Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi Raym.-Hamet & H.Perrier
Lavender Scallops / Gray Sedum
Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi (syn. Bryophyllum fedtschenkoi) is a sprawling-shrubby succulent from Madagascar, prized for its fleshy, blue-gray leaves with scalloped margins that flush pink to red under stress. Its prostrate stems root upon contacting the soil, forming dense ground-covering mats. A widely grown variegated cultivar exists with cream-white leaf-edge variegation.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Kalanchoe |
| Growth Habit | Low-growing, prostrate to semi-erect succulent shrub with rooting trailing stems; mat-forming ground-cover habit. |
| Conservation Status | No threat category; widely naturalized in Mediterranean and subtropical regions. |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| Type | Sandy to sandy-loam, very permeable, low in organic matter. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Fleshy, alternate, obovate to nearly orbicular leaves up to 5 cm long, blue-green with faint waxy bloom; margins have crenate notches that produce small adventitious plantlets; they flush pink-red under intense sun or drought.
ecoSlender, much-branched, round-sectioned stems with visible leaf scars; lax and prone to arching and resting on the soil, where they root to form new plants; reach 25–50 cm tall or long.
ecoTubular bell-shaped, pendulous flowers arranged in head-like clusters; corolla 8–20 mm, orange-red to salmon-pink; flowering in late spring to early summer; flowers carry the highest concentration of cardiac glycosides.
ecoAdventitious roots develop at nodes of prostrate stems, facilitating spontaneous vegetative propagation; fibrous and shallow root system.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy to sandy-loam, very permeable, low in organic matter.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Cut a 6–8 cm stem with clean scissors just below a node.
- 2 Remove leaves from the lower third.
- 3 Callus for 1–2 days.
- 4 Plant in draining mix (substrate + perlite 1:1); water moderately.
- 5 Rooting in 2–4 weeks at 20–25 °C.
- 1 Select healthy grey-blue leaves; remove with the complete base.
- 2 Callus for 2–3 days in a dry spot.
- 3 Rest on moist mineral substrate.
- 4 Maintain at 20–25 °C; plantlet in 6–10 weeks.
WARNING: toxic to dogs and cats. The grey-blue color with scalloped margins is unique in the genus.
Overwatering in winter causing stem rot in low-light conditions.
Every 1–2 years in spring. Trailing stems can be renewed with cuttings at each repotting.
Balanced fertilizer at 50% every 2 weeks from March to September. Reduce in autumn–winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
TOXIC to dogs and cats; contains bufadienolides that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and arrhythmia. Flowers are the most toxic part. Keep away from pets.
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"K. fedtschenkoi exhibits a dual vegetative reproduction strategy: both from adventitious plantlets on leaf margins (like other Bryophyllum relatives) and from spontaneous stem-node rooting upon soil contact—an uncommon combination within the genus that makes it particularly invasive in Mediterranean coastal environments in USDA zones 9–10."
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Scientific Integrity
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.