Bryophyllum fedtschenkoi
Lavender scallops
Description
Source: leafsnapKalanchoe 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
☀️ 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.
🌡️ 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.
💨 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.
🪴 Soil 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.
🪴 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.
✂️ 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