Scientific Name
Kalanchoe 'Fang'
Synonym(s)
Kalanchoe beharensis 'Fang', Kalanchoe × edwardii 'Fang'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Kalanchoeae
Genus: Kalanchoe
Etymology
The cultivar name "Fang" refers to fang-like tubercles on the undersides of the leaves.
Origin
Kalanchoe × edwardii 'Fang', or simply Kalanchoe 'Fang', is one of the two well-known cultivars selected from Kalanchoe × edwardii, an old hybrid resulting from a cross between Kalanchoe beharensis and Kalanchoe tomentosa. The other cultivar is Kalanchoe 'Roseleaf'. This cultivar was named by Frans Noltee. Although it has long been thought to be a cultivar of Kalanchoe beharensis, it is often sold as Kalanchoe beharensis 'Fang'.
Description
Kalanchoe 'Fang' is a bushy succulent with upright, stocky stems and silvery green leaves with a velvety coating and lower surface textured with tubercles that resemble sharp teeth. It can grow up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall. The leaves are fleshy, cupped, long-stalked, deltoid with serrated margins, symmetrically arranged as in a cross, and can measure up to 4 inches (10 cm) long. They are often brownish on the upper surface, with margins highlighted with brown markings.
The flowers are urn-shaped, with nearly white to pale yellow petals with pinkish-purple striations. In summer, they appear in many-flowered panicles on upright stalks.
Kalanchoe 'Fang' is quite similar to Kalanchoe 'Roseleaf', which lacks the tubercles on the back of the leaves.
How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe 'Fang'
Light: K. 'Fang' grows best in full sun but usually appreciates some partial shade in the heat of the summer days. Indoors, place your plant near a window with indirect sunlight. The plant will stretch if it does not receive enough light.
Soil: Like most succulents, K. 'Fang' does not like "wet feet" and needs well-draining soil. Commercial potting mixes for succulent plants will work fine.
Temperature: This plant thrives in heat and humidity but cannot handle frosts. K. 'Fang' can withstand temperatures as low as 25 °F (-3.9 °C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b, 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C).
Watering: Water thoroughly from spring to fall, but let the soil dry between waterings, as overwatering may cause stem rot. Reduce watering during winter; water just enough to prevent the leaves from shriveling.
Fertilizing: K. 'Fang' benefits from occasional fertilizing during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer diluted to half or quarter strength applied every two weeks.
Repotting: This 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: K. 'Fang' is easily propagated by leaf and stem cuttings. Spring is the best time to take cuttings.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.
Toxicity of Kalanchoe 'Fang'
K. 'Fang is not toxic to people but should be kept away from pets because consuming it may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and heart arrhythmias.
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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