Kalanchoe synsepala Baker
Walking Kalanchoe / Cup Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe synsepala, known as the "walking kalanchoe" for the long stolons it produces with plantlets at the tips that arch to the ground and root to form new plants, is a compact succulent native to Madagascar. Its orbicular grayish-green leaves with pink-purple margins and the distinctive fused-sepal tube (referenced in the epithet synsepala) distinguish it easily in collections.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Kalanchoe |
| Growth Habit | Compact succulent with short, robust, always unbranched stems; propagates via stolons with terminal plantlets; stoloniferous habit unique within the genus. |
| Conservation Status | No threat category; cultivated in succulent collections; natural distribution limited to Madagascar. |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| Type | Sandy-loam to sandy, well-drained; tolerates rocky and slightly acidic soils. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Orbicular leaves with rounded apex, fleshy, up to 15 cm long and 7 cm wide; grayish-green with margins varying from entire to dentate (there are "dissecta" forms with deeply cut margins); pink-purple coloration on edges under solar or water stress.
ecoShort, robust, woody, always unbranched stems up to 40 cm tall; 2 to 4 stolons up to 60–90 cm long emerge from the main stem, bearing well-developed plantlets at their tips.
ecoSmall, tubular, 4-angled flowers, pale pink to reddish; gathered in two opposite, very dense corymbose cymes in mid-autumn; the sepals are fused into a tube (the diagnostic character of the name).
ecoFibrous roots; stolon plantlets develop well-formed adventitious roots before touching the ground, ensuring immediate and effective establishment.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy-loam to sandy, well-drained; tolerates rocky and slightly acidic soils.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 The plant produces long stolons (runners) ending in young rosettes.
- 2 Wait until the terminal rosette has at least 3–4 leaves and visible aerial roots.
- 3 Cut the stolon just below the rosette with clean scissors.
- 4 Plant the rosette in moist draining mix; rooting in 1–2 weeks.
- 1 Cut a 6–10 cm stem with clean scissors.
- 2 Callus for 1–2 days.
- 3 Plant in draining mix; water after 7 days.
- 4 Rooting in 2–4 weeks.
WARNING: toxic to dogs and cats. The 'walking' stolon behavior is unique in the Kalanchoe genus.
Not controlling stolons that invade other plants' space in the collection.
Annually in spring or every 2 years; active stolons exhaust the substrate relatively quickly.
Balanced fertilizer at 50% every 2 weeks from March to September. Reduce in autumn–winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
TOXIC to dogs and cats; like all Kalanchoe, contains bufadienolides (cardiac glycosides) that can cause gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and at high doses, cardiac arrhythmia. Flowers carry the highest concentration of these toxins.
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"K. synsepala's stolon-based propagation mechanism is unusual within the genus Kalanchoe, which more typically relies on leaf plantlets (as in K. daigremontiana and K. delagoensis); K. synsepala stolons can reach 60–90 cm in length with terminal plantlets bearing already-functional adventitious roots before soil contact, representing a clonal dispersal strategy with less dependence on external vectors than deciduous plantlets."
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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.