Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Golden Girl' is one of the "fuzzies" in the genus Kalanchoe. It is an excellent choice for windowsill culture, dish gardens, or as a patio plant.
Scientific Name
Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Golden Girl'
Synonym(s)
Kalanchoe 'Golden Girl'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Kalanchoeae
Genus: Kalanchoe
Origin
Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Golden Girl' is an attractive cultivar of Kalanchoe tomentosa. The origin is unknown.
Description
Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Golden Girl' is a shrubby succulent with upright, basally woody stems and ovoid, golden fuzzy leaves tipped in black. It branches from the base and can reach a height of up to 12 inches (30 cm). The golden-yellow hue of the leaves becomes more vibrant when exposed to intense sunlight.
During the spring and summer, Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Golden Girl' produces bell-shaped flowers ranging in color from golden ginger to copper and maroon. The flowers, which share the same fuzzy texture as the leaves, appear in clusters atop long stalks.
How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Golden Girl'
Light: Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Golden Girl' 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 'Golden Girl' 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, as overwatering may 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 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 'Golden Girl' can be easily propagated 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 'Golden Girl'
Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Golden Girl' is not toxic to people but should be kept away from pets because consuming it may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and heart arrhythmias.
Links
- Back to genus Kalanchoe
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
