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. It was introduced by Altman Plants, although the specific introduction date is not provided.
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 branches from the base and can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. 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 bell-shaped flowers, which range from golden ginger to copper and maroon, 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 partial shade on 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 well-drained soil and does not tolerate "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: Water the plant thoroughly from spring to fall, but let the soil dry between waterings; overwatering can cause stem rot. Reduce watering during winter; 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 when repotted regularly. 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 humans but should be kept away from pets, as ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and arrhythmias.
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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