Bryophyllum fedtschenkoi ‘Variegata’ is a small shrubby succulent that grows up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall with stems that spread out and root along the ground to form large colonies with thick and fleshy lavender gray-green leaves with a cream colored variegation along the scalloped leaf margins. In late spring to early summer appear the 0.8 inch (2 cm) long bell-shaped reddish-brown colored flowers that hang in loose clusters from upright stems.

How to Grow and Care

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and the flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC). An ordinary potting soil mix is fine. Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.

Many kinds of Kalanchoe will produce tiny plantlets along the leaf margins that can be individually potted up.

Growing Conditions

Light: They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window.
Water: Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress.
Temperature: They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC).
Soil: Well-drained, light soil, one suitable for succulents.
Fertilizer: Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.