Maureen Gilmer
Family
Crassulaceae
Botanical Name
KALANCHOE delagoensis
Plant Common Name
Madagascar Chandelier Plant
General Description
Vigorous and weedy, this shrubby Kalanchoe from southern Madagascar is among the easiest succulents to grow and the most difficult to control. It spreads prolifically by small plantlets that grow at the tips of the cylindrical, gray-green, maroon-blotched leaves. The plantlets drop to the ground and root, often invading neighboring areas of the garden or greenhouse. In winter and early spring plants bear candelabra-like clusters of magenta to orange, bell-shaped flowers that droop from the tips of long stalks. Hummingbirds flock to the flowers. Flower-producing stems die after blooming.
This frost-tender Kalanchoe is heat and drought tolerant, surviving in the most difficult soils. It makes a fine container plant, offering truly unique form and texture as well as vivid color. It can prove invasive in warm regions such as Australia and Hawaii, where it is considered a rank weed. Grow in full sun, with midday shade in hot climates.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Water Requirements
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Red, Orange, Magenta
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Gray Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Yes
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Attracts
Hummingbirds
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Self-Sowing
Yes
