Velvet leaf kalanchoe (Kalanchoe beharensis)
Kalanchoe beharensis, or Velvet leaf kalanchoe, is a striking succulent shrub from Madagascar known for its large, felted leaves.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Velvet leaf kalanchoe (Kalanchoe beharensis) stands out in xeriscape and tropical gardens due to its uniquely textured foliage. This succulent shrub offers striking visual interest long after flowering, largely thanks to its large, hastate leaves covered in dense, felt-like hairs that often mature to a rusty brown hue. Its common name, elephant’s ear kalanchoe, hints at the imposing scale these leaves can reach.
As a woody, tree-like succulent native to Madagascar, Kalanchoe beharensis thrives in heat and humidity but is extremely sensitive to frost, limiting its cultivation to warm climates. It demands excellent drainage, typical of many Crassulaceae members, making it a resilient choice for gardeners in low-water situations once established.
Gardeners value this species for its architectural presence and textural contrast against smoother foliage plants. While it flowers, the primary attraction of Kalanchoe beharensis remains its dramatic, textural leaves, providing year-round structure in frost-free landscapes or as a celebrated container specimen when brought indoors for winter.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Crassulaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Native Range: Madagascar
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 11-12
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 3-5 ft
- Spread: 3-5 ft
- Bloom Time: April to August
- Bloom Description: Greenish-yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
For successful establishment, plant Velvet leaf kalanchoe in well-drained, sandy loam soil. These plants prefer a site receiving full sun, although they appreciate some protection from the most intense afternoon sun, leaning toward part shade in the hottest locations. Planting during warmer months allows the plant sufficient time to establish its root system before the onset of cooler, wetter seasons.
Care revolves heavily around water management, as these drought-tolerant succulents are intolerant of sitting in soggy conditions. Allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings; overwatering is a primary threat, potentially leading to root rot. Fertilization is generally minimal, sufficient nutrients are usually provided by the potting medium or occasional light application during the active growing season.
Pruning is rarely essential unless shaping is desired or damaged material needs removal. If you live outside reliable USDA Zones 11-12, you must treat Kalanchoe beharensis as a seasonal container plant. In colder regions, famously like St. Louis, move the container indoors to a sunny window before the first frost threatens its tropical nature.
Landscape Uses
The textural qualities of Kalanchoe beharensis make it an arresting focal point in specialized landscape designs. Use it as a specimen plant where its elephant’s ear-like leaves can capture attention, contrasting beautifully near fine-textured grasses or smooth-leafed succulents. Its medium height (3 to 5 feet) fits well in intermediate borders or as a bold thriller in large mixed containers.
This succulent lends itself perfectly to creating an Interesting tropical garden aesthetic, especially when paired with broad-leafed companions like Elephant Ears (Colocasia) or architectural cacti. In containers, the Velvet leaf kalanchoe can be rotated seasonally, offering a unique, warm-season presence before being retired to sheltered areas for winter protection.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Kalanchoe beharensis, commonly called velvet-leaf, felt bush or elephant’s ear kalanchoe, is a succulent tree-like shrub that is native to Madagascar. It typically grows to 3-5’ tall in cultivation, but may reach 12-20’ in ideal growing conditions. Each large, concave leaf is covered with felt-like hairs, with mature leaves displaying a distinctive rusty brown color, offering superior year-round texture.
Tolerances
- Drought
Potential Problems
The Velvet leaf kalanchoe generally exhibits resilience against pests and diseases, though vigilance is necessary for optimum health. While serious infestations are rare, watch for sporadic issues like scale, susceptible mealy bugs, and spider mites, which can be managed through horticultural oil treatments or insecticidal soaps. Prevention is key; ensure robust air circulation when grown indoors and strictly avoid overwatering to mitigate the significant risk of fungal diseases such as root rot or powdery mildew.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Velvet leaf kalanchoe suitable for?
Kalanchoe beharensis is reliably winter hardy only in USDA Zones 11 through 12. Successful cultivation outside these zones requires treating it as a container specimen overwintered indoors.
How large does Kalanchoe beharensis grow?
In typical garden cultivation, this succulent tree-like shrub reaches heights between 3 to 5 feet with a similar spread, though it can grow substantially larger (up to 12-20 feet) in its native, ideal Madagascan environment.
What sun exposure does Velvet leaf kalanchoe need?
This plant thrives best in full sun but benefits significantly from some light afternoon shade to prevent potential scorching, fitting well into locations described as full sun to part shade.
When does Kalanchoe beharensis bloom?
The blooming period for this species generally occurs from April through August, producing flowers described by their greenish-yellow coloration.
Conclusion
The architectural shape and wonderfully felted foliage ensure that Kalanchoe beharensis remains a favorite among succulent collectors and tropical landscape designers. Its impressive drought tolerance makes it a practical and visually rewarding addition to warm, dry gardens. Before planting, confirm your local USDA zone compatibility or plan for its necessary winter relocation to enjoy the unique beauty of the Velvet leaf kalanchoe year after year.
Companion Planting
When designing a display around Kalanchoe beharensis, focus on plants that share its dry soil and high-light demands. Consider pairing it with other structural succulents such as Agave or Yucca varieties which offer sharp geometry. For complementary textures, incorporating low-growing Sedum or trailing Senecio species near the base helps soften the container edges or borderlines.
Since the bloom time is relatively late (April to August), the visual interest provided by the foliage of this Kalanchoe is paramount. Select companions with contrasting leaf colors—deep purples or silvers work exceptionally well against the plant’s often medium green to rusty brown felted surfaces.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Summer is the peak growing period for Velvet leaf kalanchoe. Water deeply but infrequently, only when the top layers of soil feel completely dry to the touch. Providing high heat and abundant available light encourages the best leaf coloration and robust growth during these months.
As temperatures begin to cool in autumn, begin reducing irrigation frequency significantly, preparing the plant for its dormant or near-dormant winter phase. If overwintering indoors, ensure it receives maximum available light in a bright window, and cease supplemental fertilizing completely until spring warming signals the start of new growth.
Container Growing Tips
Because hardiness is limited to Zones 11-12, growing Kalanchoe beharensis in containers is the most common approach outside the tropics. Use an extremely porous mix, such as a commercial succulent/cacti blend amended with extra perlite or pumice, to guarantee rapid drainage. Ensure any container used has unobstructed drainage holes; this single step is vital to preventing root rot in this sensitive species.
Opt for terracotta or unglazed ceramic pots, as these materials allow excess moisture to wick away through the sides, aiding in the necessary drying process between waterings. While the plant may reach 3-5 feet outside, it can be kept much smaller through selective pruning or by simply choosing a container size that restricts root growth slightly.
Propagation Strategies
Propagation of Velvet leaf kalanchoe is most reliably achieved through stem or leaf cuttings, capitalizing on its succulent nature. For stem cuttings, allow the freshly cut end to callous over for several days until a dry skin forms, which prevents moisture absorption leading to rot. Insert the calloused base into dry, gritty propagation medium, keeping it warm but shaded until roots form, often several weeks later.
Leaf propagation is possible but typically slower and less reliable for this specific species compared to stem cuttings. Select firm, healthy leaves, allow them to dry and callous completely, and then lay them horizontally on top of the appropriate gritty soil mix without burying them deeply. Patience is required for both methods, ensuring media stays dry until active rooting is observed.
