Kalanchoe 'Pink Butterflies'

Scientific Name

Kalanchoe 'Pink Butterflies'

Synonym(s)

Bryophyllum 'Pink Butterflies'

Common Name(s)

Pink Mother of Thousands

Scientific Classification

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

Description

Kalanchoe 'Pink Butterflies' is an attractive succulent known for its vibrant colors and the unique ability to produce numerous tiny plantlets along the serrated margins of its leaves, resembling pink butterflies. However, unlike the original hybrid Kalanchoe × houghtonii, these plantlets have lost their ability to root. While a few, which may display some color (though not pink), might manage to root, the majority do not, making this plant non-invasive and easy to care for. The pink color of these plantlets comes from 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.

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'.

How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe 'Pink Butterflies'

Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).

Kalanchoe care is minimal, but be cautious about light levels. Intense sunlight can burn the leaf tips. When growing Kalanchoes, place pots in partial sun to light shade areas.

Flowering varieties are highly rewarding, with colorful, long-lasting blooms. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the growing season. Water moderately from fall through winter, when 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 biweekly during the growing season with a liquid fertilizer or slow-release pellets.

These small plants require repotting every few years. When repotting, handle with extra care, 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.

Photo Gallery

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