Kalanchoe prolifera

Kalanchoe prolifera is also known as Bryophyllum cochleatum, Bryophyllum proliferum, Blooming Boxes, Flaming Katie, Jurassic Kale or Palm Beach Bells. It is native to central Madagascar, but naturalizes frequently in many tropical countries. In Madagascar it is found in the province of Antananarivo, where it grows on rocky terrain at altitudes between 1 000 - 1 980 m above sea level.

The bright green colour of the leaves is striking at first sight. There is often a red border around the edge and on the petioles, which contrasts sharply with the green. The fleshy leaves are folded and pinnate. The stem is quadrangular in shape with visible leaf scars. The diameter of the stem varies up to 5 cm in older plants. It grows to a height of up to 3 m, but only after many years. It grows rapidly and its stout stem is unbranched.

After a few years, a compound panicle of drooping flowers appears on the stem in late winter or early spring.

This unpretentious, fast-growing Kalanchoe is less tolerant of frost than other members of the Kalanchoe genus. It is therefore advisable to avoid any negative temperatures when growing. It is not advisable to fertilise the plant. I recommend repotting the plant in a larger pot so that it has plenty of room to grow. The succulent impresses with its bright green colour with contrasting elements of red edging.