About
A bushy, often tree-like perennial succulent, to 1m high and wide with triangular to lance-shaped, long-stalked leaves. In late winter mature plants produce panicles of urn-shaped greenish-yellow flowers. These are bronze or greyish-brown on the upper surfaces and silver-grey beneath and covered with fine silver hairs; the undersides are also covered in irregular toothed protrusions.
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
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a sharply-draining, peat-free, loam-based compost, with extra grit added, in bright, filtered light. Water thoroughly during the growing season, allowing the compost to dry out each time before watering again. Water sparingly during the winter so that the compost stays barely moist. Apply a balanced fertiliser three or four times during the spring, summer and early autumn
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed at 21°C in spring or from stem cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceCan be susceptible to aphids and mealybugs under glass
Disease resistanceCan be susceptible to downy mildews and leaf spot, especially in poorly ventilated areas