Page 21c. Kalanchoe pumila

 

Kalancho pumila in a hanging pot


Kalanchoe pumila flower detail

 

 

 

 

 

Kalanchoe pumila.J. G. Baker Origin: 200m up in the Andringitra Mountains of the Central Plateau of Madagascar.
It is wonderful plant for a hanging pot or basket as the stems trail over the side very effectively, the reddish violet flowers contrasting very well against the powdery, pink tinged, white farina coating of the leaves.
Again the quickest way to make a nice display is to cheat by inserting half a dozen or so cuttings in the pot at the start. Also it trails nicely in a 7cm Ø pot.
This is a definite greenhouse or conservatory plant requiring full sun to bring out the gorgeous leaf colour. I grow the plant in a hanging pot close to the glasshouse apex.

CULTIVATION: is fairly easy using a normal C & S compost and given lots of bright light. The plant needs to be well watered in the growing season. Winter minimum temperature is 4ºC but better at 6ºC. The leaf farina keeps well in full sun but tends to loose it in the shade. Re pot every 2/3 years using the above compost with added slow release fertiliser.

PROPAGATION: very easy from cuttings taken in Spring and early Summer. I have no information about seed raising but I suppose it might be possible.

 

 

 

 

 

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