Camel hair kalanchoe is a very large succulent shrub with a unique grotesque shape.

The leaves are soft as velvet and covered with a protective layer. Under the right conditions, it can reach the proportions of a small tree, growing to around 3 meters tall.

The Swedish name comes from the fact that the leaves usually have a hairy, brown upper side. Otherwise, it is as easy to care for as all other Kalanchoes. The leaves are olive green, triangular-lanceolate, about 10 centimeters long and 5-10 centimeters wide. The underside of the leaves is smooth and shiny, while the upper side is covered with woolly, brown hairs towards the tip.

The stem is usually simple at the base and branched at the top, slender, succulent, and becomes hard and woody. It is covered with brownish hairs and has strange scars where the petioles attach.

Botanical description

Kalanchoe beharensis is native to Madagascar and is known by the local names mongy, rongy and tavitavy. The specific epithet refers to Behara in Madagascar where this plant grows naturally.

The species is an evergreen shrub that grows 1-3 meters tall in cultivation. The plant is very variable in appearance.

The inflorescences are 50-60 centimeters high and form a branched panicle. Flowering occurs from spring to summer and the flowers are small and yellowish.

Care

Kalanchoe beharensis grows vigorously and can be grown as a houseplant in a bright, sunny window with sufficient air circulation to prevent pests. Mature plants do best in full sun to partial shade.

The plant needs full to partial sun with temperatures above 5°C. It can withstand occasional periods of light to moderate frost but prefers to avoid frost altogether.

For greenhouse cultivation, use a mixture of equal parts loam and sand, and some extra perlite , pumice or other material for aeration and drainage. Let the plant dry completely before watering again, as too much water will kill it. Water about every 10-14 days during the growing season. During the winter months, water sparingly, possibly only once a month.

Replant in spring, preferably in a clay pot. Can be pruned to branch. The species is very hardy and survives periods of neglect if generally protected from strong sun for extended periods.

Proliferation

Propagate with the cutting, it roots quickly. Propagation is done with seeds or most often and most effectively with cuttings. The plant can be propagated with stem, petiole or leaf cuttings. The whole plant easily forms new roots when divided. Grow the cuttings in a sandy, loose substrate out of direct sun. Leaf cuttings not only form roots at the base but can also form new plants directly from the leaf surface.

Warning: The plant is naturally toxic to humans and cats and can irritate and itch exposed skin.

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