Scientific Name
Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Cinnamon'
Synonym(s)
Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Monkey King'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Kalanchoeae
Genus: Kalanchoe
Origin
Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Cinnamon' is a sport of Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Chocolate Soldier' with darker leaves introduced by Altman Plants.
Description
Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Cinnamon' is a shrubby succulent with erect, basally woody stems and long, oval-shaped, rich russet leaves densely covered in fuzzy felt. It can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall, branching from the base. This plant has much darker leaves than Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Chocolate Soldier', but both have the same attractive flowers. The leaves become nearly black in full sun.
The flowers are golden ginger to copper and maroon, bell-shaped, have the same fuzzy coating as the rest of the plant, and appear in spring and summer.
How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Cinnamon'
Light: Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Cinnamon' grows best in full sun but usually appreciates some partial shade during the hot summer days. When growing indoors, place it near a window with indirect sunlight. If it does not receive enough light, it may stretch.
Soil: The plant needs soil that drains well and does not like "wet feet." A commercial potting mix for succulents will work well.
Temperature: Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Cinnamon' thrives in heat and humidity but cannot handle frosts. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: From spring to fall, water the plant thoroughly, but let the soil dry between watering as overwatering may cause stem rot. Reduce water during winter and only water it enough to prevent the leaves from shriveling.
Fertilizing: Fertilize occasionally during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half or quarter strength applied every two weeks.
Repotting: The plant thrives better when frequently repotted. For optimum growth, repot it every two years in spring. Go up one pot size every time you repot.
Propagation: Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Cinnamon' is easy to propagate by leaf and stem cuttings. For best results, take cuttings in spring.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe.
Toxicity of Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Cinnamon'
Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Cinnamon' is not toxic to people but should be kept away from pets because it may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and heart arrhythmias if consumed.
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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