Kalanchoe farinacea

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Kalanchoe farinacea, or Mealy Kalanchoe, is a small shrub native to the island of Socotra in South Yemen. Growing up to a maximum of 5 feet in height, the plant has simple, fleshy, oblong leaves measuring up to 1 inch in length. Its striking beauty comes from its red, crimson, and often vinous flowers, which tend to be located mostly in the upper part of the plant and can be seen in the summer and winter months.

Caring for a Mealy Kalanchoe is relatively straightforward. When planting, it is best to give the shrub full sun and semi-shade, although it can survive in full shade as well. Watering should be moderate and when temperatures drop, you should reduce the amount of water given to the shrub and make sure the soil is dry before watering again. The plant can survive in dry conditions, but make sure never to let it dry out completely.

In colder regions, Mealy Kalanchoe can be grown in a pot, however you should take extra care when doing so. Make sure you keep the pot moist but not wet, and move it to a sheltered area that is free from extreme cold temperatures. It is also important that the pot has drainage holes so that the soil doesn't get waterlogged as this could prove detrimental to the plant's health.

Mealy Kalanchoe thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones of 9-11, although you may see some success in Zone 8, with a bit of extra care. If you are looking for a striking and vibrant addition to your garden, the Mealy Kalanchoe is an excellent choice. With the proper care and attention, you can get many years of enjoyment from these plants.

Similar plants:

• Bryophyllum beauverdii, Kalanchoe beauverdii (Kalanchoe)
• Bryophyllum daigremontianum, Kalanchoe crenato-daigremontiana, Kalanchoe daigremontiana (Mother of Thousands, Mother of Millions, Devils Backbone, Mexican Hat Plant)
• Bryophyllum delagoense, Kalanchoe delagoensis, Kalanchoe tubiflora, Bryophyllum tubiflorum, Bryophyllum verticillatum (Chandelier plant)
• Bryophyllum fedtchenkoi, Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi (Kalanchoe)
• Bryophyllum gastonis-bonnieri, Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri, Kalanchoe adolph-engleri, Bryophyllum adolph-engleri (Giant kalanchoe, Donkey Ears; Life Plant; Miracle Leaf; Sprouting Leaf; Sprout Leaf Plant; Leaf of Life; Good Luck Leaf, Tree Of Life)
• Bryophyllum pinnatum, Kalanchoe pinnata, Bryophyllum calycinum (Bahamas Breath Plant, Hawaiian Air Plant)
• Bryophyllum proliferum, Kalanchoe prolifera (Blooming Boxes)
• Kalanchoe beharensis (Velvet Leaf)
• Kalanchoe blossfeldiana (Flaming Katy, Christmas Kalanchoe, Florist Kalanchoe)
• Kalanchoe blossfeldiana hybrids (Kalanchoe, Christmas Kalanchoe)