Scientific Name
Kalanchoe marmorata Baker
Common Names
Penwiper, Penwiper Plant, Spotted Kalanchoe
Synonyms
Kalanchoe grandiflora, Kalanchoe macrantha
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Kalanchoeae
Genus: Kalanchoe
Description
Kalanchoe marmorata is an attractive succulent, up to 4 feet (1.2 m) tall, with erect or decumbent stems and beautiful glaucous grey-green leaves often spotted with purple. The leaves are up to 8 inches (20 cm) long, and up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) wide. Flowers are star-shaped, white, sometimes tinged with pink, and appear winter to early spring in paniculate cymes to 1 foot (30 cm) long.
Photo via calphotos.berkeley.edu
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b: from 35 °F (+1.7 °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, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. They prefer warmth. Don't let 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.
Origin
Kalanchoe marmorata is native to Central and West Africa, from Zaire to Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia.
Links
- Back to genus Kalanchoe
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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