Kalanchoe 'Felt Plant'
Kalanchoe beharensis, commonly known as felt plant, is an upright, evergreen, shrub-like succulent native to dry regions in Madagascar. Its heart-shaped leaves are gray-green with a felted texture and wavy edges. Red tinged edges give the foliage an overall bronze or purple shade. Spiky clusters of small, waxy, yellow-orange flowers appear in late winter.
Water sparingly during the growth season and only when the soil has almost completely dried out. Reduce water in the winter as the plant will enter into a dormant period. Sudden wilting and droopy leaves indicate overwatering, while dry tips indicate underwatering.
Felt Plant will thrive in bright, filtered, or indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight should be avoided as can burn or bleach the foliage. When grown indoors, provide plenty of light near a window or grow lights. In the summer months, a move outdoor is beneficial.
Felt Plant prefers temperate temperatures from 70℉ to 80℉ (21–27ºC). Any longer period of time in temps much below 55℉(13ºC) will encourage dormancy and cause the foliage to die back.
Felt Plant require low to medium humidity. Prune regularly to maintain air flow around the plant to prevent botrytis and powdery mildew.
A light, porous, and well-draining soil mix is ideal for Felt Plant. Pumice, moistened sphagnum moss, perlite, and peat moss all work well. The soil should maintain excellent drainage and never become water logged.
Fertilize Felt Plant every two weeks with a cactus fertilizer solution during the growing season from April to September. Ensure to dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength. Stop fertilizing during the fall and winter months as the plant enters its dormant period.
Felt Plant is relatively disease and pest free, however, it can be subject to mealybugs, scale and spider mites. To keep these pests away, keep the plant clean of debris around the strands, and be sure to inspect the foliage regularly. Mealybugs can be wiped away with a cotton bud and alcohol. Commercially available insecticidal soap or neem oil is also useful for treating pests.
Felt Plant should be repotted every two to three years using a cactus mix with excellent draining capabilities. In most cases, a shallow container is preferable as it mimics the shallow soil environment a plant experienced in the wild.
Pruning is not necessary but can be used to encourage a fuller, denser plant. Prune the stems back to the desired shape allowing the new growth to take over. Broken or dead stems should be removed and discarded.
Mulching is not necessary for Felt Plant, however, a light mulch such as the same mix used for potting will help hold in much needed moisture in drier conditions.
Propagation is done by division. Choose a healthy stem with buds, then gently remove with a clean knife. Plant the stem immediately in a separate container with the same soil mix used for potting. Keep the soil slightly moist and cover the stem with a plastic bag and place in a warm area out of direct sunlight.
Felt Plant do not usually require any support, however, staking may be needed if the stems become top heavy.
Felt Plant should have a dormant rest period in the winter months. During this time, water sparingly and move it to a cooler room.
Felt Plant contains saponins which may be toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
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