Kalanchoe kewensis aka Elk Antlers

Kalanchoe × kewensis is an easy-to-grow succulent suitable for beginners. It tolerates neglect well, is drought-resistant, and doesn't require frequent attention. The main requirements are adequate bright light and well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering, which is the most common cause of problems with this plant.

Kalanchoe × kewensis typically reaches 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) in height and 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) in width, though it can potentially grow up to 1-4 feet tall under optimal conditions. It has a moderate growth rate and develops short, erect stems topped with its distinctive antler-shaped leaves. Eventually, the growing point transforms into a flower stem.

Kalanchoe × kewensis thrives in temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C), with an ideal range of 68-86°F (20-30°C). It is not frost-hardy and should be kept above 50°F (10°C). Interestingly, cooler temperatures (while staying above the minimum) can enhance the wine-colored edges on the bronze-green leaves, adding to its ornamental appeal.

Kalanchoe × kewensis produces attractive pink flowers in late winter to spring, typically after experiencing a period of short days. The pink blooms represent a blend of its parents' red (K. glaucescens) and white (K. bentii) flowers. As a short-day plant, it requires 12-14 hours of darkness daily for about 6 weeks to initiate flowering. The growing point eventually transforms into the flower stem.

Kalanchoe × kewensis propagates easily through leaf cuttings and stem cuttings. Select healthy, plump leaves or stems and make clean cuts with sterilized tools. Keep soil barely moist and provide bright, indirect light. The plant may also produce offsets around the base that can be separated and potted individually.

Prune Kalanchoe × kewensis after flowering has finished to encourage fresh growth. Spring is the ideal time for maintenance pruning when the plant is actively growing. Cut back leggy stems to a leaf node to promote bushier growth. Use sharp, sterilized shears to prevent disease. After pruning, provide bright indirect light and hold off on fertilizing for about a week.

Repot Kalanchoe × kewensis every 1-2 years in fresh well-draining potting mix. The best time to repot is after flowering. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one and ensure it has drainage holes. When repotting, gently remove the plant and inspect roots, pruning any damaged or crowded roots. Use a cactus/succulent mix amended with perlite for optimal drainage.

The most common pests affecting Kalanchoe are mealybugs (appearing as white cottony masses), scale insects (brown or white bumps), and aphids (small soft-bodied insects clustering on new growth). Control mealybugs by dabbing with rubbing alcohol. Remove scale by scraping or using horticultural oil. Wash aphids off with water or use insecticidal soap. Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal issues.

In spring and summer, Kalanchoe × kewensis actively grows and may flower. Water when soil is dry and provide bright light. In fall, reduce watering and provide 12-14 hours of darkness daily for 6 weeks if you want to encourage reblooming. In winter, the plant enters a rest period—minimize watering significantly and keep temperatures above 50°F (10°C). Resume normal care when you see new growth in spring.

Kalanchoe × kewensis is itself a hybrid variety created at Kew Gardens in 1901 from Kalanchoe bentii × Kalanchoe glaucescens. The hybrid displays notable foliage variability, ranging from simple leaves to deeply lobed pinnatifid forms. Individual plants may show different degrees of the distinctive 'elk antler' or 'harpoon' leaf shapes that the species is known for, though these are variations within the same hybrid rather than distinct cultivars.

Kalanchoe × kewensis can grow outdoors year-round in USDA zones 9b-12 where temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). In colder climates, it should be grown as a container plant and brought indoors before frost. Outdoors, provide bright light with some protection from intense afternoon sun. It's excellent for rock gardens, succulent beds, or containers in warm climates.

Yellow leaves on Kalanchoe × kewensis typically indicate overwatering, which causes root rot and prevents nutrient uptake. Allow soil to dry completely between waterings. Other causes include insufficient light (move to a brighter location), nutrient deficiency (fertilize lightly in growing season), or natural leaf aging on lower leaves. Check roots for rot if yellowing persists despite correcting watering habits.

Drooping in Kalanchoe × kewensis usually indicates either underwatering (leaves become soft and wrinkled) or overwatering with root rot (leaves are soft but soil is wet). Check soil moisture—if dry, water thoroughly. If soil is wet and roots are brown/mushy, repot in fresh dry soil after trimming affected roots. Extreme temperatures and insufficient light can also cause drooping.

Elk Antlers’s native range is Madagascar and Tropical Africa.

Elk Antlers does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

The Elk Antlers is delicate when it comes to soil that is too damp, therefore, it is crucial to select a potting soil that has efficient drainage and doesn't hold an excessive amount of moisture. An ideal soil should consist of a substantial amount of perlite or vermiculite for proper drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. Mixing a few handfuls of perlite with commercially available cactus soil should produce the desired result.

Elk Antlers requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Elk Antlers will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Elk Antlers thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.

The Elk Antlers should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.