About
A short-stemmed perennial succulent to 15cm tall, with upright rosettes of lime green, rigid, fleshy, rounded leaves; these become red-flushed in good light. In early summer the rosettes may elongate into a 60cm tall flowerstalk; this is crowded with small, scented, pale yellow flowers. After flowering the rosette dies, but there are usually many small plantlets forming around the base.
About the genus
Kalanchoe can be annuals, biennials, perennials, shrubs or trees, with succulent, simple or pinnately lobed foliage and tubular or bell-shaped flowers with four lobes
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Houseplants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toSE Africa
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in peat-free, loam-based compost with added grit and position in full light with protection from hot summer sun. During the growing season water moderately and apply a balanced liquid feed 3 or 4 times. Keep just moist in winter. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by removal of plantlets or stem cuttings in spring or summer; sow seed at 21°C in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf spot