Kalanchoe millotii aka Donkey Tears

Taxonomy

Kalanchoe millotii is a small, ornamental succulent plant native to the arid parts of Madagascar. It grows up to one foot tall and has hazy green, scalloped leaves covered in dense felt. The clusters of small, erect, greenish-yellow flowers bloom in summer. Like most succulents, it requires porous soil and can only tolerate light frost, preferring bright light or partial shade. Regular watering is only necessary during the summer or heatwaves, otherwise, weekly watering is sufficient. The Kalanchoe genus, which includes K. millotii, is known for its diversity with rubbery green leaves, leopard print, and fuzzy textures. These drought-smart plants are easy to grow and make fantastic houseplants. Kalanchoe gets its name from the Cantonese pronunciation, "Ka-lun-koh-ee."

Common names

Donkey Tears

How to care for Donkey Tears

Difficulty

Donkey Tears is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

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

Soil

The Donkey Tears 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.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Donkey Tears 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

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.

Humidity

Donkey Tears 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.

Fertilizer

The Donkey Tears 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.

Region of origin

Donkey Tears’s native range is Madagascar and Tropical Africa.


More info:
Wikipedia