Scientific Name
Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi 'Variegata'
Common Name(s)
Aurora Borealis, Variegated Lavender Scallops
Synonym(s)
Bryophyllum fedtschenkoi f. variegatum, Bryophyllum fedtschenkoi 'Variegatum', Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi f. variegata, Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi 'Marginata', Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi f. marginata, Kalanchoe 'Aurora Borealis', Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi 'Rosy Dawn'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Bryophyllum
Origin
This succulent is a form of Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi selected for its variegated foliage.
Description
Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi 'Variegata', also known as Bryophyllum fedtschenkoi 'Variegatum', is a small shrubby succulent with lavender-gray-green with irregular cream-colored markings along the scalloped leaf margins on stems that spread out and root along the ground to form large colonies. It grows up to 20 inches (50 cm) tall. Leaves are thick and fleshy, up to 2 inches (5 cm) long and up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. Flowers are pendant, bell-shaped, up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long, and appear in late spring and early summer. They have yellow-green calyx with numerous red, purple, or blue lines and orange-red corolla with numerous red lines.
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 Bryophyllum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
Advertisements