Scientific Name
Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi 'Painted Butterfly'
Common Name(s)
Rainbow Kalanchoe
Synonym(s)
Bryophyllum fedtschenkoi f. variegatum, Bryophyllum fedtschenkoi 'Variegatum', Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi 'Aurora Borealis', Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi 'Marginata', Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi f. variegata, Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi 'Variegata'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Kalanchoeae
Genus: Kalanchoe
Origin
Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi 'Painted Butterfly' is a form of Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi selected for its variegated foliage. The name was published by Harry Mak in "Photo Album of Succulents in Color 3" in 2003.
Description
Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi 'Painted Butterfly', usually sold as Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi 'Aurora Borealis', is a small shrubby succulent with lavender-gray-green leaves with irregular cream-colored markings along the scalloped margins. It can grow up to 20 inches (50 cm) tall. The stems spread out and root along the ground, forming large colonies. The leaves are thick and fleshy, obovate or obovate-oblong, with conspicuous teeth in the upper half and sometimes with bulbils on the margins. They can measure up to 2 inches (5 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.
The flowers are pendant, bell-shaped and appear in late spring and early summer, measuring up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long. They have yellow-green calyx with numerous red, purple, or blue lines and orange-red corolla with numerous red lines.
This form is also sold as Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi 'Variegata' or Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi 'Marginata'. A clone with markings in the center of the leaves, instead of the margins, is sold as Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi 'Rosy Dawn'.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Kalanchoe care is minimal, but be cautious about light levels. Intense southern light can burn the tips of the leaves. Place pots in partial sun to light shade areas when growing Kalanchoes.
The flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings. In winter, the soil can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. They prefer warmth. Don't let temperatures fall below 55 ºF (13 ºC). An ordinary potting soil mix is fine. Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.
These small plants require repotting every few years. When repotting, take additional care in handling as the leaves are somewhat brittle and can snap easily. Clay pots work exceptionally well for planting Kalanchoes. Ensure pots can drain well and saucers can empty easily.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.
Links
- Back to genus Kalanchoe
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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