Kalanchoe marmorata aka Pen Wiper

Taxonomy

Kalanchoe marmorata, also known as the penwiper, is a succulent perennial native to Central and West Africa, specifically from Zaire to Ethiopia, Sudan, and Somalia. This plant, belonging to the family Crassulaceae, grows up to 40 cm tall and wide, displaying glaucous leaves with purple spots. In spring, it produces starry white, four-petalled flowers that may be tinged with pink. With a minimum temperature requirement of 12 °C, it is commonly grown as a houseplant under glass in temperate regions. The leaves of K. marmorata have a marbled surface, hence the Latin specific epithet "marmorata." This plant has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. The leaves of this succulent perennial are obovate, toothed, and purple-mottled, reaching a length of 20 cm. Its panicles bear white or pinkish flowers with slender tubes and spreading lobes, measuring up to 25 mm in length. Kalanchoe plants, including K. marmorata, are native to Madagascar and tropical Africa and exhibit a variety of leaf patterns, including rubbery green leaves, leopard print, and even fuzzy textures. The name "Kalanchoe" originates from the Cantonese pronunciation "Ka-lun-koh-ee." These plants have succulent leaves that store water, making them resilient during droughts and allowing for occasional missed waterings.

Common names

Pen Wiper, Penwiper Plant

How to care for Pen Wiper

Water

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

Soil

When it comes to the Pen Wiper, a potting soil that is too moist can cause problems. For this reason, it's important to use a soil mix that is well-draining and does not retain too much moisture. A soil that includes perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can achieve this by simply adding a few scoops of perlite to your store-bought cactus soil.

Lighting

Pen Wiper 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 Penwiper Plant will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Humidity

Pen Wiper enjoys dry environments, but misting the plant or providing extra humidity can create an environment for harmful fungi to thrive on the leaves.

Fertilizer

The Pen Wiper should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Pen Wiper’s native range is Madagascar and Tropical Africa.


More info:
Wikipedia