Kalanchoe sexangularis N.E.Br.

🌱 Morphology

  A bet of all on red... A perennial, vigorous-growing shrubby succulent plant that can reach a height of between 50 cm and 1 m in cultivation, although it can exceed these dimensions in its natural habitat. It develops erect, angular, and branched stems that gradually become woody at the base. Its leaves are opposite, broad, fleshy, and with an irregularly toothed margin, slightly curved towards the stem. The coloration is particularly attractive: in partial shade conditions, greens predominate with reddish edges, while in abundant sun and cool temperatures, the leaves acquire intense ruby red, maroon, and burgundy tones. It is a species of great ornamental value due to its seasonal color changes.

🌍 Distribution, habitat, and family

It is native to Southern Africa, with a natural distribution from Zambia and Zimbabwe to Eswatini, Mozambique and the South African provinces of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal. It grows in savanna and Bushveld environments, on rocky slopes, ridges, and stony ground, often under the partial protection of shrubs and trees. The name rubinea, with which it is also marketed, refers to its reddish tones.

Family: Crassulaceae. Subfamily: Kalanchooideae. The currently accepted name is Kalanchoe sexangularis; Kalanchoe rubinea is a taxonomic synonym.

❄️ Temperature — USDA 9b

It tolerates minimum temperatures of −3.9 °C, corresponding to the lower limit of USDA zone 9b. It is a relatively hardy species and can withstand brief temperature drops if it is well acclimated and the substrate remains dry. It is recommended to protect it from prolonged frosts and cold humidity, especially when grown in a pot.

☀️ Lighting

It tolerates everything from direct sun to bright partial shade. With abundant sun exposure, it develops its characteristic ruby red coloration, while in shadier places it maintains green tones with reddish margins. Intense lighting and good ventilation are recommended. As a rough guide, a PAR DLI of 15–25 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ can be sought, adapting it to the temperature and the plant's response.

💧 Growth cycle and watering

Winter dormancy. Its vegetative growth is concentrated mainly during spring and summer, coinciding with the rainy season in its region of origin. During autumn and winter, vegetative activity decreases and the plant may develop a more intense reddish coloration. It is recommended to water during the growing period, allowing the substrate to dry out partially between applications. In winter, watering will be significantly reduced, avoiding keeping the roots moist for prolonged periods.

🌸 Flowering

It produces terminal, erect, and branched inflorescences that stand considerably above the foliage. The flowers are small, tubular, and golden yellow, grouped in branched clusters that attract bees and other pollinating insects. In South Africa, it flowers mainly during winter and early spring, approximately between June and September, coinciding with the dry season. It is a perennial species that can flower repeatedly throughout its life.

🌿 Nutrition

During active growth, Desert CHOICE® Succulents is recommended, following the product's dosage instructions. Moderate nutrition favors the development of robust stems and fleshy leaves. During winter dormancy, fertilization will be reduced or suspended.

Gourmet black pot of 13x13 cm

This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a technological square pot and with the substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.