Kalanchoe pumila
| Light | Bright light to light shade; some direct sun brings out the leaf colour |
|---|---|
| Water | Moderate in growth; let the mix dry between waterings, keep drier in winter |
| Soil | Fast-draining gritty succulent mix (see Soil and potting mix) |
| Temperature | Keep above freezing; happiest in USDA zones 9b–11 |
| Propagation | Stem or leaf cuttings; very easy |
| Toxicity | Toxic to cats and dogs if eaten (like most Kalanchoe) |
Kalanchoe pumila is a small, low, spreading succulent from the highlands of Madagascar, grown for the soft frosted look of its foliage. Its spoon-shaped leaves are coated in a chalky white farina (a natural powdery wax) over a grey-green, often purple-tinged base, and in late winter and spring it carries clusters of pink flowers on short upright stems — a combination that has earned it the common name flower dust plant.
Description
Kalanchoe pumila is a compact, spreading plant that rarely exceeds 20–30 cm tall, with slender stems that arch and trail as they lengthen. The leaves are small, broadly spoon- to wedge-shaped, and often toothed or scalloped along the upper edge. Their most distinctive feature is the dense bloom of white powdery wax that overlays a soft grey-green tone, often flushed with purple or pink, giving the whole plant a frosted, dusty appearance. This waxy coating rubs off easily where handled, so plants are best moved by the pot.
In late winter through spring the plant produces loose clusters of four-petalled flowers in pink to rose-purple, held just above the foliage. The trailing habit and long-lasting blooms make it a favourite for hanging pots and the front edge of a shelf.
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to the central highlands of Madagascar, where it grows on rocky slopes and among boulders at moderate to high elevation. These montane conditions mean it tolerates cooler, brighter growing situations than many lowland succulents, though it remains frost-tender.
Cultivation
Kalanchoe pumila is an easy, forgiving plant well suited to beginners. Grow it in a free-draining, gritty mix in bright light; a few hours of gentler direct sun deepen the purple tint and encourage compact growth and flowering, while too much shade makes the stems stretch and lose their frosty tone. Water moderately during the growing season, letting the mix dry out between waterings, and keep it noticeably drier and cooler through winter.
Try to avoid wetting or rubbing the leaves, as the powdery farina does not regrow once removed and marks show readily. Its trailing stems look best spilling from a raised or hanging pot. See Watering and Repotting for general technique, and note the toxicity warning below if pets share the space.
Propagation
Propagation is very easy and is the usual way to keep the plant looking full. Stem-tip cuttings root quickly once the cut end has been allowed to callus for a day or two, and individual leaves laid on a barely moist mix will often form plantlets as well. Spring and early summer give the fastest results. See Propagation — cuttings for a full walkthrough.
Common problems
- Etiolation — in too little light the stems stretch, spacing out the leaves and dulling the frosted colour.
- Rot — overwatering or a slow-draining mix causes soft, blackened stems and leaves, especially in cool winter conditions.
- Lost bloom — handling rubs the white farina off the leaves; the marks are permanent until new growth appears.
- Pests — mealybugs (white fluff in leaf axils) and aphids on the flower stems are the most common visitors; see Pests and diseases.
See also
- Kalanchoe — the genus overview
- Propagation — cuttings · Soil and potting mix · Watering · Repotting · Pests and diseases