Origin
Kalanchoe velutina Welw. ex Britten subsp. velutina, commonly known as the Velvet Leaf Kalanchoe, is a succulent plant that is native to Angola, Namibia, and South Africa. It belongs to the family Crassulaceae and is closely related to other popular succulents such as Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) and Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana).
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Velvet Leaf Kalanchoe due to the soft coating of fine white hairs on the leaves that give it a velvety texture. However, it is also known by other common names such as Grey Lady, Feltplant, or Scrubby Kalanchoe.
Uses
Kalanchoe velutina Welw. ex Britten subsp. velutina is primarily grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive velvety foliage and showy flowers. It is a low-maintenance plant that is ideal for xeriscaping or growing indoors as a houseplant. The plant can also be used in rock gardens or as a ground cover. The leaves of the plant are known to have medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as wounds, skin diseases, and respiratory problems.
General Appearance
Kalanchoe velutina Welw. ex Britten subsp. velutina is a small shrub that grows up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall and spreads up to 24 inches (60 cm) wide. The leaves are spatulate or oblong in shape, covered with soft fine white hairs that give them a velvety texture, and are between 0.5 to 2 inches (1 to 5 cm) long. The leaves are clustered at the tips of the branches and are light green to grey-green in color. The plant produces inflorescences that are loose clusters of small tubular flowers on short stems, that are between 0.25 to 0.5 inches (0.6 to 1.2 cm) long and bloom in shades of pink or mauve. The flowers have both male and female reproductive organs and are pollinated by bees, butterflies, and moths.
Light Requirements
Kalanchoe velutina Welw. ex Britten subsp. velutina grows best in bright but indirect sunlight. If the plant is exposed to direct sunlight for long periods, it may result in yellowed or scorched leaves. Inadequate lighting would prevent the plant from producing flowers.
Temperature Requirements
Kalanchoe velutina is a warm-weather plant, and it thrives in temperatures that range between 60 and 85°F (15 to 29°C). Cooler temperatures may result in slow growth or dormancy, while extremely high temperatures may cause the leaves to wilt, droop, and dry out.
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. A soil mix that is one part potting soil, one part perlite, and one part sand is ideal. This soil mix ensures that the soil is loose enough to allow air to circulate around the roots while simultaneously encouraging drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Kalanchoe velutina Welw. ex Britten subsp. velutina grows well in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH. It prefers bright light and can tolerate direct sunlight. However, it can also grow well in light shade conditions, making it suitable for indoor gardening.
The plant can propagate by stem cuttings. Make sure to take healthy stem cuttings with a few leaves attached and plant them in a well-drained soil mix.
Watering Needs
Kalanchoe velutina Welw. ex Britten subsp. velutina requires moderate watering. Water the plant thoroughly and let the top few inches of soil dry out before watering again. Overwatering can cause root rot and kill the plant.
During the winter months, when the plant is dormant, reduce the watering frequency. This helps the plant conserve energy and prevent overwatering.
Fertilization
Fertilize Kalanchoe velutina Welw. ex Britten subsp. velutina with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer every 2-4 weeks to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Avoid fertilizing during the winter months, as the plant is dormant and requires less nutrient uptake.
Pruning
Prune Kalanchoe velutina Welw. ex Britten subsp. velutina in the spring to promote bushier growth and remove any dead or damaged leaves. Pinch off the tips of the stems to encourage lateral branching and promote fuller growth.
Deadhead the spent blooms to encourage the plant to produce more flowers. This also helps to keep the plant looking neat and tidy.
Propagation of Kalanchoe velutina Welw. ex Britten subsp. velutina
Kalanchoe velutina Welw. ex Britten subsp. velutina, also known as the Velvet Leaf Kalanchoe, is a succulent plant that is native to Madagascar. This plant is an excellent choice for indoor gardening, and it is easy to propagate. The propagation methods of the Kalanchoe velutina are:
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
One of the easiest ways to propagate the Velvet Leaf Kalanchoe is through stem-cutting. Take a healthy stem cutting from the parent plant, using a clean and sharp knife. To increase the chances of success, it is advisable to take a cutting that is at least three inches long. After taking the cutting, leave it to dry for a day or two to let the cut part dry out and reduce the risk of rotting. Then plant the cutting in well-draining soil and water it lightly. Place the pot in a warm spot, away from direct sunlight and drafts. Roots should start developing in two to three weeks, and new leaves will soon sprout.
Propagation by Leaf Cuttings
The Kalanchoe velutina can also be propagated by using its leaves. Gently remove a leaf from the parent plant and leave it out to dry for a day or two. Once the cut end has callused, plant the leaf in well-draining soil. Place the pot in a warm, indirect light and water it lightly. Roots should develop in a few weeks, and a small plant will sprout from the based of the leaf. It is advisable to leave the new plant undisturbed until it outgrows its pot before transplanting it.
Propagation by Offsets Division
Offsets are smaller plants that grow from the parent plant. The Velvet Leaf Kalanchoe produces offsets regularly, which makes it easy to propagate. When there are visible offsets, gently remove them from the parent plant with a clean knife. Plant the offset in well-draining soil and water it lightly. Place the pot in a warm, indirect light, and avoid direct sunlight or freezing temperatures. Within a few weeks, the new plant will root and produce new leaves.
Propagation of the Kalanchoe velutina is easy and straightforward. All these propagation methods are reliable and successful, depending on the conditions provided. By propagating the Velvet Leaf Kalanchoe, you can grow many plants at minimal cost, and it is also a great hobby for plant enthusiasts.
Disease and Pest Management for Kalanchoe velutina Welw. ex Britten subsp. velutina
Kalanchoe velutina Welw. ex Britten subsp. velutina is a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases and pests. However, there are some common diseases and pests that may affect the plant, and it is important to manage them to keep the plant healthy.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that affect Kalanchoe velutina Welw. ex Britten subsp. velutina are fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. Root rot, on the other hand, is caused by a fungus that attacks the roots of the plant, causing them to die.
Pest Management
The most common pests that may affect Kalanchoe velutina Welw. ex Britten subsp. velutina are mealybugs and spider mites. Mealybugs are small, white insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing it to wilt and die. Spider mites, on the other hand, are tiny pests that spin webs on the plant, causing it to become discolored and withered.
Ways to Manage Diseases and Pests
The best way to manage diseases and pests for Kalanchoe velutina Welw. ex Britten subsp. velutina is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. This can be achieved by providing the plant with the right growing conditions and using good sanitation practices.
If powdery mildew or root rot is discovered, it is important to remove the infected parts of the plant and treat the remaining parts with a fungicide. For mealybugs and spider mites, a solution of soap and water can be sprayed on the plant to kill the pests.
In severe cases, it may be necessary to use chemical pesticides. However, this should only be done as a last resort, as it can harm beneficial insects and the environment.
