Bryophyllum fedtschenkoi
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Bryophyllum fedtschenkoi

Lavender scallops

Tier 2 Difficulty: hard Water: low Light: full_sun Toxicity: high
Water every
12 days
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 9–12
Click count
105
Observations
185

Description

Source: leafsnap

Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi, formerly known as Bryophyllum fedtschenkoi, native to Madagascar, is widely sold as a house or garden plant that has established itself in the wild in some southern parts of the United States of America. Its specific epithet fedtschenkoi honors botanist Boris Fedtschenko (1873-1947).

🌳 Often praised for its attractive leaves, the real marvel of lavender scallops is its resistance to fire. In its native Madagascar, locals place lavender scallops's juicy leaves on their roofs to protect against wildfires, a natural and effective fireproofing practice. Studies report that lavender scallops will instinctively shed leaves to form firebreaks when it senses fire nearby, helping to stop flames from spreading.

🎭 Display special preference

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 10-14 days
Suggested frequency: Every 10-14 days
☀️ Light Full sun

The lavender scallops grows best in full sun and can tolerate periods of partial shade. Native to sunny habitats, it does best when given plenty of light. Too little sun can cause growth problems, while too much can scorch the leaves.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

The lavender scallops prefers temperatures from 68 ℉ (20 ℃) to 100.4 ℉ (38 ℃). It naturally grows in tropical and subtropical areas with warm, humid conditions, where temperatures usually remain above 60 ℉ (15.6 ℃). During cooler seasons, it is advisable to keep the plant indoors or cover it with a protective layer to maintain its preferred temperature range.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity normal (40-60%)

This plant will thrive in moderate humidity, which is probably the level in your home. However, misting it a few times a week can be very beneficial. Make sure the room has good ventilation.

Humidity: normal (40-60%)
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer Every 30 days

Lavender scallops need only light applications of fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing in winter and summer, when it is dormant. Reduce the amount of fertilizer for repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before applying fertilizer. Fertilizing promotes healthy growth and encourages blooms.

Suggested frequency: Every 30 days
🪴 Pot & Repot Every 2 years

When repotting Lavender scallops, choose a container slightly bigger than the current one that allows good drainage. Fill it with a gritty, fast-draining succulent or cactus potting mix. Gently take the plant out of its old pot, brush away excess soil, and set it at the same planting depth. Hold off watering for a few days so any damaged roots can callus. Repot during spring or fall and place the plant where it receives bright light.

Suggested frequency: Every 2 years
✂️ Pruning

Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi is a tiny succulent that seldom grows taller than 2 feet. It does not need to be groomed or pruned. Pruning is recommended, however, if the plants have dead or rotting leaves. Removing wasted flowers and flower buds may also result in greater blooms in the next season.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Kalanchoe plants, like many houseplants, are labeled as poisonous, yet several publications claim that Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi is not harmful. However, it's always better to be safe than sorry, so keep it out of the reach of dogs and young children.

Characteristics

Plant Type
Succulent, Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Bryophyllum
Family
Crassulaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-12
Mature Height
30 cm to 61 cm
Mature Spread
30 cm to 61 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Red, Blue, Purple
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Pink
Flower Size
30.48 cm
Bloom Time
All year round
Planting Time
Spring
Harvest Time
All year round
Native Area
Madagascar

Tags (17)

Common Names (1)

en Lavender scallops