as the soil has dried out completely.

Succulent Bowl

Mix and match your succulents when planting

Succulent Bowl

Add some river sand for the finishing touch

To get your succulent bowl started you will need the following: A selection of succulents; bowl or other suitable container; river sand; potting soil; bone meal; gravel. Start by putting some gravel at the base of the container to ensure that the drainage holes don’t get blocked. For your soil mix 1 part of river sand to 2 parts of potting soil, the river sand is there to improve the drainage and ensure your succulent doesn’t get wet feet. Fill up with this mix to the depth of the biggest succulent you have chosen. For my bowl I have decided to use a lovely purple Aeonium as my focal point in the middle of the bowl, it will give me the height I am looking for and is sure to catch the eye with its striking purple foliage. Now arrange the other succulents around it while filling up with soil and a bit of bone meal where necessary. Play around when arranging them to showcase their differing textures, colours and shapes as much as possible.

DIY a Low-Maintenance Succulent Garden

Plants are a quick, inexpensive, and easy way to add something pretty and alive to your space. An indoor succulent garden fits the bill for all these things. Succulents go for a couple dollars a pop at your local nursery or home improvement store, and they are built to survive in the harshest of conditions — perfect for those who tend to forget the watering chore or who don’t have a green thumb.

Choosing Succulents

In order to choose the best combination of succulents, it’s important to keep variety in mind. Choose plants of different sizes, heights, shapes, and colors. The largest variance for your succulent garden should be in the height, size, and shape of the plants. It’s best to choose around three different colors for the succulents and not many more than that, as too many colors can be overwhelming to the eye. Sticking to just a few colors creates consistency in your garden, yet provides flexibility in the choice of height, size, and types of plants you choose. Some gardening stores will have a variety of succulents planted in one large pot already, but be aware that these plants tend to be planted too close together to stay alive in that same pot long-term.

Potting

Because they have shallow roots, succulents can grow in just about anything you have around the house, from vintage canisters to decorative pots. Try coffee mugs, pots, jars, canisters, buckets, kettles, tin cans, glassware, or any other container that might add to your current space and style. Multiple plants can be placed in the same container in order to create the look of a garden—but be careful not to crowd the plants, as they will grow and need to be replanted in a larger container. If you don’t want to see the soil in the area surrounding the plant, place some decorative stones on top.

Succulent Garden

Photo via littlefoodcourt.com

Soil

Fill the bottom of the container you choose with several inches of gravel, which allows the water to drain from the roots of the succulent plant after watering; succulent roots must be able to drain, otherwise the plant will die if the roots are moist all the time. On top of the gravel, fill the pot with cactus soil, or an equal mixture of sand and soil. Regular potting soil is too rich and holds too much moisture for succulents, so be sure to use a sandy soil, so that the water can drain properly. A proper mix should be available at your local nursery or home improvement store.

Heat and Light

Succulents and cacti plants like to be warm and dry, and they love the light. If you live someplace dark and gloomy most of the winter, ensure that you have some lights on for these plants, even if they are near a window. Be careful, however, not to place them near windows that get too much sun, such as south-facing windows. While succulents can handle cold weather and lack of sun for periods of time, the light and warmth make them happiest.

Water and Routine Care

Succulents do not need a ton of water to survive, but they must be watered properly. They have shallow roots that should dry between each watering — they will absorb the water they need and the rest can drain out of the bottom, if there’s a hole in the container, or pass through the gravel at the bottom. Because of this, put emphasis on watering them thoroughly as opposed to frequently. Note that if you do over-water them, they will plump up and look healthy before turning sickly.

All succulents will grow to larger sizes and will need to be re-potted from time to time. Be sure not to crowd the plants in pots.

Tips for Arranging a Pot of Succulents

The best pots for succulents have drainage holes. Use soil specifically for cacti and succulents. There’s no need to put rocks at the bottom of the pot—that’s just an old gardening legend. FIll the pot with lightly pre-moistened soil. Then you can tuck in potted plants from the nursery, or plant cuttings, or both. It only takes a couple of minutes to plant a succulent!

Think about Color

The prettiest arrangements have contrasting colors. Succulents come in so many shades, you’ll have a hard time choosing!

Think about Shape

Look for plants which stand tall, some of which grow low, and some of which creep or spill over the sides of the pot. Some are round, others are spiky, some are delicate, others are chunky. Try to highlight a mix of shapes and textures in your pot.

Remember the Rule of Three

For some strange reason, the human eye likes odd numbers better than even, and it really likes 3’s. Succulents are so bold and sculptural that it often works just fine to have only one plant in a pot—that way the shape of the succulent is showcased. Three different plants in a pot look balanced yet dynamic. But two plants in a pot can look awkward, as if they are competing with each other. Similarly, three different colors in a pot look better than two different colors. Always, odd numbers seem to work better: five is better than four, and so on.

Arranging a Pot of Succulents

Photo via tended.wordpress.com

Pack Them In

Succulents are easy to trim and repot, and don’t grow super fast, so don’t be afraid to fill your pot up with plants—that way it will look good from the start. Later you can pull or cut back plants if it starts to look crowded. All those cuttings can be used to make new plants!

Keep It in the Family

Succulents have such specific water and soil needs that it is easiest to plant succulents with other succulents, rather than making arrangements with succulents mixed with other types of plants.

Freshen Up Your Pots

Succulents grow, so eventually you might find your cute arranged pot isn’t so cute anymore, but instead sprawling and leggy and tired looking. This is easy to fix! Using propagation techniques, you can trim and repot your succulent in just a few minutes, and probably have enough extra material to make new pot.

Potted Succulent Gardens

Succulents relish hot, dry situations that mimic their natural arid homes. As well as being well suited to tough conditions in the garden, succulents look good planted together in containers to decorate your outdoor entertaining areas or as gifts.

They also work well planted into a vertical garden that’s mounted in a warm, sunny spot. Large succulents such as Agaves and Yuccas can be planted to create a bold statement in a large container as focal points in a garden.

Selecting Succulents

Rosette-forming succulents such as Hen and Chickens (Echeveria), Sedums and Sempervivum are well suited to containers as they are naturally compact. Also try Blue Chalk Sticks (Senecio), living stones (Lithops) and flowering succulents such as Portulaca. Small cactus can also be included in a succulent garden.

For a larger container select Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkopf’, Jade Plants (Crassula or Portulacaria) or Flap Jack (Kalanchoe). For a garden effect arrange a collection of pots of different heights each planted with a different succulent.

Agave attenuata, a Spineless Agave, is a top choice for a large container or container grouping. Where spines are not an issue, Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus) and Aloes make striking container plants.

Potted Succulent Gardens

Photo via faqhow.com

Getting Started

Select several plants that complement each other but offer contrast in plant shape, texture and color. To make a garden in a single container, select a broad but shallow pot with drainage holes in its base. Fill it with a cactus and succulent potting soil, then water it well. Make sure the water drains away leaving the mix moist but not wet. Place the plants in position still in their pots, arranging them to make the best effect.

Once you are happy with the picture you’ve created, remove each plant from its container (water it before planting if it is dry) and plant it into its new position. Handle Prickly Cactus with tongs or a piece of cardboard or folded newspaper to avoid coming in contact with the spines.

Firm the plants into the potting soil, water gently then add a layer of fine gravel as mulch.

Caring for Your Collection

Although these plants tolerate dry conditions, they’ll establish more successfully with regular watering. Allow plants to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter particularly in cold areas but resume it in spring as plants begin to grow.

Inspect plants regularly removing debris such as fallen leaves or twigs. Keep plants in check by removing unwanted growth and trimming away damaged or discolored leaves. Some growers also remove flower stems to maintain the leafy effect of the planting. If a plant gets to big for its position, remove it and replace it with a smaller specimen.

These plants do not require high levels of fertilizer but can be fed in once a year in spring with a slow-release plant food.

In frost-prone areas place your succulent gardens in an area that’s sheltered from frost such as beside a wall or on a patio. Although they are sun loving, cactus and succulents tolerate light shade.

Making more plants

Most succulents grow readily from leaf or stem cuttings or by separating offshoots from the parent plant. Grow cactus by separating offshoots from parent plants. Cuttings and offshoots can be struck in propagating mix, sharp sand or a good quality cactus and succulent soil.