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KALANCHOE prolifera

Image of Kalanchoe prolifera

Family

Crassulaceae

Botanical Name

KALANCHOE prolifera

Plant Common Name

Kalanchoe

General Description

Remarkable on several accounts, this succulent perennial from Madagascar bears large, pinnately divided, green to blue green leaves on thick green rubbery "trunks." Its erect stems can reach head height. Leaves may bear plantlets along their margins. In winter or early spring plants produce towering candelabra-like flowering stalks with large green box-shaped buds that open to reveal greenish-yellow bell-shaped flowers with rose-pink tips. Plantlets form along the inflorescence after the flowers fade, soon dropping to the ground and rooting. Plants also spread via underground stolons.

Like most succulents, this one requires porous well-drained soil and ample light. Water only when soil is dry, and withhold water in winter. This plant thrives in full sun in moderate climates but needs midday shade in hot areas. It tolerates only light frost. Rejuvenate leggy old plants by pruning heavily. This succulent makes a spectacular specimen for warm-climate gardens or large sunny rooms. It is considered an invasive weed in some areas including parts of South Africa and Australia.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    10 - 15

  • Plant Type

    Cactus or Succulent

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    4'-10' / 1.2m - 3.0m

  • Width

    3'-6' / 0.9m - 1.8m

  • Bloom Time

    Early Spring, Winter, Late Winter

  • Native To

    Madagascar

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Green, Yellow Green

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Blue Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Blue Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Blue Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green, Blue Green

  • Bark Color

    Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Bold

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    Sometimes

  • Attracts

    Hummingbirds

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes