Care of the succulent plant Kalanchoe marmorata or Penwiper Plant |
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The genus Kalanchoe, family Crassulaceae, comprises 100 species of succulent plants native to Asia, Africa and Europe. Some species are: Kalanchoe marmorata, Kalanchoe longiflora, Kalanchoe daigremontiana, Kalanchoe beharensis, Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, Kalanchoe tomentosa, Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Kalanchoe uniflora, Kalanchoe manginii, Kalanchoe pinnata, Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi, Kalanchoe pumila. Common names: Penwiper Plant, Pen Wiper Plant, Spotted Kalanchoe, Penwiper, Baby Penwiper. This species is native to Central and West Africa. They are perennial succulent plants with a shrubby habit that reach 50 cm (19.68") in height. The interesting rounded fleshy leaves have wavy edges and can be green or bluish in color with highly decorative black spots. They produce starry white flowers. They can bloom in spring and also in summer or fall. They are used in pots as indoor, greenhouse and terrace plants, on rockeries and in cactus and succulent gardens. The Kalanchoe marmorata prefers a semi-shade exposure receiving direct morning or afternoon sun. Indoors they need good lighting and optimal ventilation. The winter temperature should not be lower than 12 ºC (53.6 ºF). The soil can be a commercial substrate for cacti and succulents. If the pot is too small, they are transplanted in spring. Water regularly in spring and summer waiting for the substrate to set. In autumn reduce watering and in winter water only once a month. Fertilize every 3 weeks with mineral cactus fertilizer during spring. Prune off wilted flower stems. They are plants resistant to pests and diseases but sensitive to excess humidity. Indoors it's important that they have good ventilation to avoid mite attacks. They propagate by leaf cuttings in spring or summer and from seeds sown in the nursery in early spring. |
Images of the succulent plant Kalanchoe marmorata or Penwiper Plant |
 Kalanchoe marmorata  Kalanchoe marmorata  Kalanchoe marmorata |