Kalanchoe dinklagei

Native to Madagascar and commonly known as the “Madagascar Tree,” Kalanchoe dinklagei is a unique succulent plant with unique foliage, making it an eye-catching specimen. Usually grown as a large shrub 5-10 ft tall, it can reach heights of up to 20 ft and form a small tree.

Kalanchoe are sun-loving plants, and they thrive when given full sun exposure. When young, they can be grown in direct or diffused light, although direct sun in the late morning or early afternoon is recommended. Water should be moderate, minimum once a week in the growing season, but soil should be allowed to dry between waterings. Overwatering will cause yellowing and rotting of leaves and stems.

Kalanchoe dinklagei produces fragrant pink and white, off-white flowers in early spring. These flowers can cascade delicately down the sides of the container.

Kalanchoe dinklagei can be grown in USDA Zones 9-11 and is suitable for growing in containers. Keep in mind that in cooler climates, extreme temperatures should be avoided, so overwinter indoors or in a warm location. Plant Kalanchoe in well-draining, nutrient-rich potting soil, and in a pot that has drainage holes. Place the pot in an area where they can receive full sun, and remember to water moderately, allowing soil to dry between waterings. If you are growing Kalanchoe in a colder climate, you can move the pot indoors and maintain in a warm, humid environment. For best results, refrain from fertilizing too often as this can cause leaf urling.

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.

Kalanchoe figuereidoi, Kalanchoe humilis 'Figuereidoi'

Kalanchoe laciniata

Attractive divided leaves has a fleshy root. During late summer the yellowish-orange flowers appear. Kalanchoe laciniata is employed as an external medicine in India.

Kalanchoe luciae

This Kalanchoe has large paddle-shaped leaves which redden beautifully from the margins in direct sunlight. Leaves can grow to be 6 inches long and 3-4 inches wide. It will form a lovely clump over time. Very similar to Kalanchoe tetraphylla.

Kalanchoe marmorata, Kalanchoe grandiflora

Paddle shaped blue-green leaves with spectacular purple markings. Offsets and grows into beautiful clump. Produces large white flowers in clumps.

Kalanchoe millotii

Branched, hairy shrub;leaves covered with hairs; pink or yellow flowers. The young Kalanchoe millotii resemble a Cotyledon ladismithiensis.

Kalanchoe mortagei

Kalanchoe orgyalis

Silver-gray leaves take on a beautiful bronze "flocking" in ideal light. Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping.

Kalanchoe pumila

Kalanchoe pumila, commonly known as Blue Kalanchoe, is an ideal ornamental and low maintenance groundcover for USDA zones 9-11. It is a small, trailing succulent that typically grows between 2 to 4 feet tall and contains a bold contrast of stunning foliage with its stunning blue leaves, and pink wavy margins. It grows best in full sun or semi-shade environments, and requires moderate water and good drainage; in times of drought, water should be reduced and reduced again to prevent water-logging of the root systems and accompanying rot.

The Blue Kalanchoe is also highly valued for its small clusters of either red or deep crimson vinous flowers, attracting wildlife to the garden and bringing a beautiful contrast to the general summer garden planting. Its salt tolerant, making it ideal for seaside gardens, and generally drought tolerant attitude, makes it highly carefree and ideal for low-maintenance planting.

If you plan to grow your Blue Kalanchoe in a pot, then it is important to match the size of the pot to the size of the mature plant, reducing the drainage holes and with a decent quality potting mix. In cold regions, it is recommended to bring the potted plant inside over winter unless you have a nice warm and protected micro climate. Container plantings need less water, so over-watering can lead to root rot, while too little water may cause the succulent to collapse.

Overall, Kalanchoe pumila is a great option for low-maintenance groundcover that comes with great ornamental foliage and beautiful flowers. It is drought tolerant, salt tolerant and can thrive in full sun or semi-shade, with moderate water, making it ideal for most gardens, particularly for USDA zone 9-11. This is one of the most low-maintenance and rewarding plants you can have in the garden.