Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Teddy Bear' is a charming little plant with chubby leaves, a velvety texture, and brown coloring, which explains why it is named "Teddy Bear."
Scientific Name
Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Teddy Bear'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Tribe: Kalanchoeae
Genus: Kalanchoe
Origin
Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Teddy Bear' is a sport of Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Chocolate Soldier' discovered and introduced by Altman Plants.
Description
Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Teddy Bear' is a shrubby succulent with erect, hairy stems and thick, rounded leaves densely covered in fuzzy felt. It can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall and 10 inches (25 cm) wide, branching out from the base. The leaves are chocolate-colored with nearly black markings at the tips and are thicker and rounder than those of Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Chocolate Soldier'.
During the spring and summer, the plant produces small, bell-shaped flowers that are golden ginger in color and have the same fuzzy texture as the rest of the plant.
How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Teddy Bear'
Light: Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Teddy Bear' 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 'Teddy Bear' 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 'Teddy Bear' 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 'Teddy Bear'
Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Teddy Bear' 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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