Kalanchoe is endemic to the shady and partially desert regions of Saudi Arabia, Yemen, South and Central Africa, Madagascar, Australia and Asia. It is also found in tropical America. Although most Kalanchoe flower, there is at least one species which rarely flowers and does not reproduce through seeds. Instead Mother of Thousands drops many tiny plantlets from the edges of its leaves.
Kalanchoe species are succulents, climbers, and even small trees, often grown as house plants or in rock gardens. Most flower easily.
| Plant Types: | Interior Plant, Perennial, Succulent |
| Light: | Shade to Partial Sun |
| Height: | 1 foot to 1 foot 8 inches |
| Width: | 8 inches to 1 foot |
| Zones: | 11a to 15b |
| Bloom Color: | Orange, Pink, Red, White, Yellow |
| Bloom Seasons: | Early spring, Mid spring, Mid winter, Late winter |
| Leaf Color: | Blue, Green |
| Special Features: | Attractive foliage, Not North American native |
| Shape: | Rounded |
| Type of Soil Preferred: | Acidic, Loamy, Neutral, Sandy, Slightly-Alkaline, Well-Drained |
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The Maternity Plant (K. daigremontiana) is especially easy to propagate. Another common name is Mother of Thousands. This is because plantlets form at the margins of the leaves. These plantlets can easily drop off and quickly propagate themselves.
Plant height varies depending on the species. Kalanchoes are generally grown as potted, indoor plants, but can be grown outdoors in climates that have mild winters. Grows best in partial shade.
Flowers are borne in cymes-like or corymb-like panicles.
Kalanchoe does well in well-draining soil that is humus-rich and medium fertile.
During growth, implement a balanced liquid fertlizer 3-4 times.
Slugs and snails can cause permanent leaf damage. Mealybugs and aphids are also a problem. Other issues include powdery mildew, bacterial soft rot, fasciation, virus disease, crown rot, root rot, and leaf spots.