Kalanchoe millotii aka Donkey Tears

Taxonomy ID: 5184

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, Devils Backbone

More information about Donkey Tears

How difficult is it to take care of Donkey Tears

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

What is the region of origin of Donkey Tears

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

What are the water needs for Donkey Tears

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

What is the right soil for Donkey Tears

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.

What is the sunlight requirement for Donkey Tears

Donkey Tears 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 Donkey Tears will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

What's the right humidity for Donkey Tears

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.

How to fertilize Donkey Tears

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.

Is Donkey Tears toxic to humans/pets?

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.

More info:
Wikipedia • GBIF

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