Scientific Name
Kalanchoe sexangularis N.E. Br.
Common Name(s)
Six-angled Kalanchoe
Synonym(s)
Kalanchoe mocambicana, Kalanchoe mossambicana, Kalanchoe rogersii, Kalanchoe rubinea, Kalanchoe sexangularis var. intermedia, Kalanchoe vatrinii, Kalanchoe vatrinii var. intermedia
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Kalanchoeae
Genus: Kalanchoe
Origin
Kalanchoe sexangularis is native to South Africa, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe. It grows on rocky slopes, usually in the shade or semi-shade of trees or shrubs.
Description
Kalanchoe sexangularis is a sparse succulent shrublet with few erect or decumbent, reddish branches that bear broadly elliptic to ovate, green to deep ruby-red leaves with strongly scalloped margins. It grows up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall. The leaves are folded lengthwise and more or less recurved, up to 4.8 inches (12 cm) long and up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) wide.
The flowers are yellowish green and yellow and appear in a much-branched, up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall inflorescence in winter and spring. The inflorescence is a flat-topped thyrse with several dichasia.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °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. 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 growing season. Water moderately from fall to winter when the growth is most active. Reduce watering during the hottest summer months when the plants are mostly dormant and winter when the growth slows down 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 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.
Links
- Back to genus Kalanchoe
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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