Kalanchoe delagoensis 'Monstruosa' produces fewer plantlets than the normal form, so you do not have to worry about them sprouting up randomly in your garden.
Scientific Name
Kalanchoe delagoensis 'Monstruosa'
Accepted Scientific Name
Kalanchoe delagoensis Eckl. & Zeyh.
Synonym(s)
Kalanchoe delagoensis f. monstruosa, Kalanchoe tubiflora f. monstruosa, Kalanchoe tubiflora 'Monstruosa'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Kalanchoeae
Genus: Kalanchoe
Origin
This plant is a form of Kalanchoe delagoensis selected for its mutated growth. The species is native to Madagascar.
Description
Kalanchoe delagoensis 'Monstruosa', also known as Kalanchoe tubiflora 'Monstruosa', is a weird succulent with a simple erect stem that bears sub-cylindrical leaves. The stem can grow up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall and may have short sterile shoots at the base. The leaves are grey-green to reddish-green with reddish-brown blotches and are typically smaller than the leaves of the normal form. Unlike the normal form, they usually do not produce plantlets at the ends. However, some leaves can produce plantlets that grow into new monstrose plants.
During winter, the plant produces bell-shaped flowers ranging from reddish-violet and red to pale orange and yellow, suffused with red. The flowers are up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long and hang in clusters at the top of the stem.
How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe delagoensis 'Monstruosa'
Light: Kalanchoe delagoensis 'Monstruosa' grows best in full sun but usually appreciates some partial shade during the hot summer days. When growing indoors, place it near a window with indirect sunlight. If it does not receive enough light, it may stretch.
Soil: The plant needs soil that drains well and does not like "wet feet." A commercial potting mix for succulents will work well.
Temperature: Kalanchoe delagoensis 'Monstruosa' thrives in heat and humidity but cannot handle frosts. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: From spring to fall, water the plant thoroughly, but let the soil dry between watering as overwatering may cause stem rot. Reduce water during winter and only water it enough to prevent the leaves from shriveling.
Fertilizing: Fertilize occasionally during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half or quarter strength applied every two weeks.
Repotting: The plant thrives better when frequently repotted. For optimum growth, repot it every two years in spring. Go up one pot size every time you repot.
Propagation: Kalanchoe delagoensis 'Monstruosa' can be easily propagated by plantlets that develop at the end of some leaves. Spring is the best time to separate the plantlets.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.
Toxicity of Kalanchoe delagoensis 'Monstruosa'
Kalanchoe delagoensis 'Monstruosa' is not toxic to people but should be kept away from pets because it may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and heart arrhythmias if consumed.
Links
- Back to genus Kalanchoe
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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