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.
