Learn about Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi commonly known as Lavender Scallops, and how to care to for it as a houseplant.
My daughter gave me this pretty Kalanchoe pronounced Kal-uhn-KOH-ee, and Haworthia succulent a while back. She is a huge succulent lover. In fact, she even wrote a nice post for me on successful tips and mistakes when growing succulents.
If you have any interest in houseplants then for sure you have seen or maybe even grow Kalanchoe. Typically you will find them everywhere with green leaves and flowers like this pretty pink one shown above. However, this is Kalanchoe blossfeldiana. It's very common and produces pretty flowers, but the foliage itself is not that special.
The plant my daughter gave me is Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi. More specifically the whole scientific name is Kalanchoe Bryophyllum fedtschenkoi ‘Variegata’.Kalanchoe Bryophyllum fedtschenkoi ‘Variegata’.
If you live in USDA zone 9a or higher you can grow this outside. However, I grow it indoors as a houseplant.
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The common name for this plant is Lavender Scallops
. This has to do with the lavender scalloped edges on the leaves. Mine has a lot of cream variegation but not a lot of lavender.
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I've read that in bright sunlight the plant produces more lavender color. Later in the year (above), it's showing more pink sitting in a bright window.
Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi Care
- use well-draining soil -cactus mix or amended potting mix with perlite and/or sand
- keep it in bright sunlight - mine is on a windowsill
- water infrequently - no more than once a week - the soil should look & feel dry
- prune leggy branches as needed
One of the interesting things about this plant is the way it creates plantlets on the edges of the leaves. This abundant propagation is why another common name is "Mother of Thousand."
Eventually, the plantlets drop off, and if there is soil underneath they will grow into new plants.
Aerial Roots
You may notice some thin aerial roots coming from your kalanchoe plant. Much like orchids, most likely they are just looking for more moisture. Typically most households do not have the humid environment that would be ideal for these plants.
However, if your plant looks otherwise healthy the aerial roots are really nothing to worry about.
Toxicity
Note: Kalanchoe plants are listed as toxic like so many houseplants, though while researching the toxicity of Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi I found many articles that say it's not toxic. However, it's always best to be on the safe side, so keep it out of reach from pets and small children. If you have any concerns call your local poison control center.
If you're lucky this pretty houseplant will eventually flower (above). However, even if it doesn't its foliage is beautiful just as it is.
More Great Houseplants
Julie J Halstead
I have several kalanchoes that were variegated when I bought them but now are loosing their variegation. Will they regain the variegation when I put them back outside in the spring? I currently have them in the house under grow lights. They are very healthy, just not variegated any more and that is what I really loved about them.
Thank you!
Patti Estep
Julie, it's hard to say but light would be my first guess. Many plants seem to lose their variegation when they lack enough light or are under stress. Some seem to have more variegation on newer growth. Maybe you could trim it a bit and see what happens.
Joanne S. Woodward
I am trying to find kalanchoe fedtschenkoi - Lavendar Scallops. I live in FL - Zone 10. I saw one outside and it was in bloom and spectacular. I would like to find a place to purchase besides Amazon for $6 each when I know each leaf will produce a plant. To get a good sized grouping I will need several. I would attach a photo if possible.
Patti Estep
Joanne, I'd try a local nursery. Sometimes you can find online growers who will sell you a flat of starts. I don't know any that sell succulents though. I assume you don't know the person who owns the plants you found. If you do ask for a couple of cuttings. This plant grows pretty easily indoors. I can only imagine how fabulous it grows and looks in the correct environment like your zone 10 garden.
Maria do Carmo
Olá! Boa tarde! Comprei esta planta linda, que parece ter uvas como flores. Será que alguém me sabe dizer o nome e dicas para cuidar bem dela? O meu MUITO OBRIGADA!
Samantha
Hello! I notice this article hasn't been commented on in quite some time, but I'm hoping someone can help me! I have one of these plants but it's grown so tall that it tipped over and is growing sideways (it's probably a foot long). There are roots growing out of the stem too. I don't really know how to get it to grow upright, any care tips are greatly appreciated!
Patti Estep
They do tend to do that Samatha. The best advice I can give you is to cut it back. Take some of the cuttings and repot them in another pot and see if the base plant regrows and possibly get it somewhere with more light.
Zabrina
I just received one of these as a gift at work what kind of pot should I put it in? It’s currently in a small plastic seeding pot.
Patti Estep
Zabrina, you can leave it in that pot for a while or set that pot inside another pot for looks. If you do make sure it does not sit in water after you water it. You could transplant it to another pot if you want. I wouldn't too much large than the one it's currently in. Make sure you use a well draining soil, perhaps one made for succulents, and be sure to have drainage holes. Enjoy your Kalanchoe!
Shantae Porteous
Hi Patti,
My plant is sending out what looks like brown roots with purple tips at the tip. Any idea what that might be?
Patti Estep
Shantae, I believe those are aerial roots.
Rachel
Hi Patti, I have a leaf that fell off of mine and started producing babies just like yours! Most of the plantlets have fallen off the leaf but look healthy. I wasn’t sure what to do so placed them over damp soil. What should I expect next? Will each one take root individually? Thanks!
(I tried to include a picture with this comment but it’s not letting me)
Patti Estep
They should grow just fine. Just be sure not to over-water them.
Danielle
I have one of these that has grown quite large but still stands up straight. It has started sending out pink..nodules? I read somewhere if they lay over on the ground, they will send out roots but it's standing straight up and seems healthy. They don't look like roots so I'm not sure what they could be. Anyone have any ideas? I'd greatly appreciate it!
Patti Estep
Danielle, I think that's the flower. Here's a pic of mine.
Jackae
i recently bought one of these kalanchoes from a greenhouse and it hadn’t been pruned in almost two years!! i wish i could share a photo with you! it’s tall with many bright pink offsets and has many white leaves like yours as well as lavender edged ones. i take leaves off here and there to propagate for people but i love it the way it is! such a gorgeous plant. i suggest letting them grow as they are stunning when they get tall and have these pink “babies!”
Patti Estep
Jackae, Mine is getting quite tall and has started to produce pretty pink flowers too. Thanks for sharing.
Julie Briones
So pretty... I agree, worth the 'leaves' by itself, even without flowers! 😉
Patti Estep
Thanks Julie!
Carole West
What great information and such a pretty plant. I love that leaf foliage the color is soothing. That detail on the edges is really nice, great information if I ever dive into succulents which I still haven't then this would be a neat one to consider. Thanks for the info and Happy Monday!
Patti Estep
I'm so thrilled that my daughter has the plant bug and we get to bond over it. She has a couple other goodies that I keep asking for so there may be a few other posts down the road. Happy Monday to you too!