Stylish succulent shrub from Madagascar that reaches 1-2 meters in height

This species is known for its large, olive green, triangular leaves that are about 10 centimeters long and 5-10 centimeters wide with double-curled leaf edges that give the plant a minimalist appearance.

The undersides of the leaves are smooth and shiny, while the upper side is covered with brownish, woolly hairs towards the leaf tip. The leaves are arranged in pairs perpendicular to each other (decussate), which makes the shrub look very symmetrical.

Flowering occurs from spring to summer with small, yellowish flowers. The plant can also reproduce asexually by producing small plants along the leaf edges.

Botanical description

Kalanchoe beharensis was originally discovered near Behara in Madagascar but is now recognized as widespread in southern Madagascar. The species epithet "beharensis" refers to the occurrence at Behara. Locally, the plant is called mongy, rongy, and tavitavy.

The name Kalanchoe was first described by the French botanist Michel Adanson in 1763 and was an adaptation of a name for a plant in the genus from a Chinese dialect, probably Hokkien, spoken by overseas Chinese in the Philippines in the late 17th century. The name came to Adanson's attention through Georg Joseph Kamel, a Czech botanist and Jesuit missionary who called the plant "kalanchauhuy" - where 'ka-lan' is a Buddhist term for physical temple gardens and 'huy' means flower.

Kalanchoe beharensis uses a defense system called stress-limited defense that deters herbivores before high levels of stress occur. The plant has amorphous silica in its defense structures with a hardness higher than the enamel of insects and mammals.

Care

Kalanchoe beharensis thrives in full to partial sun with intermediate to warm temperatures above 5°C. It survives occasional light to moderate frost nights but prefers to avoid frost altogether. For greenhouse cultivation, mix equal parts clay and sand with additional perlite, pumice or other stable material for aeration and drainage.

Let the soil dry completely before watering again, too much water will kill the plant. Water about every 10-14 days during the growing season and very sparingly in winter, possibly only once a month. The species is very resilient and survives periods of neglect if protected from strong sun for longer periods.

Propagation is by seed but most effectively by cuttings. Any stem, petiole or leaf cutting will work, the whole plant will readily form new roots when divided. Grow cuttings in sandy, loose substrate away from direct sun but with plenty of light shade. Dried sphagnum moss is also suitable. Leaf propagation is particularly valuable as the leaves not only form roots at the base but also new plants directly from the leaf surface, often randomly. Buy Camel Hair Kalanchoe online!

Warning: Naturally toxic to humans and cats and may irritate exposed skin. Not reported to be toxic to dogs unless the plant has been treated with chemicals.