kalanchoe

/kal'euhn koh"ee, keuh lang"koh ee, kal"euhn choh', keuh lan"choh/, n.

any of several chiefly African and Asian succulent plants or shrubs belonging to the genus Kalanchoe, of the stonecrop family, having mostly opposite leaves and branching clusters of flowers.

[1820-30; < NL]

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Any of several species of succulent plants that make up the genus Kalanchoe in the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae), popular for their easy indoor culture.

Potted K. blossfeldiana plants are marketed widely for their winter-blooming bright red and orange flowers, which may remain fresh for as long as eight weeks. As succulents, kalanchoes require little care, needing only considerable direct sunlight (or at least bright indirect light) and occasional watering. On some species, young plants grow in notches on the leaves of parent plants, then drop to the soil below and begin root growth.

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▪ plant genus

 (genus Kalanchoe), any of several species of succulent plants of the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae), popular for their easy culture indoors.

      The most common species, valued for their unusual foliage, include the panda plant (K. tomentosa); penwiper plant (K. marmorata); air plant, or maternity plant (K. pinnata); velvet leaf, or felt bush (K. beharensis); devil's backbone (K. daigremontiana); and South American air plant (K. fedtschenkoi). A range of attractive pot plants, distinguished by their colourful flowers, have been derived from K. blossfeldiana; they are marketed widely in the winter for their flowers, which may remain fresh for as long as eight weeks.

      As succulents, kalanchoes are relatively care-free houseplants, requiring considerable direct sunlight—though they will survive bright indirect light—and watering only when thoroughly dry. All species can be propagated readily from leaf or stem cuttings.

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