Kalanchoe beharensis Drake
Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe / Velvet Leaf / Felt Bush
Kalanchoe beharensis is the largest-growing Kalanchoe in the genus, native to southern Madagascar (Behara region, from which it takes its name), where it can reach 3–4 meters tall with a tree-like form. Its enormous triangular-lanceolate leaves, covered in a dense tomentum of bifurcate brownish-silver hairs, are unmistakable and earned it the common name "elephant's ear" for their velvety texture and extraordinary size.
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© Magnus Manske
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Kalanchoe |
| Growth Habit | Large shrub to small tree, monostemmed when young and branching with maturity; slow-growing. |
| Conservation Status | No threat category; cultivated as an ornamental in warm climates worldwide. |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Type | Loam to sandy-loam, well-drained, with good aeration; tolerates moderately poor soils. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Triangular-lanceolate leaves 10–40 cm long and 5–15 cm wide, arranged in decussate pairs; upper surface densely covered in brownish-silver trichomes and underside in greyish trichomes; margins doubly crenate (crinkled); the velvety texture is produced by non-glandular arborescent trichomes with striated cuticular ornamentation.
ecoErect, woody with age, with resinous bark and prominent leaf scars giving it an articulated appearance; can exceed 3.5 m tall and 15 cm basal diameter in mature specimens.
ecoBranched corymbose inflorescences 50–60 cm tall; small, yellowish flowers in summer to autumn; ornamental value is secondary to the foliage.
ecoDeep and branching root system, appropriate to anchor the large woody stem; sensitive to chronic waterlogging.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Loam to sandy-loam, well-drained, with good aeration; tolerates moderately poor soils.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Cut a 10–15 cm stem (large shrubby species) in spring.
- 2 Remove lower triangular leaves carefully to avoid damaging the tomentum.
- 3 Callus for 3–5 days — longer than other Kalanchoe due to the cut size.
- 4 Plant in very draining substrate; withhold water until signs of rooting appear (3–6 weeks).
- 1 Remove large triangular leaf with the complete base; handle without crushing the velvety surface.
- 2 Callus for 4–6 days in a dry, airy spot.
- 3 Rest the base on lightly moist mineral substrate.
- 4 At 22–28 °C with bright indirect light; plantlet in 10–16 weeks.
WARNING: toxic to dogs and cats. K. beharensis can reach 3–6 m in habitat; in a pot it grows much slower.
Overwatering to speed up the slow growth; this only produces root rot.
Every 2–3 years in spring. Very slow growth; frequent repotting is not beneficial.
Balanced fertilizer at 25–50% once a month from April to August. No fertilization in winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
TOXIC in general for the Kalanchoe genus; species-specific toxicity studies showed K. beharensis has low-to-moderate toxicity compared to other genus members. However, it should be kept away from pets and livestock, as it contains bufadienolides.
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"K. beharensis trichomes display an unusual microstructure: they are of the arborescent type with striated cuticular ornamentation and contain tannin deposits, morphologically distinct from the silvery trichomes of K. tomentosa; this specificity suggests an independent convergent evolution of xeromorphic adaptations within the Kalanchoe section of the genus."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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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.