Kalanchoe luciae
desert cabbage
A short-stemmed perennial succulent to 15cm tall, with upright rosettes of bright green, rigid, fleshy, rounded leaves; these become red-flushed in good light. In early summer the rosettes may elongate into a 60cm tall flowerstalk; this is crowded with small, scented, pale yellow flowers. After flowering the rosette dies, but there are usually many small plantlets forming around the base
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green Red | ||
| Autumn | Green Red | |||
| Winter | Green Red |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Kalanchoe can be annuals, biennials, perennials, shrubs or trees, with succulent, simple or pinnately lobed foliage and tubular or bell-shaped flowers with four lobes
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- SE Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in loam-based compost with added grit and position in full light with protection from hot summer sun. During the growing season water moderately and apply a balanced liquid feed 3 or 4 times. Keep just moist in winter. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by removal of plantlets or stem cuttings in spring or summer; sow seed at 21°C in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Low Maintenance
- Bedding
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to leaf spot
Get involved
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