Kalanchoe beauverdii Raym.-Hamet
Beauverd's Widow's-thrill, Sotre-Sotry
Kalanchoe beauverdii var. beauverdii, Bryophyllum beauverdii, Bryophyllum costantinii, Bryophyllum juelii, Bryophyllum scandens, Kalanchoe costantinii, Kalanchoe guignardii, Kalanchoe juelii, Kalanchoe scandens
Kalanchoe beauverdii is a succulent climber with branching gray wiry stems that clamber and twine holding, green to dark purple leaves with numerous easily caducous bulbils on the teeth. The leaves vary in shape and size, from linear, narrowly spatulate, hastate, ovate to oblong, sometimes trilobate-hastate. They are up to 2 inches (5 cm) long and held in widely opposite pairs alternating 90 degrees from the last pair. Flowers are pale green to grey-green streaked with red-purple and hang downwards in terminal clusters in winter and spring.
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Kalanchoe care is minimal but be cautious about light levels. Intense sunlight can burn the tips of the leaves. Place pots in partial sun to light shade areas when growing Kalanchoes.
The flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the growing season. Water moderately from fall to winter when the growth is most active. Reduce watering during the hottest summer months when the plants are mostly dormant and winter when the growth slows down significantly. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. An ordinary potting soil mix is fine. Feed bi-weekly during the growing season with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.
These small plants require repotting every few years. When repotting, take additional care in handling as the leaves are somewhat brittle and can snap easily. Clay pots work exceptionally well for planting Kalanchoes. Ensure pots can drain well, and saucers can empty easily.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.
This species is native to southern and south-western Madagascar.
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