Velvet Leaf Kalanchoe Kalanchoe beharensis 'Fang'
ABOUT
Kalanchoe beharensis 'Fang' is a visually striking plant known for its unique foliage. The plant features large, triangular, and fleshy leaves that have a velvety surface due to the fine hairs that cover them. The leaves are a muted green color with a hint of silver shimmer, giving the plant an otherworldly feel. A distinct characteristic of the 'Fang' variation is the presence of reddish-brown markings that can be found along the edges and undersides of the leaves. What sets 'Fang' apart from other plants are the small protrusions or "teeth" along the leaf margins and on the underside of the leaves, resembling fangs and giving the plant its name. The textural appeal of the leaves is accentuated by these tooth-like growths, which can vary in prominence from plant to plant. During its blooming period, which is less frequent when grown indoors, 'Fang' may produce flowers that add to its ornamental value. The plant has a structured and somewhat statuesque appearance due to its sturdy, upward-reaching stems. The overall impression is one of hardiness and exotic beauty, making it a popular choice for plant collectors and enthusiasts looking for eye-catching and low-maintenance specimens to add to their indoor or outdoor gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Crassulaceae.
Synonyms
Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe, Felt Bush, Velvet Leaf, Velvet Elephant Ear, Elephant Ear Kalanchoe, Maltese Cross, Beharensis Fang.
Common names
Kalanchoe beharensis 'Fang'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe is generally not considered highly toxic to humans; however, as with many plants in the Kalanchoe genus, it contains compounds that can be mildly irritating. If ingested, parts of the plant can potentially cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Although serious cases are rare, it is advisable to keep the plant out of reach of young children who might be tempted to chew on it due to its unique texture and appearance.
To pets
The Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe is toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. The plant contains cardiac glycosides, which can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and changes in heart rate if ingested by pets. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to increased heart rate, severe cardiac arrhythmias, tremors, and even seizures. Pets displaying symptoms after ingesting parts of this plant should be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible. It's important to keep this plant out of reach of pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Olive-green
Height
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.61-0.91 meters)
Plant type
Succulent
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Madagascar
Benefits
General Benefits- Ease of Care: Kalanchoe beharensis 'Fang' is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow, making it suitable for beginner gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: As a succulent, it requires minimal watering and can survive prolonged dry periods.
- Decorative Appearance: With its unique felted foliage and 'Fang'-like protrusions, it adds an exotic and aesthetic appeal to any space.
- Growth Habit: Its ability to grow in a controlled manner makes it an excellent choice for container gardening.
- Temperature Resilience: It can withstand a range of temperatures, making it versatile for various indoor environments.
- Longevity: As a perennial, it can live for many years with proper care.
- Non-toxicity: It is generally considered non-toxic to pets, which makes it pet-friendly for homes with animals.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Kalanchoe beharensis 'Fang' can be utilized as a unique addition to mixed succulent container gardens, offering contrasting textures and form.
- Its thick, velvety leaves may be used in floral arrangements, providing a tropical look and a touch of exotic greenery.
- By virtue of its unusual foliage, Fang is often used as a living sculpture, sparking conversation and interest in xeriscape gardens.
- Kalanchoe beharensis 'Fang' can serve as a natural barrier or hedge in frost-free regions, offering a prehistoric ambiance to the landscape.
- With its dramatic appearance, Fang makes a compelling subject for botanical illustration and photography, often featured in art pieces.
- The plant can be employed as a teaching tool in botany education, demonstrating adaptations such as water storage in leaves and drought resistance.
- Incorporated into theme gardens, Fang can accentuate a 'dinosaur' or 'prehistoric' theme with its primitive and rugged look.
- The distinctive texture and form of its leaves make Fang a favored plant for fairy gardens and miniature landscapes to create contrast.
- It's utilized in exotic pet habitats, such as those for reptiles, offering a natural environment aesthetic provided the animals don't consume it.
- Enthusiasts of Feng Shui might employ Fang in areas of a home to add the wood element, representing growth and vitality.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Elephant's Ear is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Elephant's Ear is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: The Kalanchoe beharensis 'Fang', commonly known as Velvet Leaf Kalanchoe, often symbolizes resilience due to its drought-tolerant nature and ability to thrive in harsh conditions.
- Endurance: This plant's capacity to withstand long periods without water embodies endurance, representing the ability to persevere through tough times.
- Everlasting love: Like many succulents, the Velvet Leaf Kalanchoe's hardiness and long-lasting nature are often equated with enduring affection and unwavering commitment.
- Regrowth: With its propensity for easy propagation and regrowth when leaves are dropped, this plant symbolizes renewal and the idea that life can regenerate and flourish from small beginnings.
WaterFor Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe, water sparingly, as it is a succulent that prefers dry conditions. During the growing season, water the plant thoroughly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. This might mean watering the plant every two to three weeks with about 8-10 ounces of water, depending on the size of the pot and the indoor climate. Reduce watering in the winter to once a month or when the soil is completely dry, as overwatering can lead to rot.
LightElephant's Ear Kalanchoe thrives in bright, indirect light. A spot near a south or west-facing window with plenty of light but shielded from direct sunlight is ideal. Direct sun can scorch the leaves, while too little light can cause the plant to stretch and lose its compact shape.
TemperatureElephant's Ear Kalanchoe prefers temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods but can be damaged by frost. Ideally, keep the plant in a stable environment away from drafts and sudden temperature changes to ensure healthy growth.
PruningPruning Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe is necessary to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged leaves. It's best to prune in the spring or after the plant has finished blooming. Cut back any leggy growth to encourage a fuller plant. Pruning can be done annually or as needed when the plant appears overgrown.
CleaningAs needed
SoilElephant's Ear Kalanchoe requires well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. A cactus or succulent mix amended with perlite or pumice for increased aeration is ideal.
RepottingElephant's Ear Kalanchoe should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and allow room for growth. It's best repotted during its active growing season in the spring or early summer.
Humidity & MistingElephant's Ear Kalanchoe prefers dry conditions and does well in average household humidity levels; no special humidity requirements are needed for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Prefers sun to partial shade; protect from harsh elements.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleCommonly known as 'Fang', the life cycle of Kalanchoe beharensis starts from a seed that sprouts into a small seedling in well-draining soil under warm conditions with indirect sunlight. As the plant matures, it develops a woody stem with large, fleshy, triangular leaves that have a distinctive felt-like coating and brown tomentose, which gives it the 'Fang' appearance due to the small teeth-like structures on the leaf margins. Given appropriate conditions, the Fang may produce clusters of small, greenish-yellow flowers on terminal spikes generally in spring, indicating its entrance into the reproductive phase. After pollination, which can be done by insects, the flowers will eventually develop into follicles bearing seeds, and once matured, these seeds are dispersed by various mechanisms, continuing the life cycle. During its life, the Fang needs occasional pruning to remove dead leaves and maintain its shape. This perennial succulent has a relatively long lifespan, often living several years with proper care, and can reproduce through leaf cuttings as well, which will root and grow into new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating Kalanchoe beharensis 'Fang', commonly known as Velvet Leaf plant, is through leaf cuttings. To propagate via leaf cuttings, choose a healthy, mature leaf and cut it from the parent plant with a clean, sharp knife or scissors, leaving about 0.5 to 1 inch of stem attached. Allow the cutting to dry and callous over for a few days to prevent rotting when planted. Once calloused, plant the leaf, cut side down, in a well-draining soil mix, moistening the soil lightly without making it soggy. The ideal time to propagate is during its active growing season, which is spring or early summer. Roots will usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can gradually be introduced to more sunlight and less frequent watering, emulating the parent plant's care regimen.
