Kalanchoe beharensis (Feltbush, Velvetleaf, Velvet Elephant Ear)


Botanical Information

FamilyCrassulaceae
GenusKalanchoe
Speciesbeharensis
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals
OriginMadagascar.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone12
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH1B
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)10 – 15
Temperature (°F)50 - 60
Height0.5 - 1 metres
Spread0.5 - 1 metres
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodJanuary, February

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA bushy, succulent, evergreen perennial with long-stalked, triangular leaves.
ShapeUpright and clumping.
LandscapeRock gardens, borders, potted indoor and patio plant, containers or as a specimen.
PropagationBy seed or offsets in spring as well as leaf and stem cuttings.
CultivationGrow in a sheltered location in full sun and well-drained soil containing loam and sand. In more temperate climates, grow under glass with good ventilation. Add perlite and sand to the loam-based potting mix.
PestsMealybugs and vine weevil.
Notable SpecimensQueen Sirikit Botanic Garden, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.
HabitatSandy plains to rocky outcroppings.
Leaf DescriptionLong-stalked, triangular leaves which are concave and brown on the upper side, greyish-hairy beneath.
Flower DescriptionSmall urn-shaped greenish-yellow flowers to 6 mm in length.
Texture DescriptionSoft and fuzzy.

Photographs