KALANCHOE

Description

Prized for its vivid colors, long vase life and symbolic meanings, Kalanchoe is the ideal perennial for any flower enthusiast—especially if you are someone who lacks green thumbs! A native of the tropics of Madagascar, Asia and Africa, Kalanchoe is known for its exotic blooms, showy foliage and carefree maintenance. Since they are considered succulents, Kalanchoe plants are particularly easy to care for due to the structure of their foliage. Their thick and sturdy leaves allow them to store their own moisture, which means they can survive well with minimal water.

A member of the Crassulaceae family, the Kalanchoe genus consists of about 125 herbaceous perennials and shrubs available in different shapes, sizes and colors. Its name is derived from the Chinese word “kalan chau” meaning that which falls and grows. This likely refers to the plantlets that drop from the stems of many species, which highlights the plant’s asexual reproductive traits.

Kalanchoe was commercialized in the 20th century after German hybridiser and botanist, Robert Blossfeld, discovered it in Madagascar and brought it to Germany in 1932. From there, its uses exploded in popularity in Europe, and Kalanchoe became a staple feature in folk medicine and home gardens. As a result of the plant’s extensive breeding in the 1960s and 1970s, Kalanchoe became available in many more cultivars of differing colors. Today, it serves a favored houseplant and innovative cut flower in contemporary designs—given its enormous availability of colors, easy maintenance and incredible vase life of up to eight weeks. Kalanchoe is especially sought after during the winter season, as many cherish its festive flower colors that can kick away their winter blues. This explains the plant’s common names of Christmas Kalanchoe and flaming Katy (referencing the flowers’ bright colors). Many varieties have also become traditional in Chinese New Year celebrations, given that the Kalanchoe is universally symbolic of wealth, prosperity and persistence.

Its bushy plants are treated as hardy perennials (and sometimes shrubs or annuals) that typically grow to 45 cm in height and up to 50 cm wide. Their stems feature large, dark green leaves that are waxy (or hairy) in texture and have scalloped edges. These are typically laid oppositely along the stems. Located in clustered umbels above the foliage, its tubular-shaped flowers come in a variety of colors and usually feature four petals (or more in double flowering varieties). These dainty blooms are not usually fragrant, but do contain high levels of cardiac glycosides, a substance that is toxic to animals when consumed. So, make sure to keep Kalanchoe plants away from your furry friends! Some species also produce clonal plantlets from the base of the plant or along the leaves' margins.

Most ornamental cultivars are grown for commercial reasons, and are likely hybrids derived from Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, K. flammea or K. pumila species. The cultivars of K. blossfeldiana are usually flowering types and distinguished by their colorful blooms, which are extremely popular during the winter. Popular among floral designers today, the award-winning Queen® Kalanchoe series offers cut varieties that are favored for their abundantly large blossoms, longevity and great color availability. Presently, new hybrid cultivars are continuously being bred to create a wider range of colors and variegated leaf-types.

Kalanchoe makes a lovely addition to any modern floral arrangement or outdoor garden. In indoor temperatures, they bear incredibly well as cut flowers (lasting 14–21 days). In seasonal arrangements, Kalanchoe pairs well with other bold blooms like Anthurium. In wedding florals, Kalanchoe is also quite versatile; its delicate looks are only matched by its hardy resilience, making it an ideal, long-lasting accent in bridal bouquets and centerpieces. For outdoor settings, potted versions add fabulous pops of color and visual interest. The only thing you have to be careful about is not overwatering them, but other than that, you should be able to enjoy their exotic beauty for many seasons to come.

Colors: Red, pink, yellow, green, orange, white, lilac, coral, salmon, bi-colors

Special Care

Select compact plants with a good volume of flowers, about half of which should be open at the time of purchasing. The plants’ leaves should be unmarked and uniformly green in color. Avoid any plants with blotchy or reddish leaves, as this could be a sign of stress, or those whose side shoots surpass the terminal buds. 

Kalanchoe can be stored for three to six days at 40–50ºF (4–10ºC); storage at low temperatures can delay ethylene-induced disorders. Cut flowers or potted typed inside the home should be displayed in a bright, moderately cool location at 60–75ºF (15–24ºC) and away from ethylene gas. Before watering potted plants, allow the pot to dry slightly. Flowering varieties prefer warm, sunny locations, especially during the summer growing season.

Overall, Kalanchoe is a very hardy and forgiving cut (or potted) flower that requires very little intensive care. Nonetheless, in your general maintenance routine, continually prune back dead flowers or foliage. Also watch out for signs of water distress on the plant’s fleshy leaves, which will wilt, yellow or curl to indicate over or under watering.

Fun Facts:

• The genus name is a latinised adaptation of the Chinese word “kalan chau” meaning that which falls and grows. This likely references the plant’s asexual reproductive trait.

• The plant’s epithet is a tribute to German seed merchant and hybridiser, Robert Blossfeld, who discovered the plant in Madagascar and later introduced it to Potsdam, Germany in 1932. Thanks in part to Danish and Dutch breeders, its use and popularity spread globally from there. Today, it remains a top-selling potted plant in Europe, especially in Germany, Switzerland and Denmark.

• The most common Kalanchoe species include Kalanchoe tomentosa (panda plant), K. marmorata (penwiper plant), K. beharensis (velvet leaf or felt bush) and K. daigremontiana (devil’s backbone or mother of thousands). A range of colorful flowering hybrids have been derived from K. blossfeldiana (florist’s Kalanchoe); these are widely marketed and sold during the winter season for their vivid blossom colors (hence the common names, Christmas Kalanchoe and flaming Katy) that can kick away those winter blues.

• In home gardens, do not discard Kalanchoe plants after their bloom cycle is finished! Simply snip off the flowering heads, let the plants rest with reduced water and resume their normal care. The plants should flower again naturally in spring.

• The plant’s common relatives include Tillandsia (air plant), Sempervivum (hens and chicks) and Sedum (stonecrop).

• Some species of Kalanchoe have been used in folk medicine in many regions of the world, specifically Latin America, Asia and Africa. The plant contains medicinal properties that can remedy different kinds of infections, inflammation and rheumatism. Its most noteworthy use is in the treatment of cancer; its foliage contains an organic compound that stops the proliferation, self-renewal and spreading of certain cancer cells.

• Kalanchoe plants should come with a warning! The plant (particularly its blossoms) contains a substance called cardiac glycosides, which is toxic to animals. In South Africa and Australia, where Kalanchoe grows wildly, cattle and sheep poisonings are very common. Therefore, those utilizing Kalanchoe in arrangements or home gardens should be cautious of household pets—like cats, dogs and birds—coming into contact with these beautiful, but potentially deadly, plants. If you have pets, you may want to select a safer alternative, or place your Kalanchoe plants in an area of the home where your furry friends don’t go.

• As a plant that is endemic to Southeast Asia (including China), Kalanchoe has become a staple in Chinese New Year celebrations. For the Chinese, the plant is known as “thousands and millions of red and purple.” Aside from its conspicuous beauty, it is favored for its symbolism of wealth and prosperity, all of which are well-wishes typical of the holiday.

• Kalanchoe is out of this world—literally! It remains one of the first documented plants to be sent to outer space. In 1971, Kalanchoe seeds were sent on a resupply vehicle to the Soviet Salyut 1 space station in order to cheer up the astronauts onboard, who struggled with loneliness and depression during their time in space. They treasured these little seedlings so much that they named Kalanchoe the “life tree” and made sure it was always in the picture during television broadcasts from the station.

• Kalanchoe has been awarded with the prestigious Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society in the U.K.

• Given its low-maintenance nature and vast availability of brilliant colors, Kalanchoe has become an incredibly popular cut flower and garden ornamental. It’s especially favored for its long vase life; flowering Kalanchoe plants can last upwards of eight weeks. This endurance contributes to the plant’s additional meanings of persistence and everlasting love.