Kalanchoe Varieties: Easy-to-Care Options for Plant Enthusiasts - 8 Varieties of Kalanchoe
In the world of succulent plants, Kalanchoe species stand out for their distinctive appearances and relatively low-maintenance care. While the common Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is popular for its soft, scalloped leaves and starry flowers, there are several other Kalanchoe varieties that offer unique looks and are straightforward to cultivate.
One such variety is the Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi, a hardy and fast-growing plant with erect stems and hanging tubular coral or orange flowers. It can tolerate mild frost around -2ºC and is an excellent choice for those living in colder regions.
Another interesting Kalanchoe is the Kalanchoe beharensis, also known as the Elephant Ear. This large species can grow up to 3 meters tall and sports triangular olive-green leaves covered in fine hairs. It blooms yellowish-green flowers and, like many Kalanchoe species, can resist frost to -2ºC.
The Devil’s Backbone, or Kalanchoe daigremontiana, is another fascinating species. Growing up to 1 meter tall, it boasts bright green lanceolate leaves edged with serrations and black spots underneath. Rarely does it flower, but when it does, pink inflorescences appear. It, too, is cold hardy to around -2ºC.
The Paddle Plant, or Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, is noted for its pale green and burgundy paddle-shaped leaves and pink, yellow, or orange tubular flowers on tall stalks. It's easy to grow indoors or outdoors with good light.
Kalanchoe longiflora, a cliff-dwelling species from South Africa, grows up to about 30 cm tall and produces pink blooms. Its scalloped-edge leaves can produce bulbils (new plantlets), making it a great choice for propagation.
The Panda Plant, or Kalanchoe tomentosa, is not explicitly in the numbered results but is popular for its velvety leaves and ease of propagation. It's a great option for beginners. The article also mentions two panda plant cultivars: 'Teddy Bear' and 'Chocolate Soldier'.
Not all Kalanchoe plants are grown for their flowers; some, like the Velvet Leaf Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe beharensis), have unique foliage. This plant sports large, arrow-shaped leaves with soft gray hairs and gray-green leaves that mature to a rusty red tint.
The Flapjack, or Kalanchoe luciae or Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, is another Kalanchoe with unique foliage. Its saucer-shaped, thickened leaves layer like a stack of pancakes and are almost lime green, tinged with pink and covered with a waxy coating.
Marnier's Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe panamensis) is a unique variety that produces roots from its leaves, which can be divided away from the parent plant and potted up separately. It has small, rounded, gray-green leaves with pink edges and produces tight bell-like flowers in bright pink.
Lastly, the Mother of Thousands, also known as the alligator plant, devil's backbone, and Mexican hat plant, has numerous plantlets along the edges of its leaves that can detach and form new plants. However, the article does not provide specific details about its appearance.
These Kalanchoe varieties, including the Mother of Thousands, Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi, Kalanchoe beharensis, Kalanchoe daigremontiana, Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, Kalanchoe longiflora, and Kalanchoe tomentosa, provide unique looks and are straightforward to cultivate. They generally need well-drained soil, bright light, and minimal watering to avoid rot, making them versatile for various growing regions. Many of these species can even tolerate light frosts, expanding their growing potential.
The Kalanchoe beharensis, also known as the Elephant Ear, and Kalanchoe tomentosa, popular for their velvety leaves, are two Kalanchoe varieties that offer unique foliage instead of flowers. Home gardeners living in colder regions can grow the hardy and fast-growing Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi, with its hanging tubular coral or orange flowers, as it tolerates mild frost around -2ºC. For beginners, the Panda Plant, or Kalanchoe tomentosa, is an excellent option due to its velvety leaves and ease of propagation.
