Kalanchoe pumila aka Flower Dust Plant

Kalanchoe pumila is a small succulent. It belongs to the stonecrop family, Crassulaceae. It comes from east-central Madagascar, which has dry seasons. Kew lists its life form as an epiphyte. Gardeners call it dwarf kalanchoe or flower dust plant. It is an evergreen sub-shrub and keeps its leaves year-round. Its low, round shape suits use as a specimen plant.

The stems arch and bear pale leaves with white powder on their surface. The leaves look silver-grey and contrast with the pink blooms. Each leaf is obovate: its wider end points towards the tip. The RHS describes plants about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres] tall. The broader garden size range reaches 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] tall and wide. Plants take two to five years to reach their full size. The stems help form a bushy mound.

Small pink flowers grow in groups above the pale leaves. Each bloom has an urn shape and purple lines. It is about 0.03 feet [0.01 metres] long. Chicago Botanic Garden lists March to April as the bloom period. Its account also says flowers appear in the northern winter. Both the leaves and flowers add value to displays. The RHS suggests growing it in pots and patio containers. It also lists use in a greenhouse or conservatory.

Give it full light and a spot with shelter. Chicago Botanic Garden lists full sun as well as partial shade. The RHS says to grow it under glass with good airflow. Use peat-free, loam-based compost, and add sharp sand or grit. The mix should drain well and not hold excess water. Its listed soil range includes acid, neutral and alkaline soils. Give moderate water through the year, then less in winter. Use a balanced liquid feed two or three times during growth.

The RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H1B. This means it can grow outdoors in summer. Give it protection at other times of year. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 9–11. The plant needs no routine pruning. Grow new plants from offsets or seed. Sow seed in early spring at 19–21°C. Watch for mealybugs and aphids, which may attack the plant. Powdery mildew and rust can cause trouble too.