Felt Bush, Elephant Ear Kalanchoe
kalanchoe beharensis
Also known as: ["Felt Bush","Elephant Ear Kalanchoe"]
Overview
A succulent shrub native to Madagascar, known for its large, velvety, lobed leaves resembling elephant ears.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","shade tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Genus: | Kalanchoe |
| Botanical Name: | Kalanchoe beharensis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in a bright location with protection from intense afternoon sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"10–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or coarse sand for improved drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Every 2–3 years or as needed to control size and shape; light pruning can be done annually.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown, but avoid heavy pruning unless necessary
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; tolerates some direct morning sun but prefers shade from intense afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to avoid scorching; place in east-facing windows indoors; provide dappled shade outdoors during peak sun.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
bright indirect light to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; avoid direct afternoon sun; adjust light exposure seasonally.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce to every 3–4 weeks in winter
Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; water less in winter; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-draining, sandy potting mix with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; use a mix with large particles for aeration; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates mild frost but thrives in warm, stable conditions; avoid temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from cold drafts; maintain stable warmth for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Fertilize only during active growth; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent salt buildup; flush soil occasionally to remove excess salts.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or leaf cuttings; stem cuttings are more reliable for this species.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy stem cutting.
- Let it callus for 1–2 days.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist but not waterlogged.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F), humid environment with bright indirect light; protect from direct sun and drafts.
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite (1:1 ratio); can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone powder for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots may appear in 3–4 weeks; new growth in 2–3 months; full establishment in 6–8 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp, sterile knife or scissors, rooting hormone, well-draining medium, small pots, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Allow cuttings to callus before planting; maintain humidity with a cover; avoid overwatering.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back leggy stems to a healthy node; remove dead or damaged leaves; shape the plant as desired.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or leggy growth, and encourage bushier growth; best done after flowering or in early spring.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during active growth; make clean cuts; dispose of pruned material.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, just before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure proper drainage; avoid over-potting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water deeply until it drains from the bottom, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry; ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly only when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to once every 3–4 weeks.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to commercial potting soil to enhance drainage; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves) in cold stress; wilting or leaf drop in heat stress; stunted growth in extreme conditions.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause leaf drop or browning; increases susceptibility to root rot due to reduced water uptake.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; reduce watering; use a heat mat if necessary.
Hot Stress
Leaves may curl, wilt, or develop brown edges; growth may slow; increased water demand.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; improve air circulation; mist foliage lightly if needed.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; cease fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the cardiac glycosides present in Kalanchoe beharensis. Ingestion can lead to severe cardiac dysfunction, electrolyte imbalances, and systemic toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe cardiac glycosides in Kalanchoe beharensis can cause significant cardiac and gastrointestinal distress in dogs. These compounds affect the heart's electrical activity and can lead to life-threatening conditions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicKalanchoe beharensis contains cardiac glycosides, which can disrupt heart function and electrolyte balance when ingested. The toxins interfere with sodium-potassium pumps in cells, leading to potentially severe physiological effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Kalanchoe beharensis toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should I water Kalanchoe beharensis?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Q: Does Kalanchoe beharensis flower?
A: It rarely flowers indoors, but when it does, it produces small, yellowish-green flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | bright indirect light to parti |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
