Kalanchoe Beharensis (Velvet elephant ear) Profile

Kalanchoe Beharensis (Velvet Elephant ear) is a slow growing succulent treelike shrub, usually growing to about 1.5m tall and evenly distributed. It has thick stems with large, undulating, folded, olive-green leaves. Kalanchoe Beharensis Leaves are covered with soft brown hair that gives the leaves a soft, velvety texture. Once ripe, the Kalanchoe Beharensis produces small yellow flowers in the winter.

Kalanchoe Beharensis Picture

Kalanchoe Beharensis Info

Common Name	Kalanchoe felt bush, Kalanchoe maltese cross, Elephant Ear Kalanchoe, Velvet Elephant Ear
Maximum Reachable Height	Up to 12 feet
Flower Colour	Greenish yellow
Bloom Time	Winter
Difficulty Level	Easy to grow
Maximum Reachable Height	Up to 12 feet

Kalanchoe Beharensis Native Habits

Kalanchoe Beharensis is winter hardy to USDA Zones 11-12 where plants are easily grown in well-drained, sandy loams in full sun. Kalanchoe Beharensis usually appreciate some part afternoon shade. kalanchoe beharensis thrive in heat and humidity, but are intolerant of frost. Kalanchoe Beharensis have excellent drought tolerance. Allow soils to dry out before re-watering. Avoid overwatering. In St. Louis, Kalanchoe Beharensis may be grown in a container that is overwintered indoors in a sunny window.

Kalanchoe Beharensis Distribution

Kalanchoe beharensis is native to South Madagascar.

How to Grow & Care for Kalanchoe Beharensis

How to Grow Kalanchoe Beharensis

Steps for kalanchoe beharensis propagation with Seeds
To multiply it by seeds you have to fill a seedling tray - the ones that are often used to sow garden plants - with universal cultivation substrate mixed with 50% perlite, and water thoroughly. Then, place a maximum of two seeds in each socket, cover them with a thin layer of substrate, and finally, put the seedbed outside, in a bright area but without direct sun. Thus, keeping the soil moist, they will germinate in about two or three weeks.
Steps for Kalanchoe Beharensis Propagation with Stem Cuttings
It is the fastest option. You just have to cut a stem, let the wound dry in semi-shade for about five days, and then plant it in a pot with universal substrate mixed with perlite in equal parts or in the garden. This way it will emit its own roots after about two weeks.
Steps for Kalanchoe Beharensis Propagation with Leaves
When propagating it with leaves, you should get a leave carefully from the mother plant. It should be a healthy leave that has no part left on the stem. In this way, the propagation will workalanchoe beharensis Before replanting, wait for a few days to allow it to callous. Use well-draining soil for your new kalanchoe beharensis plant. Don’t forget to water when the soil dries out.

How to Care for Kalanchoe Beharensis

• Light

 Kalanchoe beharensis can grow in full to partial sun, a southern, eastern or western exposure. During summer do not allow direct sunlight because its leaves who contain lots of water will get sun-burned. Direct sunlight from fall till early spring will not harm your kalanchoe beharensis plant.

• Soil

The selection of the right potting soil is necessary to ensure the healthy growth of the plants. Kalanchoe beharensis likes to grow in sandy loam and well-drained soil. An ordinary succulent soil mix is just fine for growing kalanchoe beharensis. You can purchase prepared standard succulent mix from the market.

• Water

Elephant's ear kalanchoe like water only when the top level of their soil is dry. Wet soil should be avoided. The most common mistake people make is overwatering which can cause the roots to rot. You can easily prevent this by allowing your kalanchoe beharensis plant to dry out completely before watering. The foliage should be kept as dry as possible and, therefore, using a system, such as drip irrigation, is best.

• Temperature and Humidity

Elephant's ear kalanchoe grow best at the optimum temperatures range between 64 and 68 °F (18 and 20 °C) day and night. If temperatures are under 61 °F (16 °C) day and night, this can delay plant growth and development and may cause blind eyes or no flowering. It is very sensitive to cold and it takes only a few hours of near 40 °F (4 °C) for the plant to die. Avoid placing it near drafts or cool windowsills.

• Fertilizer

It is advisable that You fertilize it in spring and summer with specific fertilizers for cacti and other succulents, following the directions on the package. The latter is very important, because not by adding more quantity the kalanchoe beharensis plant will grow faster; in fact, if more is added than what is indicated, what will happen is that it will overdose, its roots will "burn out" and the health of the specimen will be weakened.

• Pruning

Prune kalanchoe beharensis plants freely to maintain the desired size and shape. Pinching plants back stimulates dense, bushy new growth and encourages more flowers.
Remove old flowers to keep plant looking healthy and prevent seed production that drains the plant's energy at the expense of forming new flowers.

Uses of Kalanchoe Beharensis

Kalanchoe beharensis, or Felt Bush, is one of favorite species and one of the more dramatic landscape Kalanchoes in cultivation. kalanchoe beharensis can actually become a large shrub or even a tree in the right climate, growing up over ten feet tall. It is one of the fuzzy-leaved species, but the leaves on this one can get to large- up to a foot long or more, and nearly as wide. Stems become gnarled, twisted and covered with bizarre, ornamental leaf scars. And old, tall plant is truly a piece of living sculpture. Flowers are unimpressive. kalanchoe beharensis is one of the most heat tolerant of all the Kalanchoes tolerating the hottest, drying sun my climate can throw at it. It comes in several cultivars, some with bronze or copper fuzz, and some miniature varities. Cold tolerance is not great, but at least down into the high 20Fs.

Varieties of Kalanchoe Beharensis

While there are tons of different kalanchoe varietals out there, only a few are well-suited to life as a houseplant. The most popular (and widely-available) options include:
kalanchoe beharensis blossfeldiana: The most popular type of kalanchoe, blossfeldiana features large flower heads and is available in a variety of colors. They naturally bloom in the spring, though they can be forced into flowering throughout the year.
kalanchoe beharensis manginii: This plant varietal features fleshy leaves and bears large, bell-like pendant flowers. Moist air is an essential component of its prolonged flowering.
kalanchoe beharensis porphyrocalyx: Also known as Pearl Bells, this varietal consists of slender, rectangular leaves and purple pendant flowers.
kalanchoe beharensis beharensis: This kalanchoe type is prized for its large, velvety leaves, which come in pale silvery green.
kalanchoe beharensis pinnata: This kalanchoe variety is characterized by fleshy green leaves and bears tiny plantlets along its margins.

Kalanchoe Beharensis Common Pests/Diseases

Kalanchoe beharensis is tolerant to insect pests or diseases. Normally, no serious insect pest infestations or diseases appear on this plant. They may show some susceptibility to mealybugs, scales, aphids, and mites. These insects like to feed on the leaves of kalanchoe beharensis. They can be a problem if they go unnoticed. It is better to check your plants regularly to control the problem as soon as it appears.

Kalanchoe Beharensis Companion Plants

Stonecrop

The stonecrop is a succulent sedum plant (Sedum spp.), ideal for arid areas of the garden. Growing stonecrops is one of the easier plant projects because of their easy maintenance and low culture requirements.

Yarrow

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a native North American plant that's popular with pollinators and practically care-free, making it perfect for borders, ground covers, and open meadows. Here's how to grow yarrow in your garden.

Ornamental Grass

The most popular ornamental grass, feather reed grass offers a distinct upright habit that looks fantastic all winter long. Like many grasses, this tough plant tolerates a wide range of conditions.