Kalanchoe pumila aka Flower Dust Plant
Taxonomy
Kalanchoe pumila, also known as the Flower Dust Plant, is a small, clumping succulent that belongs to the stonecrop family Crassulaceae. This plant is native to Madagascar and produces clusters of purple-veined pink flowers in the spring. It grows up to 20 cm tall and 45 cm wide, forming a spreading, dwarf succulent subshrub with arching stems of frosted leaves. The oblong leaves of the Flower Dust Plant are covered in white, waxy hairs that give it a "dusty" look. The Latin specific epithet pumila means dwarf or low-growing. In temperate regions, it is grown under glass as a houseplant since its minimum temperature for cultivation is 12°C (54°F). The Kalanchoe genus includes a variety of plants with rubbery green leaves, leopard print, and some that are even fuzzy. The word Kalanchoe comes from the Cantonese name for these plants, pronounced Ka-lun-koh-ee in English. These succulent plants help store water during droughts, making them resilient to missed watering. The Flower Dust Plant has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Common names
Flower Dust Plant, Flower Dust, Succulent, Dwarf KalanchoeHow to care for Flower Dust Plant
Difficulty
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Flower Dust Plant due to its easy-going nature.
Water
Flower Dust Plant does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
The Flower Dust Plant 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
Flower Dust Plant 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 Succulent.
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
Flower Dust Plant 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 Flower Dust Plant 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
Flower Dust Plant’s native range is Madagascar and Tropical Africa.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Kalanchoe Genus
Kalanchoe manginii Kalanchoe Freedom Bells
Kalanchoe houghtonii Houghton's Hybrid
Kalanchoe synsepala Gremlin
Kalanchoe delagoensis Chandelier Plant
Kalanchoe prolifera Blooming Boxes
Kalanchoe laetivirens Mother Of Millions
Kalanchoe millotii Donkey Tears
