Kalanchoe is a genus of about 125 species of tropical, succulent, plants in the family of Crassulaceae (stonecrop). The genus is predominantly native to the Old World, 60 species are from Madagascar. Only one species originates from the Americas, 116 species (included Madagascar) are from Africa and some from south-east Asia and China. Many are popular for their easy culture indoors. Kalanchoe comes from Chine’s ‘Kalan Chauhuy’ meaning “which falls and grows”, likely in reference to the plantlets that drop from some of the species. Most are shrubs or perennial herbaceous plants, but a few are annual or biennial. The largest of the genus is Kalanchoe beharensis, can reach 4 m tall, but most species are less than 1 m tall. The genus Kalanchoe may reproduce asexually by producing plantlets on leaf margins, which when distributed on a suitable substrate will form new plants.

Kalanchoe beharensis ‘fang’ is a hybrid between Kalanchoe beharensis and Kalanchoe tomentosa.  It belongs to the Kalanchoe genus of succulents in the Crassulaceae (stonecrop) family.

Fang is an upright grower; tall succulent tree-like shrub grows up to 2 metres tall with an equal spread. It has thick stems that hold large, undulated and folded, slightly-triangular leaves, covered in soft brown hairs that give the leaves a soft, velvety texture. The upper parts of the leaves feature a bronze like colour, while the undersides are silver-grey colour. The margins and underside of each leaf is covered in small tubercles, or “fangs” that resemble sharp teeth. There are also a lot of fine hairs on the fang like foliage. Kalanchoe beharensis ‘fang’ has red-orange blossoms in the spring. However, if growing inside, it’s rare to see flowers.

Whether grown indoors or outside, the Fang is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. It can take only mild frost for short time. The plant is ideal in warm climate landscapes and container gardens, but should be protected from frost. It needs ample sunlight, good drainage, and infrequent water to prevent rot. The containers should have good drainage holes with well-draining cactus soil. Watering must be deeply done, then wait for the soil to fully dry before watering again. Propagation is done by seed, stem cutting or plantlets. New plants develop at the edges or stem of the leaves as bulbils. These young plants (plantlets) eventually drop off and take root.

Use in Landscape: Kalanchoe beharensis ‘fang’ is ideal for Alpine and Rock Gardens. It also makes a great houseplant as can tolerate partial sun and does not need a big container without risking the health of the plant. If there is a risk of freezing temperatures they can be brought indoors to grow on a sunny window.

Crassulacean acid metabolism: Kalanchoe beharensis and Kalanchoe beharensis ‘fang’ advantageously performs Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) fully during the entire arid seasons. They can do this because of its ability to maintain the correct water balance in its leaves, even in periods of drought.