🌱 Morphology

It is a perennial, relatively slow-growing shrubby succulent that can reach 80–100 cm in height in mature specimens. The stems are erect, branched from the base, and become progressively woody. The entire plant is covered with a dense layer of stellate hairs, giving it its characteristic velvety appearance.

The leaves are opposite or arranged in loose rosettes, sessile, very fleshy, and variable in shape, from obovate and ovate to oblong or almost cylindrical. The upper surface is slightly concave, while the underside has a pronounced keel. They measure approximately 2–8 × 1.5–2.5 cm and have an obtuse apex.

The margin is rounded along most of the leaf, but has thick, dark teeth in the apical area, one of the species' most distinctive features. The colour and density of the tomentum vary widely: it can be silvery-white, reddish, brown, or golden, even among plants that look similar. This variability has led to numerous horticultural selections. The 'Chocolate Soldier' cultivar clearly displays reddish tones combined with black.

🌍 Distribution, habitat and family

Crassulaceae family. Kalanchoe tomentosa is endemic to Madagascar, specifically the central and east-central regions of the island, where it grows mainly in rocky areas with seasonally dry conditions. Kew currently considers it an accepted species and classifies it within the seasonally dry tropical biome.

❄️ Temperature

USDA zone 9b

It is a warm-climate species that can tolerate cool temperatures when kept dry, but does not tolerate frost well.

When grown as a houseplant, it should be protected when temperatures approach 5–7 °C, especially if the growing medium retains moisture. A mature, well-acclimatised specimen may tolerate occasional dips below this temperature if kept completely dry, but the duration of the cold and the plant's moisture status are decisive factors.

☀️ Light

It needs plenty of light to maintain compact growth and promote the development of the tomentum and the leaves' characteristic colour.

Approximate PAR DLI: 15–25 mol·m⁻²·d⁻¹.

It can be grown in full sun after gradual acclimatisation. Intense light usually promotes more pronounced pubescence and warmer tones in certain forms.

In the Mediterranean summer, when extreme radiation coincides with very high temperatures, it may be advisable to provide light protection during the middle of the day, while always maintaining bright light and good ventilation.

💧 Growth cycle and watering

Summer dormancy. It grows mainly during periods of moderate temperatures, while extreme heat can reduce its activity.

It is recommended to water thoroughly and let the growing medium dry out completely before watering again. During winter, if temperatures are low, watering should be spaced further apart.

The growing medium must drain excellently and never remain waterlogged for extended periods. The combination of cold and moisture is particularly unfavourable for the roots.

🌸 Flowering

When it reaches sufficient maturity, it produces a terminal panicle or corymbiform inflorescence, supported by a peduncle that can reach 40–80 cm.

The flowers are relatively small, erect or spreading, and are also pubescent. The corolla is bell- to urn-shaped, with colours ranging from green and brownish-yellow to purple, depending on the specimen.

In Spain's Mediterranean conditions, flowering mainly occurs during the spring, approximately between March and May, although the plant's age and growing conditions have a considerable influence.

🌿 Nutrition

During the active growth period, Desert CHOICE® Succulents is recommended, applied moderately and avoiding excess nitrogen, which can promote excessively rapid growth and soft tissues.

Before flowering, it can be supplemented with Desert CHOICE® Flowering, especially for mature specimens receiving bright light.

This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a high-tech square pot with a growing medium enriched with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.

📏 The sizes of our basic collection xerophytes are as follows:

S -> 9cm x 9cm

M-> 14cm x 14 cm

* As this is an online purchase, the appearance of the specimen sent may vary slightly from the product image. The photo description specifies the plant's measurements, but these may also vary slightly because it is a living thing! Each of the plants at Desert CITY has unique characteristics.