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Kalanchoe tubiflora
Chandelier Plant, Bryophyllum tubiflorum
| The well-known waxy-leafed, red-flowering varieties brighten homes in winter. But this huge, highly varied succulent group also includes shrubs, small trees, even a few tree-dwelling epiphytes. Their appealing foliage is just as varied -- smooth or fuzzy, lobed or feathery, marked with contrasting colors. Both leaves and flowers may bear little plantlets with roots. Give them a sunny, warm, airy setting with sandy, low-nitrogen soil and plenty of water. They like to be drier in winter, with temperatures above 50º F. Potted plants that can be moved to shelter are best. Some bare-leafed species are hardy outdoors through mild coastal winters, but need overhead protection such as eaves. Root cuttings or plantlets in spring or early summer. Potted flowering varieties need short day lengths to form buds. Give no more than 12 hours of light per day for at least 6 weeks, darkness the rest of the time. Once buds have formed, they need at least 4 hours of bright light daily. Most are discarded after blooming, but they can bloom a second season. Cut back leggy growth and old flower stems, then repot, and keep well watered in a sunny window. After the last frost, move outdoors gradually, sheltering from direct sun. Bring indoors and start controlling light in early October for January bloom. |
Long tubular leaves, spotted violet-brown and frilled with plantlets, ray out in a snowflake shape from an upright central stem. Salmon to scarlet, 1-inch flowers dangle in clusters. Suckers form at the stem base only in high humidity.
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Attributes - Kalanchoe tubiflora
Plant Type: Succulent
Bloom Season: Early Winter through Early Spring
Flower Color: Peach, Pink, Red
Foliage: Evergreen
Height: 2 ft. to 3 ft.
Width: 3 ft.
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Climate: Zones 10, 11
Notes: Thrives in Dry Climates, Hot Climates. Container Plants, Drought Tolerant, Long Blooming, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers.
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Related Plants
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana 'Fascination', Kalanchoe blossfeldiana 'Keepsake', Kalanchoe blossfeldiana 'Revelry', Kalanchoe blossfeldiana 'Sensation', Kalanchoe blossfeldiana 'Singapur', Kalanchoe blossfeldiana 'Splendor'
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