About
A diverse and fascinating genus of stone plants, forming bodies composed of a pair of very fleshy, partially buried leaves with flattened or slightly convex, patterned tips in grey, brown, buff, or green, and large, daisy-like flowers in yellow or white emerging from the central fissure in summer and autumn. Among the most remarkable camouflage artists in the plant kingdom, grown as miniature curiosities in warm, dry, frost-free glasshouses.
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, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toSouthern Africa
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost with additional sharp sand or grit in full light with good ventilation. Water moderately throughout the year but more sparingly in winter. In the growing season feed a balanced liquid fertiliser 2 or 3 times
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or by offsets
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Powdery mildews and a rust