This gorgeous succulent is eyecatching thanks to the bight pink plantlets running along its fronds like petals - or butterfly wings! Like others in its Genus, any part of this plant that falls to the ground can sprout roots and grow a whole new plant, from which it gets its scientific name, derived from Chinese. This variety is a hybrid that's much harder to propagate, however- which makes it useful in parts of the world where its parent plants grow as problematic invasive species. Fortunately there's not much chance of this in the UK, where it gets too cold and soggy in winter. Each frond on this plant grows from a central stem, their deep green deepening further to burgundy on the serrated leaf edges. From these grow the tiny pink plantlets which make this plant stand out so much. Choose this plant for its gorgeous colours, and keep it for its easy going succulent behaviour - safe in the knowledge the plantlets won't take over your garden!
Scientific Name
Kalanchoe delagoensis x daigremontiana ‘Pink Butterfly’ (Delagoe's plant crossed with Daigremont's plant where the parts that fall grow, cultivar: pink butterfly)
This plant is a hybrid between K. delagoensis and K. daigremontianum. Both used to be known as part of the Bryophyllum genus before they were recognised as part of the Kalanchoe genus.
Common Name
Pink Butterflies Kalanchoe, Pink Butterfly, Pink Mother of Thousands
Origin
Native to Madagascar
Light
Thrives in bright, indirect light, and will benefit from a splash of morning or evening sun. It can tolerate a shadier spot a couple of metres from a window but this will result in slower growth. It will benefit from an hour or so of morning of evening sun in winter.
Water
It's much better to under-water than over-water here! Let all of the soil dry out between waters and remember it will need very little, if any, water in winter.
Humidity
These plants are adapted to low humidity so as long as they're not too close to a hot radiator, average household humidity levels will be perfectly fine.
Soil
Use a well-draining mix with components such as sand and grit. A mix designed for cacti and succulents will work well here. Repot every three years in Spring as the plant grows.
Food
Feed once every few months with a fertiliser designed for cacti and succulents
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
The colour of the foliage is a good indication of the health of your plant. If you notice the centre getting pale, it is probably not getting enough light; if the centre is soft and the foliage blackened, it is too wet and needs to dry out. Crispy brown edges of the leaves indicate too little water or too much sun.
Did You Know?
This plant contains a toxic steroid known as daigremontianin.
