Kalanchoe velutina

Petals open in ranges of red, crimson, vinous flowers and yellow, orange colors. The flowering of Kalanchoe velutina is prolific and long-lasting.

Kalanchoe velutina also known as Velvet Leaf Kalanchoe is a small shrub native to South Africa known for its ethnomedical properties and breathtaking beauty. This pleasure shrub is suitable to many gardens and growing conditions, tolerating full sun and moderate water perfectly. It is an evergreen perennial shrub that grows to be 2-5 feet tall, with thick, fleshy rich green oval plush leaves, and produces profuse flowers in colors of red, crimson, and vinous. The trumpet shape petals come in a hue range from yellow, to orange, and even to white tones. Its flowering season is vibrant throughout the entire year with multitude of colors that attract both butterflies and hummingbirds.

Kalanchoe velutina requires minimal care and can grow easily indoors or outdoors in USDA Zone 9-11. Outdoor cultivated plants require moderate amount of water during the flowering period and very little amount during the winter season when the plant does not blossom. For outdoor plants, add a layer of mulch to the garden bed in order to maintain the water under the base of the plant. For indoor plants, place the pot in a location that receives full sun exposure and water as necessary when soil looks dry. In cold regions, it should be kept indoors during winter or cover the pot with insulation material to keep the temperature warm enough. Fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer every month will help the plant produce more flowers. Regular pruning and removal of wilted flowers is also advised in order to keep the plant healthy.

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)