Kalanchoe thyrsiflora - Desert Rose

This Kalanchoe's stunning colours will really help it stand out in your home! Its broad, rounded leaves grow like petals out of a central point, starting a pale sage green in the centre and ending at the leaf tips with deep red colouring. In the wild, it can grow up to 30" (75cm) tall, the top foot of that being its flower spike above the foliage. It is unlikely it will grow quite that tall indoors but if you're up for a challenge, who knows? However large it grows, it will be happiest in a dry, warm and sunny spot in your home, with plenty of time for the soil to dry out in between waters.

Scientific Name
Kalanchoe thyrsiflora (plant where the parts that fall grow, with flowers which resemble a pinecone staff)

Common Name
Paddle Plant, Flapjacks, Dog Tongue, Desert Cabbage, White Lady, Desert Rose

Origin
This Kalanchoe is native to Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa and Eswatini.

Light
Keep your Kalanchoe in a bright room - preferably east, south or west-facing - and in a spot where it will get an hour of direct sun in the morning or evening. This might change throughout the year! If it gets a little less light it can cope- but it will need less water and will grow slower.

Water
It is much better to under-water than over-water with this plant. Let the soil totally dry out before watering again - you can check this with a wooden skewer or something similar - and if you notice the leaves going wrinkly, this is a sign it is thirsty and ready for a drink!

Humidity
Kalanchoes are adapted to low humidity, so most locations indoors will be fine. Keep them away from anywhere that's frequently damp (e.g. a bathroom) or close to a radiator which could fry your plant.

Soil
Use a well-draining mix with components such as sand and grit. A mix designed for cacti and succulents will work well here. Repot every three years in Spring as the plant grows.

Food
Feed once every few months with a fertiliser designed for cacti and succulents

Temperature
Ideal temperature is between 15-25°C; make sure it does not get colder than 12°C in winter.

Pet-safe
No, this plant is toxic to pets and small humans.

Sprouts Top Tips
The colour of the foliage is a good indication of the health of your plant. If you notice the centre getting pale, it is probably not getting enough light; if the centre is soft and the foliage blackened, it is too wet and needs to dry out. Crispy brown edges of the leaves indicate too little water or too much sun.