How to Grow and Care for kalanchoe

Florist kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) originates from Madagascar and has been a popular houseplant since the 1930s. Unlike most other succulents that are grown for their interesting leaves, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is valued for the colorful flowerheads it produces in autumn and winter. This is the reason it is commonly gifted during holidays, earning it another name - Christmas kalanchoe. It is toxic to pets.

The mother of thousands is a succulent plant native to Madagascar. Its unusually-shaped leaves have granted it other monikers like "alligator plant" and "devil's backbone." It reproduces via the "plantlets" that grow along the periphery of its leaves. Though enjoyed for its decorative value, mother of thousands can be invasive in arid environments.

Lavender scallops leaves are flat and have undulate margins. Its flowers are tubular and hang upside down like little tangerine bells on a floral sword. It is very reproductive and adaptable and tends to spindle when over-watered. To keep it petite and brightly colored, it should be watered less often.

Paddle plant (Kalanchoe tetraphylla) is a rare succulent plant species that requires low light to grow. It is considered a hardy succulent species. Paddle plant is native to Madagascar.

Life plant is a succulent plant from Madagascar remarkable for its ability to generate small bullets on the edges of "leaves." Actually, these thick, fleshy "leaves" are not true leaves but flattened shoots instead. Life plant is easy to grow and used as a potting or hanging plant indoor.