About
A succulent, fleshy, evergreen perennial to around 50cm with a dense rosette of thick, fleshy, paddle-shaped green leaves with bright red edges which become more vibrant when exposed to sunlight. Upright spikes of cylinder-shaped bright yellow flowers appear on mature plants.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-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
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass in peat-free, loam-based potting compost with additional grit in full light with good ventilation. Water moderately throughout the year but more sparingly in winter. In the growing season feed with liquid fertiliser 2 or 3 times. See houseplant cultivation or cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by removing plantlets from leaves; from softwood cuttings in spring or summer or propagate by seed sown at 21°C (70°F) in early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews and a leaf spot