CHARLES REYNOLDS: Kalanchoe both handsome and popular
Mother-of-millions is the common name for Kalanchoe delagoensis, but it could also apply to Kalanchoes such as K. prolifica and pinnata, which generate multitudes of buds on their leaf edges. Those buds develop into tiny plantlets that soon fall and take root in the landscape, greenhouse and neighboring pots when cultivated indoors. But in addition to those three species — which are quite attractive — about 150 other Kalanchoes are native to semi-arid regions of Africa, Madagascar, India and Arabia. Incidentally, Kalanchoe is pronounced kay-lan-KO-ee.
Among species, plants range from ground-hugging creepers to 20-foot trees. The most commonly cultivated is Kalanchoe blossfeldiana from Madagascar. This foot-tall, densely branched plant — called Christmas kalanchoe and flaming Katie — is common in our landscapes, bearing orange, white, yellow, red or pink flowers in winter and spring. It grows well in sun, part-day sun or bright shade and is fairly frost tolerant.
Another handsome and popular Kalanchoe is flapjack plant (K. thyrsiflora). This eye-catcher from South Africa develops broad, wedge-shaped, gray-green leaves with red margins. A cold-hardy plant for sunny, well-drained sites, it eventually forms a trunk and can grow up to 4 feet tall. Yellow bell-shaped flowers appear in winter.
Numerous Kalanchoes have attractively patterned foliage, but K. marmorata is particularly pretty. An African species known as penwiper plant, its blue-green leaves are liberally marked with dark speckles — but only in bright light. Plants can adapt to indirect light, but those contrasting colors will fade away. The white, warm-season blossoms of this hardy species appear on branched stalks. A very similar, though less hardy Kalanchoe is K. humilis, with purple bands on gray or golden leaves.
Extremely variable and available in several forms is panda plant — K. tomentosa — with ‘’tomentosa’’ referring to its fuzzy foliage. Although wild plants of this small, shrubby species have appealing blue-gray leaves, a variety called Chocolate Soldier features olive-green foliage ornamented with dark-brown leap tips. Although the species doesn’t sucker, it may seem like it because mature leaves that fall soon develop plantlets that root and grow around the parent plant.
In general, Kalanchoes appreciate bright light, warmth and well-drained soil. For potted specimens — clay containers are best — use soil formulated for cactus and succulents, and blend in extra perlite. Fertilize during periods of growth with Schultz Cactus Plus. Most Kalanchoes can be propagated with leaf cuttings.
Charles Reynolds, a Winter Haven resident, has an associate’s degree in horticulture and is a member of Garden Writers Association of America. He can be reached at ballroom16@aol.com