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.
