Kalanchoes

Kalanchoes are a genus of about 125 species of tropical succulent flowering plants in the Crassulaceae family. They are native to Madagascar, tropical Africa, and parts of Asia, and they are widely cultivated as ornamental plants for their varied foliage and colorful blossoms.

Most kalanchoes are succulent perennials or shrubs with thick, fleshy leaves. Many forms form compact rosettes or upright shrubs, and they produce dense clusters of small flowers in red, pink, orange, yellow, or white. The best known is Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, a popular winter-flowering florist plant.

Cultivation requires bright light, well-draining soil, and infrequent watering. They tolerate heat and dry air but dislike overwatering and soggy soil. In temperate regions they are grown as indoor container plants or summer outdoor ornamentals, typically moved indoors in winter.

Propagation is usually by stem or leaf cuttings; some species reproduce using plantlets along leaf margins (vivipary), such as Kalanchoe daigremontiana, which can drop plantlets that root readily.

Many kalanchoes contain cardiac glycosides and can be toxic if ingested by humans or animals; handling is not hazardous, but ingestion can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, or more serious effects. Keep plants out of reach of pets and children.