Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi: the succulent with pretty leaves

kalanchoe fedtschenkoi

kalanchoe fedtschenkoi

What do you know about the kalanchoe fedtschenkoi? If you don’t know it, you should, because it is a very pretty succulent and very easy to care for and reproduce. But what should you know about her?

Below we leave you a file on the kalanchoe fedtschenkoi so that you can get to know it in depth and know everything it needs, as well as its uses, care… Shall we start?

How is the kalanchoe fedtschenkoi

stalks of kalanchoe fedtschenkoi

stalks of kalanchoe fedtschenkoi

Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi, also known as lavender scallops, is a plant native to Madagascar. However, it can be easily found all over the world, including in Spain.

Its strange name is due to the botanist Boris Fedtschenko.

It does not grow much, although it is normal for it to reach 30-80 centimeters. Now, what features does it have? We tell you:

Three

The stem does not have much to say, because it is completely smooth and rounded. It is quite stable, although strong enough to support the plant (at least up to 30 cm or so). In fact, when it doubles, it may continue to grow horizontally. Of course, at that time it is very common for it to develop roots to continue growing and multiplying.

The leaves come out of this and, when they fall off, small scars remain.

Leaves

Regarding the leaves, being a succulent plant, these are usually fleshy and smooth. They are wider at the base of the trunk and narrower at the ends, coming to a point.

But perhaps the most beautiful thing about the kalanchoe fedtschenkoi is the color that these leaves have because they are usually bluish green, cream pink, or purple pink. And that makes it very showy when it comes to having it in the garden.

Also, we must tell you that the leaves usually have curves at the margins (they are called scalloped).

Flores

Well yes, this succulent blooms. In addition, it does it in a spectacular and very beautiful way since it produces tubular flowers that fall downwards. Normally it takes out a stem from which small clusters of pink flowers come out, although sometimes they can have another color.

However, they are not as pretty as the leaves themselves.

it’s toxic

Let’s specify a little more. The plant has bufadienolides. That means that it is not toxic to humans. But the same is not true of cats.

If one approaches it, it consumes it, etc. the normal thing is that it begins to have abnormal heart rhythms, and can even, if you have ingested too much, endanger your life.

Other symptoms you may have are gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, or pain.

Therefore, if you have a cat at home, it does not mean that you cannot have this plant, but we do advise you to place it in a place where your pet cannot access to avoid endangering it.

Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi care

flowers of the kalanchoe fedtschenkoi

flowers of the kalanchoe fedtschenkoi

We have introduced you to the kalanchoe fedtschenkoi (if you did not know it before) and after seeing some photos, you will surely like it a lot and you might want it for your home. It is a very simple plant to care for, because you will hardly have to pay attention to it when you meet the needs it has. It can be perfect for beginners because it multiplies so easily and quickly that you don’t need much knowledge. But what do you need?

Location

If you told us to choose the exterior or the interior for the kalanchoe fedtschenkoi, we would tell you that, without a doubt, the exterior. And it is that this plant needs a lot of direct sun, as much as you can give it.

That does not mean that you cannot have it indoors; in fact, it can be, but always in the brightest area and with several hours of light (experts talk about having at least 6 hours of direct sunlight).

A trick to know if it receives a sufficient amount of light is to see the colors of the leaves. If they are very off or disappear, it is because it lacks light.

Temperature

As the good succulent that it is, it can withstand both heat and cold very well. But be careful, because if the temperature drops below -4ºC then you can suffer.

The same if there are persistent frosts. Does it mean that if one day it drops to that temperature it dies? No, if they are sporadic nothing will happen, but you have to make sure that it is not constant.

Substratum

To keep your fedtschenkoi kalanchoe healthy and happy, you will need a soil that is suitable for this plant. So start by having good drainage and soil for cacti and succulents (although personally I have used universal substrate and it has worked too).

Some also mix a little coconut shells, or orchid soil, so that the substrate is much looser (it does not like anything that compacts).

Irrigation

As for irrigation, the truth is that you should not be very aware of it either. It is better to water it little than to spend it, because you could cause the appearance of fungi or root rot.

Therefore, water only when the plant needs it. In winter, nothing, because humidity should be enough (if you live in a temperate climate you could water once a month). In summer, once a week or so would be more than enough.

Subscriber

It is not necessary, because the kalanchoe fedtschenkoi does not need it. But if you want to give it a little fertilizer, it is best to use organic and only once a year, in spring or summer.

Plagues and diseases

Mealybugs, aphids, red spider mites… The truth is that there are many pests that it can suffer and that you will have to keep at bay so that they do not affect your plant. For this we recommend that you keep it clean of dry leaves, ventilated and protected.

In case they appear, apply 70% alcohol to clean the leaves, trunk and the entire plant in general. Other options are neem oil, garlic or hot pepper spray.

Multiplication

The fastest and easiest way to reproduce kalanchoe fedtschenkoi is by taking stem cuttings. These root very easily and you just have to plant them and wait for you to see them put out new leaves.

However, it is not the only method. You can also do it with the leaves themselves (the best are those from the lower part of the trunk). You should put them in the shade for 3-4 days and then plant them. In a matter of days you will see that they appear on the edges like little flowers. From there will come a new plant.

Usos

Green leaves of the kalanchoe fedtschenkoi

Green leaves of the kalanchoe fedtschenkoi

To end this file, we want to talk to you about the uses of the kalanchoe fedtschenkoi. Because yes, it has more uses apart from the decorative one itself (both for exterior and interior).

One of them has to do with roots. As we have told you before, it is a plant that takes root very easily and also quickly. As soon as it hits the ground, any stem develops roots to keep growing.

And these roots are the ones that have another use besides fixing the plant. Specifically, they are used to treat problems related to parasitic worms. That is, they are used to expel worms from the body.

Of course, we have not found what the process is like, so we should investigate more about this use (and not use it at will).

Now that you know more about the kalanchoe fedtschenkoi, would you dare to keep it at home? If you are a beginner, it is a plant with which you will not have any problem, because it practically takes care of itself. In return, it offers you a variety of colors and shades that attract a lot of attention. What do you think?

Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi: the succulent with pretty leaves

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