Scientific Name
Kalanchoe laetivirens Descoings
Synonym(s)
Bryophyllum laetivirens
Common Name(s)
Mother of Thousands, Mother of Millions
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Kalanchoeae
Genus: Kalanchoe
Etymology
The specific epithet "laetivirens" (pronounced "lay-tee-VY-rens") means "vivid green" or "richly green" and refers to the plant's leaf coloration.
Description
Kalanchoe laetivirens is an unusual succulent with a simple stem and large, green to bluish-green leaves, each with baby plantlets along the edges that give it a distinctive appearance. It can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall. The leaves are oblong to elliptic, measuring up to 6 inches (15 cm) long and 2.8 inches (7 cm) wide.
The flowers are greenish-white or greenish-yellow, tinged with pink to purplish-pink. They are bell-shaped and appear in many-flowered, corymbose cymes that can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall in early spring.
Kalanchoe laetivirens is similar to Kalanchoe daigremontiana but differs in its growth habit and the color and form of the leaves.
Origin
Kalanchoe laetivirens is native to Madagascar. Some authors suggest it is a natural hybrid resulting from a cross between Kalanchoe daigremontiana and Kalanchoe laxiflora, but no experimental evidence supports this claim.
How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe laetivirens
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20°F (-6.7°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Kalanchoe care is minimal, but watch light levels. Intense sunlight can burn leaf tips. Place pots in partial-sun to light-shade areas when growing Kalanchoes.
Flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful, long-lasting blooms. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the growing season. Water moderately from fall to winter when the growth is most active. Reduce watering during the hottest summer months, when plants are mostly dormant, and during winter, when growth slows significantly. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. An ordinary potting soil mix is fine. Feed bi-weekly during the growing season with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.
These small plants require repotting every few years. When repotting, handle them gently, as the leaves are somewhat brittle and can snap easily. Clay pots work exceptionally well for planting Kalanchoes. Make sure pots drain well, and their saucers can be emptied 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
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
