Scientific Name
Kalanchoe 'Pink Butterflies'
Common Names
Pink Mother of Thousands
Synonyms
Bryophyllum' Pink Butterflies'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Kalanchoeae
Genus: Kalanchoe
Description
Kalanchoe 'Pink Butterflies' is an incredibly colorful, variegated form of Kalanchoe х houghtonii. The original hybrid is a cross between Kalanchoe daigremontiana and Kalanchoe delagoensis. The difference between the parent plant and K. 'Pink Butterflies' is that both parents of the original hybrid are "viviparous," producing hundreds of tiny plantlets on their leaves that readily fall from the parents and take root with little to no effort. K. 'Pink Butterflies' while still producing copious quantities of tiny, pink, butterfly-like plantlets on its leaves, have lost their ability to root from plantlets. Sometimes a couple might take, but in general, no. They are pink because they lack chlorophyll. Thus like any variegated plant that lacks chlorophyll, they simply die.
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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. Strong 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 'Pink Butterflies' is a variegated form of an old hybrid that was hard to track down its heritage. The original hybrid Kalanchoe х houghtonii was a cross between Kalanchoe daigremontiana and Kalanchoe delagoensis. At some point, a variegated sport of this hybrid appeared, and K. 'Pink Butterflies' came to be.
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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