Family: Crassulaceae
Habitat: Various locations in Africa, Australia, Asia
Cultivation: Like all Crassulaceae, the kalanchoe require little attention. It is recommended to place it in a bright place but out of direct sunlight, to water profusely in summer ( once every three, four days) and let the soil dry in winter.
Curiosity: In Italy many people know about the Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, small ornamental plant, with particularly vivid flowers, that reaches a maximum height of 30 cm, which is also known as Kalanchoe.

KALANCHOE KEY FEATURES 

The different species of the genus Kalanchoe have developed in many areas, of the globe, which are very far from each other, from Africa to Australia, and have a wide variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from the small and widespread k. Blossfeldiana (or Kalanchoe), to the big k. Beharensis that reaches up to 6 meters of height. Some, introduced in America, have adapted and modified into new varieties; most of the species, however, come from Madagascar. In general, these plants are characterized by fleshy and shiny leaves, with crenate margins and inflorescence of bright colors. The stems, fleshy too, can be shrubs or climbing plants. Many species of kalanchoe are distinguished by their beauty and particularity: the large glossy leaves, often with crested or shaped edge, sometimes they also stand to have special color streaks along the edge. The blooms are long and offer bright colors or delicate pink. Like all Crassulaceae also they are easy to grow.

VARIETY AND TYPES

Below we list the species belonging to this genus, net of variations and crossings.

• Kalanchoe adelae
• K. arborescens
• K. beauverdii
• K. beharensis
• K. bentii
• K. blossfeldiana
• K. bouvetii
• K. bracteata
• K. campanulata
• K. crenata
• K. crundallii
• K. daigremontiana
• K. delagoensis
• K. dinklagei
• K. eriophylla
• K. farinacea
• K. fedtschenkoi
• K. figuereidoi
• K. flammea
• K. gastonis-bonnieri
• K. glaucescens
• K. gracilipes
• K. grandidieri
• K. grandiflora
• K. hildebrantii
• K. jongmansii
• K. laciniata
• K. lateritia
• K. laxiflora
• K. linearifolia
• K. longiflora
• K. macrochlamys
• K. manginii
• K. marnierana
• K. marmorata
• K. millottii
• K. miniata
• K. nyikae
• K. obtusa
• K. orgyalis
• K. peltata
• K. petitiana
• K. pinnata
• K. porphyrocalyx
• K. prolifera
• K. pubescens
• K. pumila
• K. quartiniana
• K. rhombopilosa
• K. robusta
• K. rolandi-bonapartei
• K. rosei
• K. rotundifolia
• K. schizophylla
• K. serrata
• K. sexangularis
• K. streptantha
• K. suarezensis
• K. synsepala
• K. thyrsiflora
• K. tomentosa
• K. tubiflora (detta anche K. delagoensis)
• K. uniflora
• K. velutina
• K. viguieri

TIPS FOR GROWING

When a genus includes so many  different plants, for an optimal cultivation, it must be followed specific instructions for each variety. However, these tips are common to all Kalanchoe:

• Keep the plant in a bright place but not directly exposed to sunlight; only some species, in fact, can tolerate it.
• They are plants that like the heat: the temperature must be above 5 ° C or 8 ° C. Better to shelter in case of severe winters.
• In summer waterings can be abundant and have a regional rate of about 3-4 days. Better to suspend them in winter and let the soil dry well
• These plants also adapt to poor or rocky soil. In case of cultivation in pots, it can be used cacti soil  or soil for flowering plants mixed with sand.
• The fertilizer can be scarce but regular: twice a month in spring and summer, half dose than the one recommended on the package.
• The need of repotting vary according to the size of the species.

The Kalanchoe reproduce either by seed and by cuttings. At home, it is more used the reproduction by cuttings for convenience. Use sprigs of 8-10 cm in length which have not inflorescences.