It started out small, but now is huge…almost frighteningly so, when it comes time to move it inside for the winter.
But even R (who fears a takeover) has been won over by the velvety leaves (at their best when just emerging, like these).
In an effort to tame the beast, I cut the secondary stem back a bit. As you can see, it is recovering nicely and looks like it may even branch out from the cut.
Encouraged by the ease with which I have propagated other Kalanchloes, I put the cutting in a pot on the windowsill.
It, too, is putting on new growth.
This plant bore the same name, Kalanchloe beharensis, on its label, but the form is quite different. Anybody know what the deal is there? The undersides of those leaves are quite warty. I bought one out of curiosity and put it in the same pot with the smooth-leaved one. It’s not looking terribly happy…maybe suffering from an inferiority complex.
I really love the strange, linear form with a few little poufs of leaves taken by this Kalanchloe fedtshenkoi. I have started and given away many cuttings from this plant and each one seems to take on a personality of its own.
Nicknamed ‘Paddle Plant’ or ‘Pancake Plant’, Kalanchloe thyrsiflora is just limping along. Mites love it and I have a hard time keeping ahead of them with soap spray.
Not so Kalanchloe orgyatum. This plant is another that has parented many starts. The new plants have a freshness that daddy lacks, with a reddish underside to the plump leaves. I guess I’ve never met a Kalanchloe I didn’t like, but the first one featured here gets my stamp of approval and ‘Favorite’ status, jumping on Danger Garden’s weekly favorite bandwagon.
Nice choice for favorite plant and you do have a nice collection of Kalanchoe. I like them also, they quickly outgrow their pots but are easily propagated for sharing.
I believe I ended up with some of your Kalanchloe fedtshenkoi starts. This was their second year outside, planted in the ground (cuttings taken for overwintering the year before). They grew huge and I enjoyed them every single day as I returned home from walking Lila. Then just about the time I was going to take cuttings for this winter a family of very hungry slugs attacked them. I do not exaggerate when I say every leaf was munched on. Usually right in the middle. Darn things.
I love your Kalanchloe beharensis and gratefully accept your kind offer of the start. I promise not to let the slugs eat him! I’ll bring the Bocconia frutescens seeds I saved for you to Heathers as well. As for his warty cousin might it be Kalanchloe beharensis ‘Fang’?
Shirley~Maybe you will show us your one of these days?
Loree~I remember a post you did about the quirky progress of your Kf. Let me know if you want a replacement. See you at Heather’s, where we can swap treasures.
I don’t know my Kalanchoe varieties … at all but yours seem to be very happy! Glad the cuttings are taking root and the cut edge is sprouting new growth. I have one plant called a Potato Chip plant, have to dig out the tag, Google is not being cooperative. Anyhow, the slugs do a number on it every summer and yet it thrives outside. Kalanchoe thyrsiflora– like yours!!
Janet~Lots of fun common names for that one. ‘Potato Chip’ plant is a new one to me.
That’s really weird. Cuttings should be indentical – that’s the whole point of vegetative reproduction instead of seed!
I’ve noticed the warty/non warty Kalanchloe beharensis thing and don’t know why they’re called the same thing. I got the warty kind but love the non warty ones as well. There’s also a hairless one that San Marcos grows that’s very pretty. Your inside for winter kids look great!
One of my coworkers has a bunch of different plants in his office. I’ll have to get photos and see if someone can ID them. They look similar to what you’re showing. Yours must really make you happy during this time when outdoor gardening is at a minimum.
I hope you have a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving my friend.
Christina~See Loree’s comment (it may be ‘Fang”…it fits). Who knows what lurks in the hearts of plants?
Peter~Perhaps the truth will be revealed in time. The labeling of succulents lags far behind that of other plants, but it seems to be getting better.
Grace~Lots to be thankful for, and you are high on the list.
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