Kalanchoe

( kal - AN - koh - ee )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus is filled with species commonly called Kalanchoe or Widow's Thrill, and form succulent perennials that need full sun to partial shade and moderate to regular water to perform well. Species have fleshy green leaves and bell-shaped flowers that come in many colors. They are typically used as houseplants, but can also be planted outdoors in warmer regions. Use these plants in cut flower gardens, rock gardens, succulent borders, or container plantings. Take care when planting these flowers in the garden or indoors, as they are highly toxic to dogs, cats, birds, and livestock, and sap can also be irritating to humans.

Kalanchoe Species and Varietals

The genus Kalanchoe is a member of the plant family Crassulaceae, and includes approximately 125 distinct species. It was first described by French botanist Michel Adanson in 1763, and has since absorbed genera Bryophyllum and Kitchingia. Species in this genus are relatives of Cotyledon, Crassula, Echeveria, Aeonium, and Sedum. Kalanchoe growing zones vary depending on the species cultivated. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Kalanchoe beauverdii (Beauverd's Widow's-Thrill, Sotre-Story, Black Widow)
This species of succulent plants is native to Madagascar and Comoros and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 9b-11b. It was first described and formally named by Raymond Hamet in the year 1907, and forms a perennial plant that grows to reach between 10 and 16 feet tall when mature. Flowers are bell-shaped and about the same color as the foliage, which ranges from green to brownish-maroon to red. Can be grown on a small trellis or in hanging baskets. This aggressive plant is considered invasive in Florida, Texas and Hawai'i in the United States, Australia, and South Africa.

Kalanchoe beharensis (Felt Plant, Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe, Felt Bush, Velvet Leaf, Mongy, Tavitavy)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 10-12 or Sunset growing zones 13, 21-24, H1 and H2. Stems reach 4-5 feet tall on this narrow plant (just 1-2 feet wide). Leaves are crimped at the edges and are blue-green. Flowers are insignificant. These plants are great for rock gardens and raised planter beds, and are native to Madagascar. They are considered invasive in South Africa. Cultivars are listed and described below:

'Brown Dwarf'
Also called 'Nana' or 'Ruptured Lollipop'; dwarf with small, crinkled, dissected leaves. 6-8 feet tall.

'Fang'
With green to brown leaves covered in fuzz with tooth-like protrusions on leaf undersides. 2-3 feet tall.

'Roseleaf'
With triangular, cupped chocolate-pink leaves. To 12-24 in. tall and 6-18 in. wide.

'Slick'
With hairless, smooth foliage. To 6-8 feet tall and 5-6 feet wide.

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana (Flaming Katy, Christmas Kalanchoe, Florist Kalanchoe, Madagascar Widow's-Thrill)
These plants grow best in USDA hardiness zones 10-12 or Sunset growing zones 17, 21-24, H1 and H2. It reaches 1.5 feet tall and wide, with shiny, red-edged leaves that can be either wavy or flat. Small flowers are held in clusters and come in red, yellow, orange, and salmon depending on the cultivar. They bloom in spring and winter, and are a popular holiday season floral gift. These plants are considered invasive in the Dominican Republic, Chile's Juan Fernandez Islands, and the Galápagos Islands. Cultivars are listed and described below:

'Calandiva'
Series with double blooms in pink, red, yellow, and orange.

'Kerinci'
Upright plant with heavy rich pink flower clusters.

'Lanin'
With bright orange flowers.

'Simone'
Pure white, single-flowers bloom profusely in spring and summer.

'Tetra Vulcan'
Compact with intense red flowers.

'Queen' Series
With large blossoms perfect for cut flowers.

Kalanchoe daigremontiana (Bryophyllum daigremontianum) (Mother of Thousands, Alligator Plant, Mexican Hat Plant, Devil's Backbone, Maternity Plant, Mother of Millions)
This succulent perennial plant is native to Madagascar, and propagates readily though plantlets that develop on roots and leaf margins. Leaves have bands or spots on their backs, and plants reach up to over three feet tall when mature. Flowers are pink to red in color. These plants are considered invasive in Florida, Hawai'i, Texas, and California in the United States, Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Cuba, Puerto Rico, South Africa, Spain, Australia, New Caledonia, and China.

Kalanchoe delagoensis (Bryophyllum delagoense) (Mother of Millions, Chandelier Plant, Devil's Backbone, Lizard Plant, Alligator Plant, Mexican Hat Plant)
These succulents are native to Madagascar, and propagate readily though plantlets that develop on roots and leaf margins. Upright stems are simple and round, and leaf blades are green to grey green, mottled with reddish-brown markings. Flowers are red-green and striped with red, with fused petals that create a bell shape. Chandelier Plant grows well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. It is considered an invasive species in Australia, South Africa, and many of the Pacific Islands.

Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi (Bryophyllum fedtschenkoi) (Lavender Scallops, Kalanchoe Stonecrop, South American Air Plant, Variegated Lavender Scallops)
This native of Madagascar grows well in USDA hardiness zones 9b-11b or Sunset growing zones 13, 17, 21-24, H1 and H2. Leaves are grey-green and flowers are a dusty red color and bloom in late springtime. These plants create colonies through their spreading roots. Cultivar 'Variegata' has creamy-edged leaves. This species is considered invasive in Hawai'i and Florida (United States), the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador), India, Polynesia and South America.

Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri (Palm Beachbells, Donkey Ear Plant, Donkey Ears, Miracle Leaf, Leaf of Life, Life Plant, Tree of Life, Sprouting Leaf)
These plants produce foliage that resembles a Donkey's Ear, hence their common name. Leaves are thick and light green, pointed at the tips, and are typically marked or mottled with dark reddish-brown. Plantlets often form at leaf tips. This species is considered invasive in Florida and California (United States), the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, The Caribbean, El Salvador, Africa, Asia, Australia and regions of the Amazon.

Kalanchoe laetivirens (Mother of Thousands, Devil's Backbone, Alligator Plant, Mexican Hat Plant, Mother of Millions)
This species is very similar in form and size to Kalanchoe daigremontiana, which is differentiated by the spots on the backs of foliage. The leaves of this species are completely green, and form plantlets along their margins. This species is considered invasive in Florida and Hawai'i (United States), Spain, Italy, Algeria, Australia, and the Caribbean Islands.

Kalanchoe longiflora (Tugela Cliff-Kalanchoe, Long-Flower Kalanchoe)
This native of South Africa is cultivated for its multi-colored foliage as well as its showy yellow flowers, which bloom from autumn into winter in the plant's native range. These plants are typically seen growing on rock edges and shale slopes, and are considered rare and vulnerable to extinction in their natural range due to overharvesting and habitat loss. They are both heat and drought-tolerant plants, and have fibrous roots. Individual plants form subshrubs that reach up to a bit over a foot tall. Best in USDA hardiness zones 10a-11b.

Kalanchoe luciae (Paddle Plant, Flapjacks, Desert Cabbage, Red Pancakes, Dog Tongue, Paddle Kalanchoe, Meelplakkie)
Native to southeastern Africa, this succulent is grown best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones 13, 17, 21-24, H1 and H2. It grows to 1-1.5 feet tall and wide, spreading by offsets. Leaves are gray-green and ovular, with margins that turn bright red in full sun. A single 2-3 foot tall stem produces flowers in winter or early spring and holds clusters of long dark yellow fragrant flowers. This species needs protection from snails and slugs. A popular selection is 'Fantastic' (or Kalanchoe thyrsiflora 'Fantastic'), with grey-green leaves that have a cream variegation and red-shaded leaf margins.

Kalanchoe manginii (Beach Bells, Madagascar Wax-Bells, Manginii Kalanchoe)
These evergreen succulent perennial plants reach up to a foot tall and wide, and produce small green leaves and bright salmon-colored to carmine red bell-shaped flowers. In most temperate regions of the world it is grown as a houseplant, as it can only tolerate temperatures down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 11.

Kalanchoe marmorata (Penwiper, Pen Wiper, Spotted Kalanchoe, Baby Penwiper)
Native to central and eastern areas of Africa, this species forms an erect or decumbent succulent perennial that reaches up to 16 inches tall and wide. Foliage is green to grey-green, sometimes tinged with pink, and often with dark red mottling. Flowers are white (sometimes pinkish), and bloom in springtime. Hardy to 54 degrees Fahrenheit, this species is typically grown as a houseplant in temperate regions.

Kalanchoe orgyalis (Copper Spoons, Cinnamon Bear, Leather Plant, Shoe Leather Kalanchoe)
This succulent is endemic to southern and southwestern Madagascar, where it typically grows between vegetation on rocky outcroppings and dry soils. It forms a heavily branched shrub to between 3 and 7 feet tall when mature, and produces copper-orange new foliage that matures to a maroon-green color. Flowers are yellow. This species does well in USDA hardiness zones 9b-11b.

Kalanchoe pinnata (Cathedral Bells, Air Plant, Life Plant, Miracle Leaf, Goethe Plant, Love Bush)
This Madagascar native species is a popular houseplant, and has become naturalized in many tropical and subtropical areas around the globe. Cathedral Bells grows well in USDA hardiness zones 10a-11b. Individual plants reach up to 40 inches tall at maturity with fleshy cylindrical stems and reddish young foliage. Hardy down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Flowers are distinct and bell-shaped, with a yellow-green tinged pink calyx.

Kalanchoe pumila (Flower Dust Plant, Blue Kalanchoe, Dwarf Kalanchoe, Ghost Plant)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones 13, 17, 21-24, H1 and H2 and is a native of Madagascar. It has a mounding, trailing habit and reaches up to 1 foot tall and 2 feet wide at maturity. Leaves are gray-green and covered with a white powder, edges are lightly tinged pink. Winter blooms are pink with yellow anthers. This species can tolerate shade as well as drought, and is lovely in hanging baskets.

Kalanchoe rhombopilosa (Pies From Heaven)
This species is native to a small area in southwest Madagascar. It is an herbaceous, somewhat succulent perennial plant with grey-green to pinkish foliage mottled with reddish markings. Individual plants reach up to between 4 and 8 inches tall when mature. Pies From Heaven grows well in USDA hardiness zones 10a-11b.

Kalanchoe sexangularis (Bushveld Kalanchoe, Six-Angled Kalanchoe, Red-Leaved Kalanchoe)
This species is native to southern Africa, and reaches between 8 and 40 inches tall when mature. Shoots arise from a woody base, and produce fleshy leaves that are green to reddish with scalloped margins. They bloom in wintertime in their native range, and have green-yellow to bright yellow flowers. Bushveld Kalanchoe grows well in USDA hardiness zones 9a-11b.

Kalanchoe thyrsiflora (Paddle Plant, Flapjacks, Desert Cabbage, White Lady, Geelplakkie, Meelplakkie, Plakkie)
This succulent grows best in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11 or Sunset growing zones 13, 17, 21-24, H1 and H2, and is native to South Africa's southeastern coastline. Gets to reach 18 inches tall with fragrant dark yellow flowers. Chalky green leaves have no red or pink flush to them, unlike most other species in the genus. This species is considered invasive in Florida, Australia, and Hawai'i.

Kalanchoe tomentosa (Panda Plant, Pussy Ears, Chocolate Soldier, Teddy Bear Plant, Plush Plant)
This plant grows well in USDA hardiness zones 9a-11b or Sunset growing zones 13, 23, 24 and H2. It has a branching habit that reaches 3 feet tall and 8 inches wide. Leaves are coated in felt-like white hairs and tips and notches are marked with a dark brown color. Flowers are yellow-green and bloom in spring. Popularly grown cultivars are listed and described below:

'Black Tie'
Blue-green leaves edged with almost black.

'Chocolate Soldier'
Olive-yellow green leaves with chocolate brown trimming.

'Cinnamon'
Blue-green with copper-red margin.

'Golden Girl'
Silver green to butter yellow leaves dotted at the edges with brown.

'Panda Plant'
('Donkey Ears')
Silver-green foliage dotted with milk chocolate.

'Teddy Bear'
Chubby rounded light brown to light grey leaves edged with red-brown.

Caring for Kalanchoe

Plant these succulents in a space in the landscape that receives full sun; ideally, they appreciate between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day for the best blooms. When these flowers are grown in less light, they will not flower as profusely. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a circumneutral pH of between 6.0 and 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. These plants are succulents, and susceptible to overwatering; they appreciate a rocky or sandy soil, but a potting mix amended heavily with perlite or coarse sand can do well. Apply a layer of mulch or rock mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants are considered drought-tolerant, able to get by on rainwater alone for much of the year with supplemental waterings during extended periods of dry, warm weather. Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms. Crassula species vary in their life expectancies; some are annuals, others are perennials. Annuals are typically pulled at the end of the growing season, composted, and replaced the next year. Perennial species can last for a few years to over a century before needing to be replaced.

Caring for Kalanchoe in Containers
Kalanchoe plants do well in the ground but can also be grown in containers. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. These plants prefer a rocky or sandy substrate that is well-draining. Top with a layer of rock mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. Kalanchoe plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.

Caring for Kalanchoe Indoors
Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. These plants prefer a rocky or sandy substrate that is well-draining. Top with a layer of rock mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Place the Kalanchoe in a spot that receives bright (either direct or indirect) light. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. Kalanchoe plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased leaves at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.

Propagation

The best way to propagate Kalanchoe is by cutting in springtime. To propagate your succulent, you will need a clean, sharp knife or garden shears and a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix (if you will not be replanting in the ground). When you have gathered your materials, follow the directions below to propagate your plant:

Use your clean, sharp garden shears or knife to cut off a piece of stem with leaves. Place this cutting on its side and leave it in a dry, warm, shaded spot for at least three days. This will cause the root end to heal and form a hard callous. Doing this helps the plant avoid root rot when it gets planted in potting mix.
Fill your pot with the potting mix described above, and then place the calloused end of your cutting into the soil. Push down until the cutting can stay upright without assistance. Place the pot in a spot that receives bright, indirect light and water lightly once a week. Do not allow the soil to become too moist or dry out completely.
Your cutting should grow roots in about two weeks, whether or not it is placed in potting medium. To check for roots, lightly tug on the plant. If it resists, you have roots.

Problems and Pests

Certain Kalanchoe species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Kalanchoe plants can be susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape: