Kalanchoe longiflora aka Kalanchoe

Taxonomy

Kalanchoe longiflora, also known as Tugela Cliff-Kalanchoe or Long-Flower Kalanchoe, is a small, delicate, multicolored succulent that is packed with personality and beauty. This rare species is native to South Africa and is known for its multi-colored foliage and yellow flowers, which bloom in autumn and winter. Its fleshy, shell-shaped bluish-green leaves with small teeth and reddish-brown edges make it easy to identify. This succulent is relatively easy to care for, but it is also vulnerable and typically does not grow more than 16 inches (40 cm) high. Kalanchoe longiflora is part of the Kalanchoe genus, which is native to Madagascar and tropical Africa. These plants range from rubbery green leaves to leopard print and some are even fuzzy! The word "Kalanchoe" comes from the Cantonese name for these plants, pronounced Ka-lun-koh-ee in English. Their succulent leaves help store water during droughts, so they'll be just fine if you skip a watering or two (it happens!).

Common names

Kalanchoe, Long Leaf Kalanchoe

How to care for Kalanchoe

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Kalanchoe is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

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

Soil

The Kalanchoe is very susceptible to soil that is too wet, so it's essential to choose a potting soil that drains well and does not retain excessive moisture. A soil mix that includes plenty of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can easily create this type of soil by adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store.

Lighting

Kalanchoe 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 Long Leaf Kalanchoe will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

Kalanchoe prefers dry environments, but by misting the plant or providing extra humidity, water will linger on the leaves and create an ideal environment for fungi that could be harmful.

Fertilizer

Once the Kalanchoe has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Kalanchoe’s native range is Madagascar and Tropical Africa.


More info:
Wikipedia