Silver Spoons

kalanchoe bracteata

Also known as: ["Silver Spoons Kalanchoe","Silver Dollar Plant"]

Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Kalanchoe Category: Succulents & Cacti

Overview

A succulent plant with fleshy, silvery-green leaves that are often used in ornamental landscaping.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","shade tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Kalanchoe
Botanical Name: Kalanchoe bracteata

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Succulents & Cacti
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, indirect light or outdoor in a sheltered spot
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Indoor Plant Lovers Outdoor Landscapers Pet Owners (non Toxic Plants Only)
  • 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 sand.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; 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.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Wilting despite moist soil, yellowing leaves, or root rot indicate poor drainage or overwatering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

bright indirect light to partial sun

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter strong light; avoid direct afternoon sun.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Allow soil to dry between waterings; water less in winter; avoid overwatering.

Soil

well-draining, sandy potting mix

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil; top-dress with fresh mix annually.

Temperature

Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates mild frost but thrives in moderate temperatures.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain moderate temperatures year-round.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Dilute fertilizer to avoid burn; fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a healthy cutting.
  2. Let it callus for a day.
  3. Plant in moist medium.
  4. Keep humid until roots form.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid, and bright indirect light; protect from direct sun.

Medium

Well-draining mix like cactus soil with perlite or sand.

Hormone

Optional but can speed up rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; new growth in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Sharp knife, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil mix.

Quick Tips

Use sterile tools; keep medium lightly moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Trim back stems just above a leaf node; remove any damaged or diseased parts.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or leggy stems to encourage bushier growth; shape as needed.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape plant; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil freshness.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water deeply at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure excess water drains away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold; yellowing leaves in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration or drop; susceptible to root rot in cold, wet soil.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; reduce watering in cold conditions.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, wilting, or drooping; may drop leaves to conserve water.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Kalanchoe bracteata may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations. It can also be a sign of natural aging or environmental stress.

Wilting in Kalanchoe bracteata is often due to water stress, either from overwatering causing root rot or underwatering leading to dehydration. It can also result from pest damage or disease.

Leaf spots on Kalanchoe bracteata are typically caused by fungal or bacterial infections, often exacerbated by high humidity or overhead watering. These spots can lead to leaf necrosis and premature leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Kalanchoe bracteata is commonly caused by overwatering or poor drainage, leading to fungal infections that can kill the plant if not addressed.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are highly sensitive to the cardiac glycosides in Kalanchoe bracteata, which can lead to severe cardiac issues, including arrhythmias and heart failure. The plant can also cause significant gastrointestinal upset.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting drooling lethargy difficulty breathing tremors seizures
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure cats cannot access the plant. Seek emergency veterinary care if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Toxic

The cardiac glycosides in Kalanchoe bracteata can cause severe cardiac arrhythmias, electrolyte imbalances, and gastrointestinal distress in dogs. The toxicity can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy weakness difficulty breathing collapse
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants away from pets. Contact a veterinarian immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Kalanchoe bracteata contains cardiac glycosides, which can disrupt heart function and electrolyte balance when ingested. The effects are generally mild in humans but can be more pronounced in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain irregular heartbeat dizziness
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep out of reach of children and avoid ingestion. Seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Kalanchoe bracteata toxic to pets?

A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: How often should I water Kalanchoe bracteata?

A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Q: Can Kalanchoe bracteata grow indoors?

A: Yes, it thrives in bright indirect light indoors with minimal care.

Quick Reference
Family: Crassulaceae
Care: easy
Light: bright indirect light to parti
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","indoor plant lovers","outdoor landscapers","pet owners (non-toxic plants only)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Sawleaf Kalanchoe
View
Rose's Kalanchoe
View
Prolific Echeveria
View
Mexican Sedum
View