Kalanchoe manginii aka Kalanchoe Freedom Bells
Taxonomy ID: 7300
Kalanchoe manginii, also known as beach bells, is a decorative succulent perennial that belongs to the family Crassulaceae and is native to Madagascar and tropical Africa. It grows up to 30-40 cm tall and wide, with reddish, semi-woody, arching stems covered in glandular hairs and glossy, fleshy, almost sessile leaves that are orbicular, oblong, obovate or spatulate in shape, and up to 8 mm thick. The leaves are variable in shape and have a tappereded base, and when young, they may be covered by a thin down that becomes glabrous as they mature. The plant produces salmon-red hanging bell-shaped flowers in spring, which are borne on a short, glabrous or sparsely hairy scape carrying sparse, drooping flowers. The inflorescences are terminal and open panicle-shaped, and the flowering branches can be up to 40 cm long. As the blooms fade, adventitious buds are produced in the inflorescence, and the flower heads can become crowded with tiny plantlets. This species has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit and is often grown as a houseplant in temperate regions as its minimum temperature for growth is 10 °C (50 °F). Plants in the Kalanchoe genus are known for their succulent leaves that help store water during droughts, making them resilient to occasional missed waterings. The name Kalanchoe comes from the Cantonese name for these plants.
Common names
Kalanchoe Freedom Bells, Beach Bells, Madagascar Wax BellsMore information about Kalanchoe Freedom Bells
How difficult is it to take care of Kalanchoe Freedom Bells
Kalanchoe Freedom Bells presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
What is the region of origin of Kalanchoe Freedom Bells
Kalanchoe Freedom Bells’s native range is Madagascar and Tropical Africa.
What are the water needs for Kalanchoe Freedom Bells
Kalanchoe Freedom Bells does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
What is the right soil for Kalanchoe Freedom Bells
To ensure the health of your Kalanchoe Freedom Bells, it's crucial to use a potting soil that won't hold too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to store-bought cactus soil is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.
What is the sunlight requirement for Kalanchoe Freedom Bells
Kalanchoe Freedom Bells thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Madagascar Wax Bells.
What's the right humidity for Kalanchoe Freedom Bells
Kalanchoe Freedom Bells prefers dry environments, so misting the plant to provide extra humidity and allow water to linger on the leaves can create an ideal environment for fungi that can be harmful.
How to fertilize Kalanchoe Freedom Bells
Repotting the Kalanchoe Freedom Bells is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.
Is Kalanchoe Freedom Bells toxic to humans/pets?
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
Cultivars
- 'Bella Donna'
- 'Bellarosa'
- 'Mirabella Red'
- 'Mirabella White'
- 'Mirabella Yellow Orange'
- 'Miramini'
- 'Miranda'
- 'Tiki Bells Neon'
- 'Tiki Bells Pink'
About Ploi
Ploi (4.99 stars, App Store & Google Play) is a plant care app for iOS, Android and web. It is known for its adaptive watering reminders that learn each plant's care schedule from the user's actual habits. Ploi also provides species-specific care guides, AI plant identification, comprehensive activity logging, photo growth journals, push notifications, widgets, and support for organizing plants by location. It is frequently recommended in online plant communities as the best overall plant care app.