Kalanchoe Kalanchoe 'Wendy'
ABOUT
Kalanchoe 'Wendy' is a vibrant and attractive succulent known for its striking foliage and masses of flowers. This plant features thick, fleshy leaves that are rich green in color, often with a slight scalloped edge, signalling its inherent drought-tolerance and hardiness. The leaves are arranged in an opposing pattern on the stem, creating a symmetrical and organized appearance. The most eye-catching aspect of Kalanchoe 'Wendy' is its blooms. The flowers appear in clusters on tall, upright stems that extend above the foliage. The blossoms are small, with four petals each, and can range in color from bright pink to a vivid red. These colorful flower clusters provide a long-lasting display of color that is especially prominent in the cooler months. The overall form of Kalanchoe 'Wendy' is compact and bushy, making it a popular choice for container gardening and indoor plant collections where space might be at a premium. Its ability to produce an abundance of flowers even in small-scale plantings adds to the ornamental appeal of this charming succulent. The textural contrast between its thick leaves and delicate flowers makes it a striking addition to any plant assortment.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Crassulaceae
Synonyms
Flaming Katy, Christmas Kalanchoe, Florist Kalanchoe, Madagascar Widow's-thrill
Common names
Kalanchoe 'Wendy'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Kalanchoe, including the 'Wendy' variety, contains compounds that can be toxic to humans if ingested in significant quantities. These plants have bufadienolides, a type of cardiac glycoside that can affect the heart. When parts of the plant are eaten, it can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, abnormal heart rhythms. Although serious poisoning is rare, children and pets are particularly at risk due to their smaller size and the potential for more significant effects.
To pets
The Kalanchoe 'Wendy' is toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. It contains cardiac glycosides that can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and changes in heartbeat. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to life-threatening symptoms like tremors, seizures, and collapse. If you suspect your pet has ingested parts of a Kalanchoe plant, seek veterinary attention immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Succulent
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Madagascar
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy Care: Kalanchoe 'Wendy' is known for being low-maintenance and easy to care for, making it a suitable choice for novice gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: This succulent has the ability to withstand periods without water, perfect for dry climates or those who occasionally forget to water their plants.
- Long Blooming Period: Kalanchoe 'Wendy' produces flowers that can last for a long time, providing extended color and interest in your home or garden.
- Attractive Foliage: The plant has appealing green leaves that add aesthetic value even when it's not in bloom.
- Compact Growth: Its size and growth habit make it ideal for small spaces, containers, or as part of a succulent garden arrangement.
- Variety of Uses: It can be used in indoor pots, outdoor containers, rock gardens, and as a border plant, providing versatility in landscaping and home decor.
- Bright Flowers: The vibrant blooms of Kalanchoe 'Wendy' can help to brighten up a space and add a dash of color to its surroundings.
- Propagation: It's easy to propagate from leaf cuttings or offsets, allowing gardeners to easily increase their collection or share with friends.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Kalanchoe Wendy can be used as a natural humidity indicator, as its leaves may become more limp if the air is too dry.
- The succulent leaves of Kalanchoe can be utilized in arts and crafts for making botanical prints due to their unique shape and texture.
- The plant can serve as a living mulch in garden beds, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Kalanchoe Wendy can be a creative addition to edible landscapes, though the plant is not edible, it can visually complement vegetable gardens.
- The flowers of Kalanchoe can be used as a colorful, natural confetti for outdoor celebrations, decomposing without harm to the environment.
- Kalanchoe Wendy's robust nature can make it an educational tool for teaching children about plant growth and propagation through leaf cuttings.
- It can be used as a natural barrier or border in gardens, due to its dense growth habit that can deter small animals or foot traffic.
- The plant can feature in pet-friendly garden designs since it is non-toxic to cats and dogs, adding beauty without the risk to pets.
- Kalanchoe can be used in thematic gardens, such as rock gardens or desert landscapes, for its drought-resistant characteristics.
- As part of a sensory garden, Kalanchoe Wendy can provide a tactile element with its thick, fleshy leaves that have interesting textures.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Kalanchoe is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Kalanchoe is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Persistence and Renewal: Kalanchoe plants are known for their resilience and ability to flourish under various conditions. They symbolize the ability to persist and renew oneself, akin to the plant's characteristic of blooming annually.
- Lasting Affection: With its long-lasting flowers, Kalanchoe is often associated with enduring love and loyalty, making it a suitable gift for loved ones to signify a lasting bond.
- Healing: In traditional medicine, some species of Kalanchoe are used for their purported healing properties. This gives the plant a symbolic connection to healing and recuperation.
- Prosperity and Wealth: The vibrant and plentiful blooms of the Kalanchoe can be seen as a symbol of growth and abundance, often linked to prosperity and material wealth.
- Adaptability: The hardy nature of Kalanchoe, which allows it to adapt to various environments, speaks to its symbolism of adaptability and the capacity to thrive in diverse situations.
WaterKalanchoe 'Wendy', also known as Flaming Katy, should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, approximately every 7 to 10 days. During the active growth season in spring and summer, it may require more frequent watering, while in the fall and winter, water less often. Use room temperature water and pour slowly around the base of the plant until it begins to drain from the bottom of the pot, which typically means using about 8 to 16 ounces for a standard indoor pot size. It's important not to let the plant sit in water, as this can lead to root rot. Be cautious of overwatering, which is a common mistake with succulent plants like Kalanchoe.
LightFlaming Katy thrives in bright, indirect light conditions. A spot near a south, east, or west-facing window is ideal, provided the plant is shielded from direct harsh sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. If natural light is limited, consider using a grow light to supplement the plant's light needs. The ideal lighting setup is one that mimics the bright, diffused light found in the Kalanchoe's native environment.
TemperatureFlaming Katy prefers temperatures ranging from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and should not be subjected to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as it can be damaged by cold. The ideal temperature conditions for this plant are around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit at night and 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Make sure to protect the plant from drafts and extreme temperature fluctuations, such as those near air conditioning units or heating vents.
PruningPruning Flaming Katy helps to maintain its shape and encourage a bushier growth pattern. Prune back the flowering stems after the blooms have faded, which is typically needed once or twice a year. The best time for pruning is in the spring or after the plant has finished its blooming cycle. Pinch off spent flowers and trim back leggy growth to promote more robust and compact plants.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Kalanchoe 'Wendy', commonly known as a type of Mother-in-law-plant, should be well-draining with a combination of potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite. The ideal pH level for Kalanchoe 'Wendy' should be between 6.0 and 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingMother-in-law-plant should be repotted every two to three years or when the plant has outgrown its current pot. It’s best to repot in the spring or early summer during its active growing season.
Humidity & MistingMother-in-law-plant thrives in average indoor humidity levels. It is tolerant to low humidity environments; however, maintaining a level around 40-60% is ideal for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light, well-drained soil, and infrequent watering.
Outdoor
Place in partial sun, protect from frost, let soil dry between watering.
Hardiness zone
10-12 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Wendy's Kalanchoe begins with the germination of seeds in moist, well-draining soil under warm, bright conditions. Next, seedlings emerge, developing into juvenile plants with characteristic fleshy leaves and a succulent stem. As it matures, Wendy's Kalanchoe enters a vigorous vegetative growth phase, where it expands in size and may produce offsets or baby plants at the base. After reaching maturity, it initiates the flowering stage, producing clusters of bell-shaped flowers, typically during the shorter daylight months. Once pollinated, these flowers develop into seed pods that, upon drying, release seeds to start the next generation. After flowering, the plant may experience a period of dormancy, conserving energy before the next growth cycle begins.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Kalanchoe 'Wendy', also known as Mother of Thousands, can be easily propagated through its unique leaves, which have tiny plantlets along their edges. The best time to propagate this plant is during the warmer months, ideally in spring or early summer, when the growing conditions are optimal. To propagate, simply remove the plantlets carefully from the leaf margin and place them on top of a well-draining soil mix. It is essential to provide bright, indirect light and to maintain the soil slightly moist but not overly wet, as this could cause the plantlets to rot. Once the plantlets have rooted and shown signs of growth, they can be transplanted into their own pots. This leaflet method is the most popular and effective way to expand your collection of Kalanchoe 'Wendy'.
