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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

Other common names
flapjack
red pancakes
Synonyms
Kalanchoe luciae 'Rainbow'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H1B
Botanical 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 peat-free, 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

May be susceptible to mealybugs and aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to leaf spot

Get involved

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