Scientific Name
Kalanchoe 'Pink Butterflies'
Common Name(s)
Pink Mother of Thousands
Synonym(s)
Bryophyllum 'Pink Butterflies'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Kalanchoeae
Genus: Kalanchoe
Origin
Kalanchoe 'Pink Butterflies' is a variegated sport of an old hybrid whose heritage is difficult to trace. The original hybrid Kalanchoe 'Hybrida' (now Kalanchoe × houghtonii) is a result of a cross between Kalanchoe daigremontiana and Kalanchoe delagoensis.
At some point, this sport appeared, and Kalanchoe 'Pink Butterflies' came to be. The Huntington Botanical Gardens distributed it as ISI 2003-32. In 2006, Steve Jankalski suggested the name Kalanchoe 'Pink Sparkler'. However, in 2007, Gordon Rowley noticed that Harry Mak had already named this plant Kalanchoe 'Pink Butterflies' in his Photo Album of Succulents in Color, Vol. 3 (2003).
Kalanchoe × houghtonii 'Fujicho', as published in Hirose & Yokoi (1998), is likely identical to Kalanchoe 'Pink Butterflies'.
Description
Kalanchoe 'Pink Butterflies' is an attractive succulent plant known for its vibrant colors and unique characteristic of producing numerous tiny plantlets along the serrated margins of its leaves, which resemble pink butterflies. However, these plantlets have lost their ability to root. While a few with some color (not pink) may root, most do not, making this plant non-invasive and easy to manage. The pink color of these plantlets is due to their lack of chlorophyll, which gives them their distinctive appearance. As with any variegated plant that lacks chlorophyll, these plantlets will eventually die.
The stem of Kalanchoe 'Pink Butterflies' is erect and unbranched, growing up to 30 inches (75 cm) tall. The leaves range in color from emerald green to brownish-green, usually with purple splotches beneath.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
How to Grow and Care
Kalanchoe care is minimal, but be cautious about light levels. Intense sunlight can burn the tips of the leaves. When growing Kalanchoes, place pots in partial sun to light shade areas.
The flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. 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, take additional care when 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 quickly.
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
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