Kalanchoe humilis 'Desert Surprise'

RHS Plant Profile
flaming katy 'Desert Surprise'
Cactus Succulent Conservatory Greenhouse Houseplants

A compact, perennial succulent, with rosettes of fleshy, rounded olive green leaves patterned with dark red. In late spring, autumn or sometimes winter, the rosettes may elongate into a flowerstalk to 35cm high, bearing diffuse clusters of small reddish purple flowers

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Crassulaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow indoors, in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added grit, in full light with good ventilation. Water moderately throughout the year but more sparingly in winter. In the growing season feed with liquid fertiliser 2 or 3 times. See houseplant cultivation or cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by removal of plantlets, or by stem cuttings in spring or summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Houseplants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs and aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to downy mildews and a leaf spot