Delve into the realm of velvet leaf plants, a delightful addition to any indoor or outdoor garden. Renowned for their distinctive textured leaves, these succulents are adored for their easy cultivation. Unearth all the essentials about the charming Velvet Leaf plant as shared by gardening expert Melissa Strauss.
Quick Care Guide
Plant Type: Succulent
Genus: Kalanchoe
Height: 3’-5’ tall in cultivation, larger in nature
Season: Spring and Summer
Plant Spacing: 24”
Plant with: Succulents
Pests: Aphids, Mealybugs, Spider Mites
Maintenance: Low
Hardiness Zone: 10-12 (Houseplants elsewhere)
Family: Crassulaceae
Planting Depth: Surface Level
Watering Needs: Low
Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil Type: Well Draining, Sandy
Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Sun
Diseases: Root Rot
Native Area: Madagascar
Attracts: Hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, birds
About Kalanchoe Beharensis
Classification
Kalanchoe, including the popular Blossfeldiana variety, is a member of the Stonecrop family.
During its blooming season, Kalanchoe plants thrive in hot and sunny conditions, allowing for extended flowering periods. Most Kalanchoe species are known for their flowering capabilities, although some may not bloom indoors as houseplants. Beharensis, for example, is not a prolific bloomer indoors but can produce flowers if provided with optimal conditions.
For Beharensis plants, keeping them outdoors for a significant part of the year ensures their happiness, as they enjoy basking in sunlight and can withstand neglect typical of most succulents. Their leaves, often referred to as Velvet Leaf Plants, feature a unique texture with a velvet-like coating, serving as protection from direct sunlight. These olive-green leaves exhibit hints of reddish-brown when exposed to ample sunlight, growing in pairs that form distinctive triangular shapes.
Beharensis plants flourish in full sun exposure, though they can also thrive in partial shade or indirect light. The leaves’ ruffled margins add a delicate touch to their appearance, growing on tall, slender stems that can reach up to 5 feet in captivity. Certain varieties may display variegated or dark-margined leaves, offering a range of aesthetic possibilities.
When cultivated outdoors in zones 10-12, Beharensis plants develop small, bell-shaped flowers with yellowish-green hues and purple veins, attracting pollinators and nectar-seeking birds. Flowering typically occurs during spring and summer, characterized by large branching inflorescences holding urn-shaped orange blooms with occasional greenish undertones.
Propagation of Kalanchoe plants is relatively straightforward, with various methods available based on the desired timeline for new plant growth. One common method involves propagating from offsets, where rosettes of velvety leaves can be separated and planted to establish new plants, showcasing gray-green and copper hues with serrated edges and characteristic textures. Other propagation techniques may require additional patience but offer rewarding results in due time.Kalanchoe Beharensis plants produce offsets that can be grown separately in their individual containers.
Offsets, or baby plants, are regularly sent out by Kalanchoe Beharensis from the base of the parent plant. Leave them attached for a clustered effect, or detach and replant them separately for propagation.
Simplest propagation involves removing the offsets in spring. Let the ends dry for a couple of days before planting in damp soil where they grow rapidly with their root system. Avoid removing offsets during blooming.
From cuttings, while taking longer to mature, is feasible. Procedure is similar to offsets propagation but requires more time for rooting and leaf generation. Spring is ideal for cutting, treat with rooting hormone, and plant for best results.
Lastly, growing from seeds also takes time but yields more plants. Kalanchoe seeds sprout quickly, needing a porous mix for cultivation. Sow directly in small pots and lightly cover the seeds. Maintain moisture with plastic covering and gradually expose to sunlight once germinated.
Growing Kalanchoe Beharensis
Kalanchoe Beharensis are low-maintenance plants thriving in a suitable environment.
Planting Depth and Potting Needs
For best results, plant Kalanchoe in succulent/cactus potting soil with good drainage.
Succulent plants like Kalanchoes thrive in succulent/cactus potting mediums, which typically have coarser particles for improved drainage. Adequate drainage is essential to prevent root rot, a common issue in succulents that are overwatered. You can either opt for commercial succulent potting mixes or create your own by adding materials like sand or perlite to enhance drainage.
When planting a Kalanchoe beharensis, ensure it is not buried too deeply. Plant it just below the soil surface in a hole that matches the root ball’s size. Fill the surrounding area with potting mix and water generously to establish the plant.
For cuttings, create a small hole in the potting mix and insert the stem of the leaf cutting facing down. Secure the cutting by gently pressing the soil around it.
Light
Beharensis kalanchoe can tolerate full sun due to the velvet hairs on its leaves, which act as a sunscreen.
While most kalanchoe species prefer bright light, the Beharensis variety can handle full sun well thanks to the protective velvet hairs on its leaves. These hairs function as a natural sunscreen, filtering sunlight and preventing leaf burn.
Make sure to provide adequate sunlight as outlined in this video.
Kalanchoe plants like Beharensis can thrive in both full sun and bright indirect light. The unique adaptation of these plants allows them to adjust to different light levels. Providing more sunlight can enhance vibrant colors, while placing them in more shade may bring out cool tones.
Water
Ensure thorough watering followed by proper drainage to prevent root rot in kalanchoes.
When it comes to kalanchoes like the Beharensis variety, watering plays a crucial role in their care routine. These succulents thrive when given a generous drink that allows their roots to absorb ample moisture. It’s essential to let the soil drain completely and dry out before the next watering session to avoid issues like root rot.
Overwatering poses a significant risk to kalanchoes as it can lead to root decay. These plants’ roots are designed to absorb water effectively but can suffer when constantly waterlogged. Excess moisture can cause root breakdown, making them susceptible to harmful pathogens such as bacteria and fungi.
The frequency of watering should be tailored to the specific conditions of your kalanchoe’s container and placement. Opt for well-draining pots in bright locations, which may require weekly watering. Conversely, containers with higher moisture retention or less sunlight should only be watered when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Outdoor kalanchoes can typically be watered every 3-4 days, ensuring thorough drainage between each watering session.
Climate and Temperature
Beharensis thrives in temperatures ranging from 73-90°F, typical of its native Madagascar habitat.
Native to Madagascar, the Beharensis kalanchoe is accustomed to consistent temperatures within the range of 73-90°F found on the island. For optimal growth, ensure your kalanchoe receives adequate light and ventilation, mirroring the conditions of its natural habitat.
Without sufficient light exposure, Beharensis plants may struggle to bloom. Consider relocating them outdoors during warmer seasons to promote their overall well-being. Personally, in a Zone 8 region with humidity, I keep most of my kalanchoes outdoors under shelter unless temperatures are expected to drop below 30°F, a practice that has proven successful without significant casualties.
Even when accidentally exposed to freezing temperatures, neglected kalanchoes may shed leaves but often regenerate by the following summer. While this regeneration is beneficial for potted kalanchoes, it may impact offset production and flowering.
Fertilizing
Beharensis benefits from periodic fertilization using a balanced, all-purpose, or cacti/succulent-specific fertilizer.
In the autumn and winter months, kalanchoes like Beharensis require no fertilization as they absorb minimal water during this period, rendering fertilizers ineffective. During active growth phases, consider fertilizing every few months, totaling 2-3 applications annually.
Both balanced, general-purpose fertilizers and those formulated for cacti and succulents are suitable choices for kalanchoes. If opting for a general-purpose solution, dilute it by half to prevent overfeeding. These plants have a good nutrient uptake capability, offering some forgiveness for occasional lapses in fertilization.
Pruning and Maintenance
Kalanchoe plants require little maintenance, especially in terms of pruning.
Kalanchoe plants, including the Beharensis variety, are remarkably undemanding when it comes to upkeep. Apart from occasional pruning for shaping purposes, pruning is superfluous for this plant.
Eliminating dead or aesthetically unappealing leaves benefits the plant by reallocating resources to promote fresh growth.
In the event of leggy growth, consider trimming it back to a large leaf in spring to encourage denser growth. Simply remove any dead or unhealthy leaves by pinching them off.
Toxicity
Exercise caution as Kalanchoe is toxic to both humans and animals if ingested.
All variants of kalanchoe pose toxic risks to humans and animals, with documented cases of livestock fatalities during food shortages. For safety, keep this plant out of reach of pets and young children who may nibble on its foliage.
Popular Varieties
Beharensis boasts numerous popular variants adaptable to various environments. Let’s explore some prevalent choices.
Fang
The ‘Fang’ variant showcases large bronze leaves with a distinctive fang-like texture.
Scientific Name: Kalanchoe beharensis ‘Fang’
Bloom Time: Spring-Summer
Geographical Location: Madagascar
Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
Plant Zone: 9-12
The ‘Fang’ variety, a popular choice, has earned the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. Featuring large bronze leaves with silvery green undersides adorned with tiny fang-like projections, this plant adds a unique visual element to gardens.
Introducing the Oak Leaf plant, a miniature version of the Beharensis with unique characteristics that make it a perfect indoor planting option due to its manageable size and charming appearance. Growing up to 2’-3’ tall, its large oak-shaped leaves exhibit a pale green hue transforming into silver-gray tones under direct sunlight or deeper shades in partial shade. A delightful feature of this variety is its coral-colored flowers when in bloom, adding extra charm to its foliage.
Oak Leaf
Oak leaf is a smaller version of Beharensis and is ideal for indoor planting because of its size.
Bloom Time: Spring-Summer
Geographical Location: Madagascar
Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
Plant Zone: 9-12
Scientific Name: Kalanchoe beharensis ‘Oak Leaf’
This is another noteworthy dwarf variant known as the Brown Dwarf, perfect for container gardening and compact spaces. Contrasting the typical silver velvet of other species, the Brown Dwarf sports soft brown velvet leaves with deep clefts and twisted edges, a unique and aesthetically appealing trait. Referred to as Nana as well, this variety showcases small rosettes, 6” or smaller, in size, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a diminutive alternative to the larger Beharensis tree variants.
Brown Dwarf
Brown Dwarf has soft brown velvet and deeply bisected leaves.
For maintaining the health of your Beharensis plants and fending off pests and diseases, there are several precautions to take. These plants, with their succulent foliage, are particularly attractive to sap-sucking insects which you’ll want to keep at bay.
Pests and Diseases
Aphids
Aphids can damage kalanchoe plants by eating their sap and leaving behind a sticky substance called honeydew.
Aphids are a common type of insect that are found in most gardens. Outdoors, they are usually controlled by predatory insects like ladybugs and wasps, but indoors they can make a real mess out of a juicy succulent plant.
A kalanchoe’s demise can be brought about by various pests.
One such nuisance is the aphid, known to either have wings or be wingless. Fortunately, these tiny invaders can easily be managed without resorting to harsh chemicals. Neem oil serves as an effective remedy, or simply relocating your plant outdoors for a brief period can invite nature’s pest control to feast.
If you notice leaf curling and yellowing, inspect beneath the leaves for these pesky critters. The presence of mold can also signal an aphid infestation resulting from their excrement, which can be wiped off with a gentle, damp cloth.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs drain plants of nutrients, causing stunted growth and shriveled leaves.
Mealybugs pose a significant threat to kalanchoes, as these sap feeders reproduce rapidly, depleting the plant of vital nutrients. These pests, usually in clusters under leaves, exhibit a cottony appearance and leave behind honeydew leading to black mold formation.
To combat mealybugs effectively, employing 70% isopropyl alcohol is recommended. This can be done by either swabbing them with a soaked cotton swab or misting them using a spray bottle, depending on the severity of the infestation.
When misting, ensure any excess alcohol is removed promptly to prevent further damage by desiccating already affected tissues.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are spider-like sap-sucking pests that can damage plants by piercing their skin.
Spider mites, akin to spiders rather than insects, sap nutrients from the plant’s skin, leaving it lackluster and depleted. These tiny pests can engulf a plant in thick webbing, a haven for their eggs to further harm the host once hatched.
Identify spider mites by observing pale or yellow spots on leaves or the webbing itself. Combat them effectively using neem oil or insecticidal soaps, both safe and gentle solutions for these plant-wrecking pests.
Root Rot
Overwatering or poor drainage can cause root rot in kalanchoe.
Root rot, a common woe for succulents like kalanchoe, often arises due to overwatering or improper drainage, leading to potential fatalities. Softening and deterioration of roots occur when succulents become unable to absorb excess water.
As the roots weaken, susceptibility to fungal and bacterial infections increases, often manifesting in blackened stems or lower leaves. To salvage a kalanchoe afflicted with root rot, uproot it, let it air in the shade to dry its roots, then replant in well-draining soil and revise watering habits accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Kalanchoe Beharensis is an enchanting evergreen succulent that’s simple to cultivate. Its lush, fuzzy leaves add a captivating touch to any indoor or outdoor space. Easy maintenance makes this species ideal for beginners or those seeking resilient plants.
Whether you’re a budding plant enthusiast, desire a succulent flourish in your garden, or crave unique textures, kalanchoe fits the bill. Beharensis and its kin promise longevity and abundant offsets, making them delightful companions for years to come.
James is an environmental gardener and passionate writer who holds a master's degree in agriculture. He graduated from Harvard University with a degree in environmental horticulture and has a particular interest in soil composition. Currently, James works as a researcher in plant research, where he continues to explore and advance knowledge in his field. His combined expertise in environmental gardening and soil science helps him contribute valuable insights to both academic and practical gardening communities.
James is an environmental gardener and passionate writer who holds a master's degree in agriculture. He graduated from Harvard University with a degree in environmental horticulture and has a particular interest in soil composition. Currently, James works as a researcher in plant research, where he continues to explore and advance knowledge in his field. His combined expertise in environmental gardening and soil science helps him contribute valuable insights to both academic and practical gardening communities.
