How to grow Bryophyllum pinnatum? Detailed guide to cultivation methods and precautions

Other names for Bryophyllum pinnatum

Immortal bird, Mexican straw hat, lantern flower.

Morphological characteristics of Bryophyllum pinnatum

Bryophyllum pinnatum is a perennial succulent herb of the genus Kalanchoe in the Crassulaceae family, with a plant height of50-100cm, stems single, branching, erect, brown. In early spring, a hard flower stalk emerges from the center of the plant. The follicles are enclosed within the calyx and corolla. Seeds are small and striped. Flowering period is1-3month. It is mainly distributed in Fujian, Taiwan, China, Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan and other places on hillsides, ditch banks and roadsides in moist grasslands, and is often cultivated in greenhouses and gardens in various regions.

Growth habits of Bryophyllum pinnatum

It prefers a sunny, warm and humid environment, is relatively tolerant of, and even more tolerant of cold, and is suitable for growing in well-drained acidic soil. It is drought-tolerant. It prefers well-drained fertile sandy loam. The optimum growth temperature is13～19°C, and the winter temperature is7～10℃。

The role of Bryophyllum pinnatum

Economic

The whole plant is used as medicine; it can detoxify and reduce swelling, invigorate blood and relieve pain, and draw out toxins and promote tissue regeneration. It is cultivated for ornamental use. Leaf cuttings are commonly used for propagation. In warm seasons, mature leaves are picked and laid flat on wet sand; within a few days, roots form at the notches on the leaf margins and small plants grow and survive; once they have grown, they can be cut off and moved into small pots.

Horticulture

Kalanchoe pinnata is the most common succulent plant. Its leaves are thick and juicy, and neat, beautiful adventitious buds grow along the edges, shaped like a group of small butterflies; they fall to the ground and immediately take root, multiplying and reproducing future generations, which is quite whimsical. Used for potted plants, it is a good material for windowsill greening, and it also has elegant charm when decorating a study and guest room.

Medicinal

Whole plant (Bryophyllum pinnatum): slightly sour, astringent, cool. Reduces swelling, invigorates blood and relieves pain, draws out toxins and promotes tissue regeneration. For external use on carbuncles, swellings and sores, breast abscess, erysipelas, otitis media, mumps, traumatic bleeding, bruises, fractures, burns and scalds.