Bryophyllum calycinum Salisb.
Air Plant / Miracle Leaf
Perennial succulent native to Madagascar, currently classified as Kalanchoe pinnata. Commonly known as 'miracle leaf', 'air plant' or 'cathedral bells', it is widely cultivated and naturalised in tropical regions worldwide. Its leaves can produce adventitious plantlets when placed on moist soil, even when detached from the mother plant. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine in Africa, Asia and the Americas.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
© Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons
CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Bryophyllum |
| Growth Habit | Erect succulent herb, succulent stems with opposite leaves |
| Conservation Status | Not Evaluated (NE) — widely naturalised outside its native range |
| pH Target | 5.5–7.0 |
| Type | Sandy-loam, well-drained |
Origin & Habitat
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy-loam, well-drained
groups Beneficial Associations
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Propagation Strategy
A
O
Every 2 years
Diluted balanced fertilizer, once a month in spring and summer
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Toxic to domestic animals and livestock; contains bufadienolide glycosides. In humans, internal use at high doses can be dangerous.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Plant Health
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
"Bryophyllum calycinum and Bryophyllum pinnatum are the same taxon: Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers. The species is naturalised in Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, India, Australia and numerous tropical islands."
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Scientific Integrity
🟢 HighVote to help validate this record
Sources
Loading…
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.