Kalanchoe orgyalis Baker
Copper Spoons / Cinnamon Bear / Leather Plant
Kalanchoe orgyalis is a succulent shrub native to southern and southwestern Madagascar, distinguished by its ovate leaves that fold longitudinally upward forming a spoon-like concavity, with the upper surface covered in a dense cinnamon-copper tomentum and the underside silvery-gray in young leaves, aging to uniformly coppery. The specific epithet orgyalis ("one fathom long") alludes to the height it can reach in its habitat.
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© Justus Nussbaum
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Kalanchoe |
| Growth Habit | Erect, much-branched succulent shrub, slow-growing; can reach 2 m in its natural habitat. |
| Conservation Status | No threat category; relatively uncommon in cultivation but available from specialist nurseries. |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| Type | Gravelly-sandy, xeric, very well-drained; tolerates volcanic and lateritic soils. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Fleshy, ovate leaves 5–10 cm long that fold upward from the midrib forming a bowl (spoon shape); upper surface brilliant cinnamon-copper from the dense tomentum of short, pressed trichomes; underside of young leaves is silvery, aging to the same coppery tone.
ecoRobust, erect, much-branched from the base, covered in fine tomentum; bark becomes grayish and woody with maturity; typical cultivation height: 50–100 cm.
ecoSmall, tubular, golden-yellow flowers in dense clusters on terminal peduncles; blooming in late winter to spring; the calyx is also tomentose.
ecoFibrous to moderately woody roots; the plant is xerophytic and grows in rocky, drained substrates of Madagascar; tolerates waterlogging poorly.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Gravelly-sandy, xeric, very well-drained; tolerates volcanic and lateritic soils.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Cut a 6–10 cm stem in spring.
- 2 Remove lower leaves; the coppery tomentum is delicate, handle by the stem.
- 3 Callus for 2–3 days in a dry spot.
- 4 Plant in draining mix; water after 7 days.
- 5 Rooting in 3–5 weeks.
- 1 Remove leaf with coppery tomentum with base intact; handle by holding at the edges.
- 2 Callus for 3–4 days.
- 3 Rest on mineral substrate; maintain at 22–26 °C with bright light.
- 4 Plantlet visible in 8–12 weeks.
WARNING: toxic to dogs and cats. The copper-bronze tomentum intensifies with full sun exposure.
Growing in semi-shade and losing the coppery color that defines the species' appeal.
Every 1–2 years in spring.
Low-N fertilizer monthly from March to September. No fertilization in winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
TOXIC if ingested. All parts contain bufadienolides that affect the nervous and muscular systems; can cause discomfort in cats if they contact the plant. Keep away from pets.
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"The unusual bicolor trichome pattern of K. orgyalis—coppery on the upper surface, silvery on the underside of young leaves—corresponds to differences in trichome density and maturity on each leaf surface; this gradient of tomentose coverage optimizes reflection of direct sunlight (upper surface) while allowing more efficient diffuse light capture on the underside, a rare photoprotective mechanism within 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.