Felt bush - Kalanchoe beharensis (Care, Characteristics, Distribution, Images)

Felt bush

Also known as: Feltbush

Felt bush (Kalanchoe beharensis) is a succulent perennial that will grow from 61 to 91 cm tall. It has large fleshy leaves covered in fine velvety hairs. As the plant matures it will produce clusters of small, urn-shaped flowers that range from reddish orange to greenish yellow. Thrives in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant but needs protection from the cold. Perfect for succulent or Mediterranean gardens, borders and flower beds.

Scientific classification

Species

Felt bush (Kalanchoe beharensis)

Saxifrages, stonecrops and allies

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Toxic to Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Winter

Bloom Time

91 cm to 1.5 m

Plant Height

90 cm to 1.5 m

Spread

Gray, Silver, Brown, Green

Leaf Color

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Felt bush

Distribution of Felt bush

Distribution Map

Felt bush is native to the island off the southeastern coast of Africa. It has been introduced and naturalized in regions of Eastern and Southern Africa, as well as in parts of Asia. This species is also cultivated in various locales where it is appreciated for its unique foliage.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Xerophyte forests

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Interesting Facts

Felt bush has evolved a defense against insect predators that involves amorphous silica in the leaves. This silica has a hardness greater than that of tooth enamel or insect mandibles. Chewing it can cause damage to an insect's chewing surface and thus make consumption of the plant uncomfortable.

Name Story

Felt bush: A brief feel will make clear how the felt bush plant got its name. Its surface is covered in fuzzy hairs that give it a felt-like texture. It is also called velvet-leaf for the same reason. Felt bush is also known by the name elephant's ear kalanchoe, thanks to the shape of its leaves.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Felt bush, including the following common varieties :

Felt plant

Toxicity

Felt bush contains bufadienolide cardiac glycosides and poses a moderate toxicity risk to humans, cats, and dogs. Ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and abnormal heart rate. The entire plant is toxic, with flowers being particularly dangerous. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if pets ingest it. Humans should avoid consumption to prevent severe health issues. Pet owners must keep felt bush out of reach.

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Quickly Identify Felt bush

Velvety olive-green leaves with soft brown branched hairs

Tree-like growth reaching 12 ft (3.6 m) tall and wide

Distinctive sharp leaf scars on thick stems

Winter-blooming greenish-yellow flowers

Large, undulated, and folded slightly triangular leaves

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Care Guide for Felt bush

Every 2-3 weeks

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Potting Mix, Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Felt bush, native to Madagascar's highlands, thrives on minimal moisture due to its drought tolerance. It features thick, felt-like leaves for water retention. Water every 2-3 weeks and use well-draining soil to prevent root rot, making it a suitable evergreen indoor plant.

Fertilize: For felt bush, apply a succulent-cacti-specific fertilizer every 2-3 months in spring and summer at quarter strength. Avoid fertilization in fall and winter during dormancy. Over-fertilization can harm felt bush, so adhere strictly to guidelines for optimal growth and health of its felted leaves.

Pruning: To maintain the shape of felt bush, prune redundant or dense branches in spring and autumn using a knife or scissors, treating cuts with sulfur powder. For propagation, cut stems with 5-6 leaves, apply sulfur, and plant after healing, ensuring soil is slightly moist.

Propagation: Native to Madagascar, felt bush is valued for its unique felt-like leaves and woody structure. Propagation via cuttings requires healthy segments and allowing callousing before planting in well-draining soil. Balancing moisture and aeration is essential to prevent overwatering and promote strong root growth.

Repotting: Repot felt bush every 2 years in spring, using a slightly larger pot for root growth. Provide bright indirect sunlight post-repotting and avoid overwatering to support healthy recovery and thriving growth.

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