Kalanchoe manginii aka Kalanchoe Freedom Bells

Taxonomy

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

How to care for Kalanchoe Freedom Bells

Difficulty

Kalanchoe Freedom Bells presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

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

Soil

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.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Kalanchoe Freedom Bells prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

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.

Humidity

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.

Fertilizer

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.

Region of origin

Kalanchoe Freedom Bells’s native range is Madagascar and Tropical Africa.


More info:
Wikipedia