This unusual-looking plant bears huge, velvety leaves covered in thousands of tiny white hairs, or 'trichomes'. In the wild, this adaptation helps to make the plant less appetising, keep it warm overnight and reduce water loss. The textured undersides of each leaf also add interest to the plant, making this a stand-out houseplant in any home. This Genus name also has a descriptive meaning- fallen leaves can be put in soil to grow roots and make a whole new plant!
Scientific Name Kalanchoe beharensis (plant from Behara, Madagascar, from which the parts that fall grow)
Common Name Felt Plant, Felt Bush, Velvet Leaf, Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe
Origin Native to Madagascar Light This plant loves bright light, and will grow best somewhere that gets a few hours of morning or evening sun; an east- or west-facing window would be ideal. Water Let the soil totally dry out between waters; in its native Madagascar, this plant has adapted to droughts between tropical downpours.
Humidity Low to average humidity is fine, these plants do not need it to be humid!
Soil Use a well-draining mix, such as one designed for cacti & succulents, or one with added grit and sand. Repot every two years in spring.
Food Feed every few months with a cactus feed, or houseplant feed. Make sure it's diluted or added right after a water so as not to burn the roots. Temperature Ideal temperature is between 15-25°C; make sure it does not get colder than 12°C in winter.
Pet-safe No, this plant is toxic to pets and small humans.
Sprouts Top Tips Once you've got it in the right position, this plant will love not to be made a fuss of. Make sure you only water once its soil has totally dried out, feed rarely and let it do its thing! The most common issues come from overwatering, although it can get crispy leaves from having too much sun, too suddenly as well- so if you're moving it, give it time to acclimatise gradually.
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We have launched our first (hopefully monthly) ‘Letter from the Founder’ blog post. I talk about a string of bad luck, from water gushing from various ceilings in my life to a break-in, and also reflect on the incredible work we have done to win two awards earlier this year. I look ahead to what’s coming up in August, projects we are working on with our clients, and some thoughts about the rest of the year. And I give an insight into my brain, why I am who I am and why I’m so thankful for all the opportunities, passion and excitement that running Sprouts has given me as a founder and as a woman.