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Kalanchoe bracteata is often confused with:
Kalanchoe bracteata Leaves
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Crassula ovata Flowers
Kalanchoe Leaves
Senecio Flowers
Kalanchoe bracteata has some common insect problems:
Aphids Found on Flowers and Foliage
Mealybugs

Kalanchoe bracteata

Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Kalanchoe nadyae
Phonetic Spelling
kal-un-KOH-ee brak-tee-AY-tuh
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

A compact succulent with silvery pubescent leaves that are pointed at the tip.  Preferring bright, sunny locations and warm temperatures, it is winter hardy but will not survive if temperatures fall below 55 degrees.  In areas that do not meet that minimum, container planting can be a solution.  Plant in an organically rich but well-drained soil.  For summer months, water moderately.  Allow the soil surface to dry in between waterings.  During the winter months, reduce watering.  At that time, the plant can be allowed to become very dry.  Watch the leaves for water distress.

When planting in containers, they may need repotting every few years as the plant increases in size.  Ensure that drainage is provided.  They do well in clay pots.

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems:  No serious problems. Watch for mealybugs and aphids. It can be grown in the sun, but caution should be taken when situated with southern exposure.  The tips of the leaves can burn.

 

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Kalanchoe.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Silvermint'
    Copper colored flowers
'Silvermint'
Tags:
#evergreen#succulent#silver leaves#herbaceous perennial#problem for cats#problem for dogs#container plant#perennial
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Silvermint'
    Copper colored flowers
'Silvermint'
Tags:
#evergreen#succulent#silver leaves#herbaceous perennial#problem for cats#problem for dogs#container plant#perennial
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Kalanchoe
    Species:
    bracteata
    Family:
    Crassulaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Madagascar
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Perennial
    Succulent
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Tubular
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Smooth
    Waxy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Orbicular
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    1-2" long silvery pubescent leaves pointed at the tip.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Problems:
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythm (rare).
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Bufodienolides
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No