Silver Teardrop Kalanchoe
kalanchoe rhombopilosa
Also known as: ["Silver Teardrop Plant"]
Overview
A succulent species native to Madagascar, characterized by its fleshy, rhomboid leaves with a silvery sheen and reddish edges.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","low maintenance","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Genus: | Kalanchoe |
| Botanical Name: | Kalanchoe rhombopilosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot with bright light or outdoor rock garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- 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: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or after flowering.
- 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 6–8 hours daily. Can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun, especially in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching; place in a spot with filtered light if outdoors; indoors, position near an east or west-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; provide shade during peak summer hours; adjust light exposure seasonally.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries out fully between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or gritty soil mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use pots with drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil; ensure soil dries between waterings.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures between 65–80°F (18–27°C). Tolerates mild fluctuations but dislikes prolonged cold or heat extremes.
Avoid placing near drafty windows or air vents; maintain consistent room temperature; protect from extreme outdoor conditions.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or leaf cuttings. Stem cuttings are more reliable for this species.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting.
- Let it callus for 1–2 days.
- Plant in moist propagation medium.
- Keep humid and warm until roots form.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with bright indirect light and consistent warmth (70–75°F or 21–24°C).
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite (1:1 ratio).
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks; new growth may take an additional 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Clean scissors or knife, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Allow cuttings to callus before planting; maintain high humidity with a plastic cover; use sterile tools to prevent disease.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Trim back leggy stems to a leaf node or healthy bud. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove any leggy or damaged stems.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during active growth; remove dead/damaged parts; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, just before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant; 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. This species prefers slightly crowded roots but benefits from fresh soil.
Checklist
Choose a pot with drainage holes; use fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water sparingly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure drainage; reduce winter watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water deeply at the root zone until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture without waterlogging. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry during the day.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to once every 4–6 weeks, depending on conditions.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to commercial potting soil to enhance drainage and aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, wilting, stunted growth, or leaf drop in cold; scorching or leaf burn in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage or leaf drop. Prolonged cold may lead to fungal issues.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; ensure soil dries more slowly to insulate roots; use a heat mat if necessary.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, dehydration, and wilting, especially if combined with intense sunlight.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting or a pebble tray; water more frequently but still allow soil to dry between waterings.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to cardiac glycosides found in Kalanchoe rhombopilosa. Ingestion can result in severe cardiac toxicity, including life-threatening arrhythmias and heart failure.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Kalanchoe rhombopilosa can cause cardiac glycoside poisoning, leading to arrhythmias, heart failure, and electrolyte imbalances. The plant's toxins affect the cardiac muscle and nervous system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicKalanchoe rhombopilosa contains cardiac glycosides, which can disrupt heart function and electrolyte balance when ingested. The toxins interfere with sodium-potassium pumps in cell membranes, leading to potentially severe cardiovascular effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Kalanchoe rhombopilosa toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested, causing gastrointestinal upset.
Q: How often should I water this plant?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings to prevent root rot.
Q: Does this plant flower?
A: It produces small, tubular flowers, typically in shades of orange or red, during the winter or spring.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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