Kalanchoe is a succulent plant in the Crassulaceae family.

Other Names for Kalanchoe

Phoenix, Mexican hat, lantern flower.

Morphological Characteristics of Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe is a perennial succulent herb in the genus Kalanchoe, Crassulaceae family, with a plant height of 50-100cm. The stem is solitary, branched, erect, and brown. In early spring, a hard flower stalk emerges from the center of the plant. The follicle is enclosed within the calyx and corolla. The seeds are small and striped. The flowering period is from 1-3. It is mainly distributed on hillsides, moist grasslands by ditches and roadsides in Fujian, Taiwan, China, Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, and other places, and is often cultivated in greenhouses and gardens everywhere.

Growth Habits of Kalanchoe

It likes a sunny, warm, and humid environment, is relatively tolerant of , and even more cold-tolerant, and is suitable for growing in well-drained acidic soil. It is drought-tolerant. It likes fertile sandy loam with good drainage. The optimum growth temperature is 13 to 19°C, and the winter temperature is 7 to 10°C.

Uses of Kalanchoe

Economic

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

Horticulture

Broad-leaved kalanchoe 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 fly down to the ground and immediately take root to reproduce offspring, which is quite whimsical. Used as a potted plant, it is a good material for windowsill greening, and it also adds elegant charm when decorating a study and guest room.

Medicinal

Whole plant (Kalanchoe): slightly sour, astringent, cool. Reduces swelling, promotes blood circulation and relieves pain, draws out toxins and promotes tissue regeneration. Externally used for carbuncles, swellings, and sores, breast abscess, erysipelas, otitis media, mumps, traumatic bleeding, bruises, fractures, burns, and scalds.