Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Crassulaceae

Order

Saxifragales

Genus

Kalanchoe

Species

thyrsiflora

Description

Succulent plant with rounded leaves edged in red, giving it an interesting decorative appearance. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, temperature permitting. Very decorative if kept in full sun otherwise it tends to turn green and lose the characteristic red border on the leaves. It also has low water requirements.

Origin and distribution

Kalanchoe thyrsiflora grows wild in South Africa and Madagascar, particularly in arid, sun-exposed areas.

Leaf

The leaf blade is obovate, oval in shape.

Leaf colour

The typical characteristic of the leaf is that it is multicoloured; the pinkish hue shows itself with strong exposure to the sun, while indoors it can remain a beautiful grey colour with a light down on the leaf blade.

Lifespan

Perennial, evergreen succulent plant.

Where to plant

Suitable, depending on climatic conditions, for balconies, rock gardens, terraces, porches.

Stem

The stem is herbaceous, semi-woody; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in form, small in size, with a tubular corolla and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in large spike-like inflorescences. It flowers from late spring to summer, with a flowering period of between 120 and 150 days. It is mildly scented, with a delicate aroma.

Growth

It develops with a compact foliage confomation.

Plant habit

The habit is globular, giving the entire plant a pleasing appearance and homogeneous development.

Branching

The growth develops rather little branching.

PH

Optimum pH values are between 6 and 6.5.

Soil preparation

For outdoor use, compatibly with the present climate, before transplanting in spring, carry out 20/30 cm deep digging, removing, if present, bulky stones, residues of previous crops and weeds. To make the soil more suitable for young roots, break up the coarser clods.

Sun exposure

Requires full sun exposure.

Ideal climate and temperature

Suitable for a warm and dry climate. The ideal temperature is between 20 and 28 °C.

Use

Due to the particularity of its foliage, it is widely used in:
Exterior ornamental field Indoor ornamental

Hardiness

It is considered a plant with medium to high hardiness characteristics.

Soil

The optimal substrate is one specifically for green plants, with blond and brown peat as main components and 10% perlite to ensure proper drainage of excess water.

Difficulty

It is an easy plant to grow.

Growing tips

For best results, it is recommended to follow these guidelines:
Expose the plant to maximum light Keep the substrate dry at low temperatures Prefers warm and dry climate Exposure to direct light

Planting

An average planting density of 5 plants/square metre is recommended.

Transplant by completely burying the root ball.

Propagation

It can be propagated by cuttings, preferably apical, or by suckers.

Watering

Well, rain or aqueduct water can be used for watering. In the case of irrigation systems, the methods to be used can be sprinkling or sub-irrigation. Keep the substrate or soil slightly moist, preventing waterlogging. It is also advisable not to water the aerial part of the plant during the evening to avoid the spread of phytopathologies.

Fertilising

The recommended fertilisation is with a complete fertiliser supplemented with trace elements such as Calcium and Magnesium, and with a high Nitrogen and Potassium content to stimulate both vegetative growth and abundant flowering. Start fertilising approximately 3 weeks after transplanting.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Tip

For optimum leaf colouration reduce the water supply considerably in late spring and summer and expose to maximum light. If kept indoors where it has no direct light, it will hardly colour. Does not like repotting.