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 bracteata is a small, compact, shrubby, xerophytic succulent belong to Crassulaceae (Stonecrops) family. The plant is native to South Eastern Madagascar, can reach up to 100 cm tall. It is commonly known as Silver Teaspoons as has silvery velvet, “spoon” shaped leaves. 2 -5 cm long, ovate leaves with a slight point at the tip and short petioles are held opposite to each other. Plants appear greyish silvery-white because of a pubescence of oppressed short stellate hairs and a waxy substance that covers the leaves. Waxy substance also covers young 4 angled stems.

Kalanchoe bracteata blooms naturally in the spring and summer seasons. Red flowers of the plant are on branched terminal inflorescences. The specific epithet “bracteata” is in reference to the conspicuous floral bracts of this species.

Silver Teaspoons prefer to grow at bright, warm and sunny locations. Soil should be well drained. They are drought resistant plants that only need is moderate irrigation. Overwatering can cause root decay and rotting and encourages fungal growth. Irrigation should always be directly on the ground avoiding wetting the foliage.

It is not a frost hardy plant, can withstand -2°C for a short time.  Propagation can be done by seed, leaf cutting or stem cutting with a few leaves.

Use in Landscape: Kalanchoe bracteata makes a perfect display in combination with plants having dark green or dark red foliage. It is a good choice for cactus and succulent gardens in frost free locations. It is suitable to grown in pot. Containers should be kept at partial sunny to light shady locations. In areas where the temperature is extremely cold, container plants should be moved indoors.

Kalanchoe bracteata is mildly toxic to pet cats, and dogs, though is safe to humans.

Kalanchoe bracteata, and Kalanchoe hildebrandtii are similar-looking species and can be easily confused with each other. They can be distinguished by their flowers. Kalanchoe orygalis have yellow flowers with greenish lobes while Kalanchoe bracteata have red or orange-red flowers. The pubescence of Kalanchoe bracteata can be identified by its 3 angled 2 lobed hair. Kalanchoe hildebrandtii is another closely resembling species that can be differentiated by its small white blooms and stalkless leaves.

To make your kalanchoes bloom again it is necessary to keep your plants dormant for a certain period. A dormancy or hibernation period is essential for the plants to gather enough energy for re-blooming and growth under favorable conditions.

This period should start in November and last for about six to eight weeks. Then the plants will ultimately start to produce new buds in the following year.

most of the kalanchoes varieties will start flowering naturally as the days become shorter in the autumn, and they don’t receive any light at all.

Exposure of plants to low light levels from fall to late winter normally induces flower formation. Provide 9-10 hours of bright sunny daylight and then complete darkness for a period of 14-15 hours, usually from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. during the dormancy period.

To ensure complete darkness don’t even place your plants under artificial lighting. You can’t even turn a lamp or an incandescent light bulb on in the room at night.

Keep the plants as cool as possible. The temperatures should not go beyond 59°F (15°C) during the dormancy period. Avoid exposure to high temperatures.

Do not provide any fertilizers or nutrients during the rest period, as your plant is in the dormant stage. Once the buds start to appear fertilize the plants with a 0:10:10 water-soluble fertilizer in late winter. The application of fertilizers at the bud initiation stage will promote better flowering, plant health, and vigor.

At the end of the dormancy period, you will be delighted to see new developing buds about 6-8 weeks later. As soon as your plants start to produce buds, return them to their usual light requirements, and provide regular watering. Feed your plants and keep removing the spent flowers to encourage the development of new buds.

If you want your kalanchoes to bloom for a special occasion or a festival, like Christmas, Thanksgiving just put your plants to dormancy for six to eight weeks before the event. The colorful blooming kalanchoes will bring ultimate joy to your festival.