Kalanchoe pinnata aka Cathedral Bells

Taxonomy

Kalanchoe pinnata, also known as cathedral bells, air plant, life plant, miracle leaf, and Goethe plant, is a succulent perennial plant that can grow up to 1m tall. It is native to Madagascar and has become naturalized in tropical and subtropical areas. The plant is distinctive for the miniature plantlets that form on the margins of its phylloclades, a trait it shares with some other members of the Bryophyllum genus (which is now included in Kalanchoe). The specific epithet "pinnata" comes from the Latin adjective pinnatus and means "winged, pinnate." The leaves of Kalanchoe plants are succulent and come in various textures and patterns, such as rubbery green, leopard print, and fuzzy. The Cantonese name for these plants is Ka-lun-koh-ee. These plants can store water in their leaves during droughts, making them resilient if you miss a watering or two.

Common names

Cathedral Bells, Miracle Leaf, Tree Of Life

How to care for Cathedral Bells

Difficulty

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

Water

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

Soil

To ensure the health of your Cathedral 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

Cathedral 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 Tree Of Life.

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

Cathedral 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 Cathedral 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

Cathedral Bells’s native range is Madagascar and Tropical Africa.


More info:
Wikipedia