€21,20

🌱 Morphology

It is a perennial shrubby succulent with relatively slow growth, which 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 by a dense layer of stellate hairs, responsible for its characteristic velvety appearance.

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

The margin is rounded for a good part of the leaf, but features thick, dark teeth in the apical area, one of the most recognizable characteristics of the species. The coloration and density of the tomentum are highly variable: it can be silvery white, reddish, brown, or golden, even within plants of similar appearance. This variability has led to numerous horticultural selections. The 'Chocolate Soldier' cultivar clearly shows reddish hues combined with black ones.

🌍 Distribution, habitat, and family

Crassulaceae family. Kalanchoe tomentosa is endemic to Madagascar, specifically the central and central-eastern part of the island, where it grows mainly in rocky places in seasonally dry environments. Kew currently considers it an accepted species and places it within the seasonally dry tropical biome.

❄️ Temperature

USDA Zone 9b–11a 

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

In cultivation, it is recommended to protect it when temperatures approach 5–7 °C, especially if the substrate retains moisture. A mature and well-acclimated specimen can withstand occasional lower drops if it remains completely dry, but the duration of the cold and the plant's water status are determining factors.

☀️ Lighting

It needs plenty of light to maintain compact growth and encourage the development of the tomentum and the characteristic coloration of the leaves.

Indicative DLI PAR: 15–25 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹.

It can be grown in full sun after progressive acclimatization. Intense lighting usually favors more contrasted pubescence and warmer tones in certain forms.

In the Mediterranean summer, when extreme radiation and very high temperatures coincide, slight protection during the central hours may be convenient, always maintaining high lighting and good ventilation.

💧 Growth cycle and watering

Summer dormancy. Its growth occurs mainly during periods of moderate temperatures, while extreme heat can reduce its activity.

It is recommended to perform abundant waterings and allow the substrate to dry completely before watering again. During the winter, if temperatures are low, waterings should be spaced considerably.

The substrate must have excellent drainage and never remain saturated for prolonged periods. The combination of cold and humidity is especially unfavorable for the roots.

🌸 Flowering

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

The flowers are relatively small, erect or spreading, and also feature pubescence. The corolla is campanulate to urceolate, with shades that can range from green and brownish-yellow to purple, depending on the specimen.

In the Mediterranean conditions of Spain, flowering can occur mainly during the spring, approximately between March and May, although the age of the plant and cultivation conditions have a considerable influence.

🌿 Nutrition

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

Before flowering, it can be supplemented with Desert CHOICE® Flowering, especially in adult specimens receiving high lighting.

This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a technological square pot and with the substrate activated 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 sent specimen may vary slightly from the product image. The measurements of the plant are specified in the photo description, but this may also vary slightly because, after all, it is a living being! Each of the Desert CITY plants has unique characteristics.

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