Kalanchoe laxiflora (Milky Widow's Thrill)

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe laxiflora Baker

Common Names

Milky Widow's Thrill

Synonyms

Bryophyllum crenatum, Bryophyllum laxiflorum, Kalanchoe crenata, Kalanchoe laxiflora subsp. laxiflora, Kalanchoe tieghemii, Kitchingia laxiflora

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Kalanchoeae
Genus: Kalanchoe

Description

Kalanchoe laxiflora is a succulent subshrub up to 20 inches (50 cm) tall. The leaves are elliptically-shaped, gray or green, often tinged red, particularly along the margins with older leaves often a red-violet color. The inflorescence rises up to 1 foot (30 cm) or more above the plant bearing orange, bell-shaped flowers.

How to Grow and Care

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and 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, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC). An ordinary potting soil mix is fine. Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.

Many kinds of Kalanchoe will produce tiny plantlets along the leaf margins that can be individually potted up… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.

Origin

Native to Madagascar.

Links

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