Popular Types Of Kalanchoes [With Pictures]

Kalanchoe plants are some of the most popular plants in the world. Narrowing down what type of kalanchoe plant is best for your home can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many varieties, colors, and hybrids to choose from.

This article will show you some popular types of kalanchoes that you can plant yourself to decorate your home or give as a gift to family and friends.

About Kalanchoe

The Kalanchoe genus is home to over 125 named Kalanchoe types. Although not all Kalanchoe species have a place in cultivation, they’re nonetheless widespread in gardens around the globe.

Most Kalanchoe species are mostly native to the old world; Asia, Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Madagascar, and the like. Other than a single exception that originates from the Americas, every other named species are from the Eastern Hemisphere.

Their easy care requirements and gorgeous flowers are the main reason why they’ve been a common sight in homes even before modern gardening was a thing.

Amateurs and experienced gardeners alike love these plants for their ease of care and interesting leaf shapes. These days, they’re widely available in nurseries and garden centers. You can find them in a range of colors, including green, red, or pink.

They hold the honor of being one of the first plants sent into space. This was done to study the growth patterns of plants and how being in space affects their growth.

Taxonomy

Kalanchoe is a member of the Crassulaceae family, which also includes well-known succulents such as Sedum and Echeveria. The Kalanchoe genus was first described by Michel Adanson, a French botanist, in 1763.

The species that were placed under the Kalanchoe genus at the time of its conception are now categorized under the umbrella of the subgenus Eukalanchoe. This was necessitated due to the merging of two genera into the Kalanchoe genus: Kitchingia and Bryophyllum.

Nowadays, most Kalanchoe plants that are considered for ornamental gardening are from the Bryophyllum subgenus, with some exceptions from Eukalanchoe and Kitchingia thrown in.

There is some disagreement between experts on where the name ‘Kalanchoe’ comes from, but most sources agree that it originates from China, either Traditional Mandarin or the modern Cantonese. With most experts leaning towards Cantonese.

What Is Kalanchoe Used For?

Medicinal Properties

The Kalanchoe genus has many members that have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, if not millennia. The plants were mostly used in African and Asian traditional medicine.

Nowadays, they’re still being used for their purported healing properties. Most notably, Kalanchoe pinnata is known to be effective against hypertension and dealing with tumors. Some Kalanchoe types have been in use to suppress immuno-rejection responses in patients.

In fact, some Kalanchoe species are now being studied by Western scientists to see if there’s any truth to the claims made about them. Some species are known to have anti-infection and anti-inflammation properties. Others are said to produce a sedative effect, though mild.

While most of these claims haven’t been proven by science, there is some evidence that suggests that some of the compounds found in Kalanchoe plants can be helpful in treating certain conditions.

Kalanchoe plants are known to contain Bufadienolide compounds which are helpful in the treatment of a myriad of conditions. Kalanchoe pinnata is at the forefront of this research, and scientists have focused their efforts on isolating what makes this particular species so effective.

Ornamental Houseplant

Most Kalanchoe types are grown as ornamental houseplants. They’re easy to care for, and they don’t require much attention. This makes them perfect for gardeners who want to add a bit of color to their homes without having to put in too much effort.

As mentioned before, these plants come in a wide range of colors. You can find them in shades of green, red, pink, and even copper. Some species even have variegated leaves with multiple colors.

They can be grown in pots or planters, and they don’t need much space. This makes them ideal for small apartments or homes. You can even grow them indoors all year round with the right care.

Food Plants

Kalanchoe plants serve as the main food plants for the Red Pierrot butterfly when it is still in the stage of being a caterpillar. Mating butterflies lay their eggs around the plant’s branches so that as soon as new caterpillars emerge, they have something to eat.

How to Identify a Kalanchoe?

A Kalanchoe succulent is not easy to identify by any means. This is mainly due to the fact that these plants are incredibly diverse. Some Kalanchoe types are so wildly different from each other that it’s hard to even imagine them being in the same genus.

There is no one size fits all solution here. Why? Because what holds true for one Kalanchoe doesn’t necessarily hold true for the others. That’s why we have to divide the plant’s species into informal groups that share some characteristics.

Plants in a group might not share all these characteristics, but they share enough that grouping them together makes sense and enables us to assign some common identifiers to a group. Here are the groups.

Mother of Thousands / Mother of Millions

Some Kalanchoe plants are known to have offsets that emerge from the plant’s leaf axils. These offsets eventually drop off and grow into new baby plants. This is why these plants are sometimes called “mother of thousands” or “mother of millions.”

Among the most notable examples of a plant in this group is Kalanchoe daigremontiana (formerly Bryophyllum daigremontianum), also known as Mother of Millions. And Kalanchoe delagoensis, or Chandelier Plant. Hybrids of these plants are also known to have these characteristic offsets.

Fuzzy Kalanchoes

Some Kalanchoe plants are known for their hairy or fuzzy leaves. These hairs can be either short and dense or long and sparse. The density and length of the hairs can vary from plant to plant.

Kalanchoe tomentosa, or Panda Plant, is one of the most widely recognized and loved Kalanchoe varieties out there. Panda Plant and its many cultivars make up the majority of the fuzzy Kalanchoe plants, but other Kalanchoes are also present in this list.

Flowering Kalanchoe

These Kalanchoe types are known for their beautiful flowers. The flowers can be either small and delicate or large and showy. They come in a wide range of colors, including white, yellow, orange, pink, red, and purple.

The most popular flowering Kalanchoe is Kalanchoe blossfeldiana (also known as Flaming Katy) which is also the most widely sold Kalanchoe in cultivation. Its main purpose is to provide a burst of color via its flowers in the winter.

Flowering Kalanchoes usually have bright, colorful flowers that arise on tall inflorescences rising above the foliage. These stalks are typically much larger than the rest of the plant, and a whole host of them appears all at once when the flowering season arrives, completely dwarfing the rest of the plant. Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is a great example.

Note that almost every Kalanchoe succulent is a flowering plant, not just these ones, but since these Kalanchoe are known for their colorful blooms and little else, they’re included in this group.

Paddle Kalanchoes

Paddle Kalanchoes or Paddle Plant Kalanchoes are characterized by their large, flat leaves that resemble paddles. They are often displayed as ornamental plants and can usually be found in green or red colors.

One of the most popular paddle Kalanchoe is Kalanchoe thyrsiflora (also known as Flapjack Plant or Paddle Plant). Other notable examples include Kalanchoe luciae (also known as Paddle Plant).

Unusual Kalanchoes

Kalanchoe varieties with unusual patterns or unique variegated leaves are some of the most beautiful plants in the genus. These leaves can be variegated with cream, white, yellow, or even pink colors. The level of uniqueness can also vary from plant to plant.

These Kalanchoe types are rarer than those of other groups and harder to raise. Notable examples include Kalanchoe humilis and Kalanchoe rhombopilosa.

Warning: Be aware that some Kalanchoe varieties (such as Kalanchoe daigremontiana) are considered to be invasive species in some areas. Do your research before planting them in your garden to make sure they won’t cause problems in your area.

Happy gardening!

As you can see, Kalanchoe succulents are hugely diverse in both their appearance and their care requirements. This is one of the reasons they are so popular. No matter what your taste, there’s almost certainly a Kalanchoe out there, that’s perfect for you.

Kalanchoe Photo Gallery

How To Care For A Kalanchoe Succulent

Tropical regions have historically given birth to most of the Kalanchoe plants we see today. Replicating what they experience in the wild is a great way to acclimate your Kalanchoe succulent to your home. A good gardener knows their plant’s habits.

In general, Kalanchoe care is quite straightforward. Most Kalanchoe types don’t require much else after they’ve become established. Like other succulent plants, Kalanchoe plants easily withstand the vagaries of neglect without complaint. Just be sure not to overwater, and your plant will thrive for years to come.

Light

Kalanchoe plants need a lot of bright light to maintain their vibrant colors. If your plant is looking pale or leggy, it’s probably not getting enough sunlight. Put it in a sunny spot and watch it transform before your eyes.

Direct sunlight has the potential to harm these delicate succulents if the sun is particularly harsh. Consider providing your Kalanchoe some shade with indirect light, both indoors and out.

A Kalanchoe succulent prefers a balance between bright light and shade, and finding this balance in light levels depends on the species and the location. Experiment a bit and find out what suits your plant before finding the best place for it in your home.

Some Kalanchoe varieties depend on the amount of light they receive to bloom. So, a Kalanchoe that would normally flower in the winter can be made to flower year-round if the light conditions are manipulated artificially to fool the plant into thinking it’s winter.

Soil

Kalanchoe plants do best in sandy, well-draining potting soil. If the soil you have is too dense, consider mixing in some perlite or pumice to lighten it up. Remember to plant your Kalanchoe in a pot with drainage holes to prevent problems with overwatering.

A succulent/cactus potting soil bought from the store will be more than enough for most Kalanchoe. As long as the soil has excellent drainage, you’ll be saved from many problems down the line.

Water

As with all succulents, watering is the most difficult part of Kalanchoe care. The difficult part is stopping yourself from watering an already sated plant. For gardeners who are used to water every day, it’s important to know that succulents rarely need water more than once a week.

These succulents are extremely susceptible to root rot, so it’s important not to overwater. You want to make sure that the potting soil has lost all of the water it got from the previous watering session.

If your soil has excellent drainage, as it should have, this process will take about a week.

During the winter, reduce watering even more since the plant will be dormant.

Temperature

Kalanchoes prefer warm (55-80 degrees Fahrenheit/12-27 degrees Celsius) temperatures and can’t tolerate cold drafts or prolonged exposure to cooler temperatures.

Most Kalanchoes die immediately after being exposed to frost. The cold freezes the water inside their succulent leaves, killing them instantly. Below-freezing temperatures are a definite problem.

While a number of Kalanchoe boast some level of frost hardiness, this only holds true when they are in a completely dry location, and not a hint of water is present near them. A wet and cold succulent is a dead succulent.

Moving your Kalanchoe into a temperature-regulated room in winter is a must if you live in a cold region.

Fertilizer

Fertilizing Kalanchoe is a personal decision. These plants are drought-tolerant and don’t need much in the way of nutrients to survive. If you want to give your plant a little boost, use a succulent fertilizer or slow-release liquid fertilizer once every few months during the growing season. Be sure to dilute the fertilizer to half-strength or less before applying it to your plant.

How to Propagate Kalanchoe Succulents?

Kalanchoes are very easy to propagate from leaf or stem cuttings. But the easiest method by far is propagating by offsets.

By Offsets

Not all Kalanchoe succulents produce offsets, but those that do (e.g., Mother of Millions) are practically always propagated by these tiny plantlets barring any unforeseen problems. It’s simply too easy to propagate.

Simply twist off the offset near the base and plant in a fresh pot of soil. You might not even need to do the twisting off; the parent plant might already have begun developing its babies on its own.

By Cuttings

The best time to take leaf cuttings is in the spring or summer, when the plant is actively growing. To propagate from a leaf cutting:

1. Gently twist a healthy leaf from the main plant.
2. Allow the wound to callus over for a few days.
3. Then press it into moist, succulent soil.
4. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and in a few weeks, you should see new roots and leaves beginning to form.

Stem cuttings can be taken in much the same way as leaf cuttings. Cut a 3-4 inch section from a healthy stem and allow it to callus over for a few days before planting it in moist, succulent soil.

By Seeds

Kalanchoes are also very easy to propagate from seed, although it will take longer for the plant to mature this way.

1. Sow the seeds in moist, succulent soil and press them lightly into the surface of the soil.
2. Give the seeds plenty of light to help with germination.
3. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
4. Maintain high levels of humidity around the seed by using a plastic sheet to cover the soil.

And in a few weeks, you should see new seedlings beginning to form.

How to Repot Kalanchoe

The best time to repot your Kalanchoe is in the spring, when the plant is actively growing.

Use a well-draining potting mix and only move up one pot size at a time. A too-large pot will hold too much water and increase the chances of root rot.

It’s also important not to pack the potting mix too tightly around the roots as this can also cause problems with rot. These plants prefer not to be root bound.

If you’re not sure if your plant needs to be repotted, simply check the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. If they are filled with roots, it’s time for a new pot.

Common Kalanchoe Pests

Kalanchoes are relatively pest and disease-free. These hardy plants can withstand a fair amount of abuse and still thrive.

The most common pests that attack Kalanchoe are mealybugs, scale, and aphids. These sap-sucking pests can cause a lot of damage to your plant if left unchecked.

To get rid of them, simply wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil as an alternative. Consider high potency insecticides a last resort as these can do more harm than good.

Common Kalanchoe Problems:

Root rot is the most common disease that affects Kalanchoes. This fungal disease is caused by too much water around the roots. It’s important to plant these succulents in well-draining soil and to only water them when the soil is dry to the touch. If you suspect your plant has root rot (or stem rot), the best course of action is to remove it from the pot and replant it in fresh, dry soil after removing the affected roots.

Overwatering is the most common reason for Kalanchoe’s death, so it’s important to be mindful of how much water your plant is getting. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering, and don’t be afraid to give your plant a little drought now and then. These plants are succulents and can tolerate periods of drought quite well.

Are Kalanchoe Plants Toxic?

Some Kalanchoe types are known to be toxic to animals. Keep your pets and kids away from your Kalanchoe before doing your research. Only some Kalanchoe are toxic to pets, not all of them.

Popular Kalanchoe Types For Indoors

There are over 125 named species of Kalanchoe plants, but only a handful are commonly grown as houseplants. The most popular varieties include:

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana (Flaming Katy)

The Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, also known as the Flaming Katy, is among the most famous flowering plants in the Kalanchoe genus. It’s native to Madagascar. It’s a popular houseplant because it’s so easy to care for and adds a burst of color to the garden in the winter lull.

The Kalanchoe blossfeldiana gets its common name from the bright red, orange, or yellow flowers that bloom in clusters at the ends of its stems. These flowers can bloom for up to eight weeks at a time, making them a welcome addition to any home.

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is relatively small, only growing to about 12 inches tall and wide. But don’t let its size fool you – it’s a powerhouse when it comes to flowering. Its scalloped leaves resemble those of a Jade Plant; thick and fleshy. The leaves develop a red tinge when exposed to bright sunlight.

• Height: 8-15 inches (20-38 cm)
• Light: Bright shade
• Frost Hardiness: 30°F (-1.1°C)

Kalanchoe ‘Wendy’

This is a cross between Kalanchoe rotundifolia and Kalanchoe beharensis. It’s a beautiful plant that can grow up to four feet tall and three feet wide. They have dark green leaves with wavy or scalloped margins.

Kalanchoe ‘Wendy’ tends to grow in the shape of a small shrub when left to its own devices. New flowers appear on the tips of the stems, and their weight renders the otherwise erect branches pendant.

The flowers of Kalanchoe’ Wendy’ bloom in clusters that can be a couple of inches long. Each flower is tubular, with a yellow or orange center but a pinkish-purple outside. The blooming period lasts for several months (Winter to Spring), making it one of the longest-blooming Kalanchoe varieties around.

• Height: 12 inches
• Light: Bright shade
• Frost Hardiness: 30°F (-1.1°C)

Kalanchoe pumila (Flower Dust Plant)

The Kalanchoe pumila, also known as the Flower Dust Plant, are small succulent plants often used as ornamental houseplants. It has a dense mat of leaves that are covered in a white powdery substance. This ‘dust’ helps to reflect sunlight and keep the leaves cool during hot days. The leaves have an oblong shape that’s edged with teeth.

This small succulent is native to Madagascar, but it’s widely cultivated all over the world. It’s an easy plant to care for, and it tolerates drought very well. However, it doesn’t like frost, so make sure to bring it indoors during

• Height: 12 inches
• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Frost Hardiness: 25°F (-3.9°C)

Kalanchoe tomentosa (Chocolate Soldier Panda Plant)

One of the most eye-catching members of the Kalanchoe genus is Kalanchoe tomentosa, more commonly known as the Chocolate Soldier or Panda Plant. It’s a succulent with unique furry leaves that almost resemble little panda bears.

The Chocolate Soldier gets its name from the brown and cream-colored “fur” that covers its leaves. Each leaf is also outlined in red, which makes for a striking contrast against the white fuzz of the plant.

The Panda Plant is native to Madagascar but has been introduced to many different parts of the world. It’s a popular houseplant because it’s so easy to care for and doesn’t need much attention.

• Height: 2.6 feet
• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Frost Hardiness: 30°F (-1.1°C)

Kalanchoe ‘Tessa’ (Pendant Flowered Kalanchoe)

Kalanchoe ‘Tessa’ is a beautiful succulent that produces vibrant, bell-shaped, drooping flowers. The flowers are a deep red color with yellow margins. They appear in clusters on the ends of the plant’s stems and hang down like pendants.

Its leaves are oval-shaped and fleshy. They serve as a backdrop for the gorgeous red flowers, which are the central focus of this plant. Luckily, they don’t require much prodding to appear in the winter and early spring.

This Kalanchoe is native to Madagascar and can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. It’s a relatively slow grower, but it can eventually form large clumps.

• Height: 2 feet
• Light: Bright shade
• Frost Hardiness: 30°F (-1.1°C)

Kalanchoe delagoensis (Chandelier Plant / Mother of Millions)

The Kalanchoe delagoensis, commonly known as the Chandelier Plant or Mother of Millions, is a succulent native to Madagascar. It gets its common name from its prolific nature, as it produces offsets (or “bulbils”) by the hundreds.

Unlike most succulents that produce offsets from near the base of the plant, these offsets appear hanging on the edges of the leaves. And considering the fact that there are multiple leaves in one specimen, it’s no wonder these plants are referred to as Mother of Millions.

Another distinctive feature is its chandelier-like leaf arrangement. Kalanchoe delagoensis produces long, thin leaves that hang by the sides of the stems, looking like a chandelier. The leaves are waxy and dotted with leopard spots.

• Height: 3 feet
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Frost Hardiness: 30°F (-1.1°C)

Kalanchoe humilis

The Kalanchoe humilis is a small succulent that’s perfect for growing in pots and containers. It’s a low-growing shrub that has some interesting leaves. Its fleshy leaves are plump, often with smooth crests along the margins. They’re a pale green color, heavily spotted with purple or maroon spots.

Kalanchoe humilis requires more light than some of its cousins to show off its leaves’ coloration to their fullest. Purple flowers appear in the summer on top of tall inflorescences that emerge from the center.

Kalanchoe humilis is more frost tolerant than some other Kalanchoe, but it still prefers to be kept somewhat warm.

• Height: 12 inches
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Frost Hardiness: 10°F (-12.2°C)

Kalanchoe rhombopilosa (Pies From Heaven)

Kalanchoe rhombopilosa is an interesting-looking upright plant with leaves that are shaped like a pie. The common name, Pies from Heaven, is derived from the plant’s leaves which grow in a curiously circular pattern that looks like an apple pie when looked at from above.

The leaves are covered in a thin layer of white fuzz that hides the green underneath. They’re also marked with brown markings that look exactly like what you would find in a pie. Be careful when handling because, despite their fleshiness, these leaves are extremely fragile and will fall off if handled roughly.

These leaves are born on erect, woody stems that are also covered in white hair, complementing the leaves. Lantern-shaped red-yellow flowers appear in the winter.

• Height: 12 inches
• Light: Bright shade
• Frost Hardiness: 30°F (-1.1°C)

Kalanchoe laetivirens (Mother of Thousands)

Kalanchoe laetivirens is an evergreen succulent that’s also known as the Mother of Thousands. It’s a native of Madagascar, and it gets its name from its tendency to produce large numbers of offsets.

This is one plant that’s best suited for growing in containers. The offsets can quickly overrun a garden bed with new baby plants if they’re given half a chance. But in a pot, they’ll stay put and behave themselves.

It shares this common name with its parent: K. daigremontiana. The two plants are often confused together, but you can tell the difference from the leaves. K. daigremontiana has maroon or purple marbling on the back of its leaves that is absent in Kalanchoe laetivirens.

• Height: 2 feet
• Light: Bright shade
• Frost Hardiness: 20°F (-6.7°C)

Kalanchoe luciae (Paddle Plant)

The Paddle Plant (Kalanchoe luciae) is a succulent native to Madagascar. Its called the Paddle Plant because of the shape of its leaves, which are paddle-shaped, i.e., nearly as wide as they are long.

Kalanchoe luciae is often confused with Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, which is also called Paddle Plant, although K. thyrsiflora is a much rarer succulent. Telling the difference between the two species is hard because they look almost identical. But if exposed to cooler temperatures, Kalanchoe luciae tends to turn red around its edges. This redness is absent in Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, which blushes green instead.

Each stem bears rosettes of these paddle-shaped leaves, and rosettes are common. White, pink, or yellow flowers appear in the spring. These plants are monocarpic and die after flowering once, but luckily they also offset quite easily, so you should always have a healthy plant even if the parent plant dies out.

• Height: 2 feet
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Frost Hardiness: 20°F (-6.7°C)

Kalanchoe pinnata (Cathedral Bells)

The Kalanchoe pinnata is a succulent Kalanchoe that’s easily recognizable by its tall, erect stems bearing easily identifiable flowers. It can grow up to 5 feet (3.6 m) tall in the wild, although it’s much smaller when grown in a pot.

This Kalanchoe succulent is native to Madagascar, but it has been introduced to many other parts of the world as it’s quite popular in cultivation.

It’s tall, dark green stems are hollow, but they stand tall and don’t have flex, so they don’t bend. Thick branches are home to large, oval, scalloped leaves that are bordered by dark red coloration. Each branch is only home to a single leaf.

Reddish-purple and pendent flowers are borne on branching panicles. The overall effect looks eerily like cathedral bells, hence the name.

• Height: 5 feet
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Frost Hardiness: 30°F (-1.1°C)

Kalanchoe orgyalis (Copper Spoon)

Copper Spoon (Kalanchoe orgyalis) is a beautiful succulent that’s native to South Africa. If you’re thinking of adding something unique to your collection, the Copper Spoon might fill those criteria with its unusual colors.

Kalanchoe orgyalis gets its common name from its spoon-shaped leaves, which are a deep copper color from the bottom. The top portion of the leaves is covered with fine hairs that start off a cinnamon color. This color darkens to the same color as the undersides of the leaves as it ages.

Bright yellow flowers appear in the winter or early spring, further accentuating the copper color of the leaves.

• Height: 6 feet (Indoor succulents are shorter)
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Frost Hardiness: 20°F (-6.7°C)

Kalanchoe uniflora (Coral Bells)

This Kalanchoe succulent is a native of Madagascar and gets its common name from its bell-shaped flowers. The flowers are pink, red, or white and appear in winter or spring.

The blooms are not the only thing that makes this plant so special. Its stems are also quite interesting. Unlike most Kalanchoe succulents, these stems are not erect. Instead, they behave like a vine when near walls and like a trailing plant when near an edge.

They also send down roots whenever one of their nodes touches the soil, an ability they have because of their epiphytic nature. Its bright green leaves are fleshy and succulent. When displayed in a hanging basket, the blooms look like bells, hence the name.

• Height: 3 feet
• Light: Bright filtered light
• Frost Hardiness: 30°F (-1.1°C)

Kalanchoe beharensis (Felt Bush)

The Felt Bush (Kalanchoe beharensis) is a succulent that’s native to Madagascar. It gets its common name from the felt-like fuzz that covers its leaves. This fuzz is actually made up of tiny hairs that protect the plant from intense heat and sunlight.

The Felt Bush can grow quite large if left unchecked. In cultivation, they usually max out at around 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m). This Kalanchoe succulent is an evergreen shrub that has gained merit because of its unusual appearance.

What’s standout about Kalanchoe beharensis are their large and unique leaves. Their shape resembles those of an elephant ear, hence their second common name: Elephant’s Ear Kalanchoe.

The leaves are usually large, triangular, and covered in hair. They are borne on sturdy branches that emerge out of the main trunk. The edges of the leaves are irregularly shaped, mimicking an Elephant’s ear.

• Height: 3-5 feet
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Frost Hardiness: 25°F (-3.9°C)

Kalanchoe laxiflora (Milky Widow’s Thrill)

The Kalanchoe laxiflora, also known as the Milky Widow’s Thrill, is a succulent that’s native to Madagascar.

This plant is easily recognizable, thanks to its unique grey-green leaves. They’re fleshy and have a grey-green color with light red or pink margins. Older leaves have a mature red color that evolves to an almost purple-maroon color on the edges.

This Kalanchoe succulent grows like a shrub, and its leaves are borne nearly branchless on erect stems. Orange bell-shaped flowers appear on tall stalks that rise about the foliage.

• Height: 20 inches
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Frost Hardiness: 25°F (-3.9°C)

Kalanchoe laciniata (Christmas Tree Plant)

The Kalanchoe laciniata is a succulent with deeply serrated leaves that give it the common name of “Christmas Tree Plant.” It’s a native of Madagascar, and it’s closely related to Kalanchoe thyrsiflora.

This plant is easily recognizable by its unique appearance. The leaves are triangular-shaped and deeply lobed, almost like the shape of a Christmas tree. They’re a beautiful deep green color. Each individual leaf is usually long and irregularly shaped but has an overall shape that vaguely resembles a Christmas tree.

White or orange flowers appear in clusters. They rise above the foliage in the summer.

• Height: 3.3 feet (1 m)
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Frost Hardiness: 30°F (-1.1°C)

Kalanchoe rotundifolia (Common Kalanchoe)

Kalanchoe rotundifolia, also known as Common Kalanchoe or Round-leaved Kalanchoe, is a succulent that’s native to Madagascar. It’s a popular houseplant due to its ease of care and the fact that it frequently flowers and for long periods at a time.

The leaves of this Kalanchoe plant are what give it its name. They’re rounded, thick, and fleshy, growing up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long. The color is typically green with a red or purple hue along the margins. But there are also variegated varieties with white or cream-colored leaves. They grow in tight clumps near the base of their stems, adding significant interest.

The flowers of Kalanchoe rotundifolia appear from the fall to the winter. They grow in clusters on the ends of tall inflorescences and can be shades of red, orange, or yellow. They’re not particularly showy, but they’re produced in such great quantities that they more than make up for it.

• Height: 3.3 feet (1 m)
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Frost Hardiness: 10°F (-12°C)

Kalanchoe scapigera (Mealy Kalanchoe)

Kalanchoe scapigera, commonly known as Mealy Kalanchoe, is a succulent that’s native to Angola. It’s often confused with Kalanchoe farinacea as it shares many of its characteristics.

The main difference between the two is that K. scapigera has white, powdery fuzz on its leaves and stems. This fuzzy coating gives the plant a mealy appearance, hence its common name.

Kalanchoe scapigera has very distinct looking, completely round leaves that clump near the base of the stems. The stems become woody over time, but they are short and usually hidden underneath the overly large leaves.

Bright, almost eye-scorching red flowers appear on small inflorescences. Encompassed in an informal rosette of fleshy, round leaves, they look spectacular.

• Height: 18 inches
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Frost Hardiness: 30°F (-1.1°C)

FAQ

References:

• “紅提燈(吊燈長壽花) Kalanchoe miniata Wendy [香港花展 Hong Kong Flower Show]” by 阿橋花譜 KHQ Flower Guide is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
• “Panda plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa, Madagascar)” by ToastyKen is marked with CC BY 2.0.
• “吊鐘長壽花 Kalanchoe ‘Tessa’ [香港花展 Hong Kong Flower Show]” by 阿橋花譜 KHQ Flower Guide is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
• Kalanchoe uniflora in botanical garden in Kraków by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
• Kalanchoe laxiflora-012 by The Titou is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
• Christmas tree plant (Kalanchoe laciniata) Maligano Buton Island variegated by David E Mead is licensed under CC0
• “File:Starr-110218-1545-Kalanchoe rotundifolia-leaves-Ulana St Makawao-Maui (25076494295).jpg” by Forest and Kim Starr is licensed under CC BY 3.0.
• Kalanchoe scapigera1 by KENPEI is licensed under CC BY 3.0