Contents
Description
Kalanchoe Paniculata is a beautiful succulent plant that belongs to the family Crassulaceae. It is native to Madagascar and is widely cultivated for its ornamental value. This plant features fleshy, green leaves with serrated edges and clusters of tiny, star-shaped flowers that bloom in shades of pink, red, yellow, or white. It can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and 60 cm wide.
Taxonomic Information
Domain: Eukarya
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Kalanchoe
Appearance
Kalanchoe Paniculata has fleshy, green leaves that are ovate to oblong in shape and have serrated edges. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs along the stem and can grow up to 10 cm long and 4 cm wide. The plant produces clusters of tiny, star-shaped flowers that bloom in shades of pink, red, yellow, or white. The flowers have four or five petals and are arranged in panicles that can grow up to 30 cm long.
Care Guide
Water: Kalanchoe Paniculata requires well-draining soil and should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it’s important to allow the soil to dry out between watering.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months.
Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix that contains perlite or sand to ensure good drainage. The plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Sunlight: Kalanchoe Paniculata prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch.
Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11 and should be protected from frost.
Common Pests & Diseases
Kalanchoe Paniculata is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. In addition, overwatering can cause root rot, and exposure to cold temperatures can cause leaf drop.
Habitat
Kalanchoe Paniculata is native to Madagascar and is found growing in rocky areas and on cliffs. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant and can be grown indoors or outdoors in warm climates.
Questions and Answers
Q: Is Kalanchoe Paniculata toxic to pets?
A: Yes, this plant is toxic to pets and should be kept out of reach.
Q: How often should Kalanchoe Paniculata be fertilized?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season.
Q: Can Kalanchoe Paniculata be grown indoors?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown indoors as long as it receives bright, indirect sunlight.
Q: What is the ideal soil pH for Kalanchoe Paniculata?
A: The plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Related Plants
- Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
- Kalanchoe pinnata
- Kalanchoe tomentosa
- Kalanchoe thyrsiflora
References
- “Kalanchoe Paniculata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 17, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d285
- “Kalanchoe Paniculata.” World of Succulents. Accessed August 17, 2021. https://worldofsucculents.com/kalanchoe-paniculata/
- “Kalanchoe Paniculata.” Plant Care Today. Accessed August 17, 2021. https://plantcaretoday.com/kalanchoe-paniculata.html
