Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi
Common Names: South American air plant, lavender-scallops, gray
sedum
Family: Crassulaceae (orpine Family)
Perennial Cactus Drought Tolerant Easy to grow - great for
beginners! Can be Grown in Containers Grows Well Indoors. Has
evergreen foliage Has Unusual or Interesting Foliage Flowers
Description
South American air plant is a perennial succulent with upright
flowering stems and decumbent, spreading sterile (non-flowering)
stems that take root wherever they lie on the ground. It grow to
about 2 ft (0.6 m) tall and half as wide. The glabrous (hairless)
blue green leaves are thick and fleshy. They are oblong, and 1-2 in
(2.5-5.1 cm) in length with 2-8 conspicuous teeth around the edges.
The purple or reddish brown flowers are bell shaped, about 3/4 in
(1.9 cm) long and hang in loose clusters from upright stems.
Location
Despite the misleading common name, the South American air plant is
native to Madagascar. Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi has escaped cultivation
and become established in parts of South Florida (and perhaps South
America, too!)
Culture
Light: Grow South American air plant in partial shade. Indoors, it
does best in bright light, but not direct sun through a window.
Moisture: Requires moderate watering during the growing season and
very little water in the winter.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 9B - 12. South American air plant cannot
tolerate hard freezes.
Propagation: Stem cuttings are easy to root. Even a single leaf
stuck into the soil or potting medium will take root!
Usage
South American air plant is used as a ground cover in South Florida.
It also is used in cactus/succulent or rock gardens. In colder
climates, South American air plant is often seen as a potted
houseplant. Note that South American air plants have a tendency to
spread and leaves that break off can start new plants in adjacent
pots.
Features
There are some 200 species of Kalanchoe, and many are popular
container plants. |
