Kalanchoe longiflora

Description

The Kalanchoe longiflora, also known as the Tugela Cliff Kalanchoe or Long-Flowered Kalanchoe, is a unique and somewhat obscure succulent native to South Africa. Here’s a breakdown of its characteristics and how to care for it:

Description:

• Leaves:
  • Color: Grey-green with a waxy bloom, often with pinkish or reddish margins, or completely reddish-brown on some varieties.
  • Shape: These are oblong or spoon-shaped with a sharp or rounded tip and can be up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) long.
  • Arrangement: The leaves grow on 4-angled, decumbent branches that can reach up to 16 inches (40 cm) long.
• Flowers: Unlike many succulents, Kalanchoe longiflora produces clusters of yellow, tubular flowers in autumn and winter. These flowers add a pop of color during the cooler months.

Origin and Habitat:

• This succulent is a cliff dweller (cremnophyte) found on rock faces and shale slopes in South Africa’s central Tugela catchment basin.
• It’s a vulnerable and rare plant due to habitat degradation from grazing, trampling, and agriculture.

Care Tips:

• Light: Kalanchoe longiflora prefers bright, indirect sunlight. South-facing windows with sheer curtains are ideal. Avoid harsh afternoon sun, especially in hot climates.
• Water: As a succulent, it stores water in its leaves and prefers to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a major threat. Water deeply only when the soil feels completely dry to the touch, allowing excess water to drain from the pot. Reduce watering significantly during winter dormancy.
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix is essential for this plant’s roots. You can create your own by mixing regular potting mix with perlite or coarse sand for better drainage.
• Temperature: Kalanchoe longiflora enjoys warm temperatures, ideally between 65°F and 80°F (18°C and 27°C). It cannot tolerate frost.
• Fertilizer: Feeding is not necessary but can be done very occasionally during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted, balanced succulent fertilizer.

Propagation:

• You can propagate Kalanchoe longiflora from stem cuttings or offsets (pups) that form around the base of the plant.

Additional Tips:

• Kalanchoe longiflora is a relatively slow-growing succulent.
• Repot only when the plant outgrows its current container, typically every few years. Choose a pot with drainage holes that’s slightly larger than the root ball.
• This succulent is generally pest and disease resistant, but keep an eye out for mealybugs or scale, which can be treated with insecticidal soap.

A Rare Beauty:

While not as common as other Kalanchoe varieties, Kalanchoe longiflora offers unique foliage and interesting winter blooms. With proper care, this succulent can be a conversation starter in your collection. However, be mindful of its vulnerable status in the wild.