Lavender Scallops

Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi is native to Madagascar, an island nation off the southeastern coast of Africa renowned as a global biodiversity hotspot for succulent plants.

• Madagascar harbors the vast majority of Kalanchoe diversity, with over 60 species endemic to the island
• The genus Kalanchoe belongs to the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae), which comprises approximately 1,400 species across 35 genera, distributed primarily in southern Africa, Madagascar, and parts of tropical Asia and the Americas
• Crassulaceae species are particularly concentrated in the seasonally dry tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World
• The species has been widely introduced and cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide as an ornamental plant, and has become naturalized in some areas including parts of Hawaii, the Caribbean, and southern Florida

Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi is a low-growing, spreading, perennial succulent subshrub, typically reaching 15–30 cm in height and spreading up to 60 cm or more.

Stems:
• Fleshy, round (terete), and somewhat brittle; often decumbent or sprawling with age
• Covered with a fine, powdery, whitish-bloom (epicuticular wax) that gives the plant a soft blue-gray to lavender-gray appearance
• Stems root readily at nodes when in contact with soil

Leaves:
• Opposite to sub-opposite arrangement; simple, fleshy, and succent
• Shape: obovate to broadly spatulate, typically 2–5 cm long and 1.5–3 cm wide
• Margins: characteristically crenated (scalloped) with rounded teeth, often flushed pink, lavender, or reddish-purple — especially under bright light, drought stress, or cool temperatures
• Surface: covered with a fine, mealy, whitish epicuticular coating (farinose)
• Color: blue-green to gray-green with lavender-pink margins

Flowers:
• Inflorescence: terminal corymbose cyme, produced in late winter to spring
• Individual flowers are tubular, pendulous (hanging downward), typical of the genus
• Corolla: four fused petals forming a tubular bell shape, typically pinkish-orange to coral-red or salmon-pink
• Calyx: four small, pointed sepals
• Flowers are pollinated by birds and insects in their native habitat

Reproduction:
• Primarily vegetative — plantlets (bulbils) can form along leaf margins, a trait shared with several other Kalanchoe species (e.g., K. daigremontiana)
• Also reproduces by stem cuttings and, less commonly, by seed

In its native Madagascan habitat, Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi grows in rocky, well-drained areas in semi-arid to sub-humid regions.

• Typically found on rocky outcrops, cliff faces, and shallow soils over limestone or granite
• Adapted to seasonal dry periods with a pronounced dry season
• CAM photosynthesis allows stomata to open at night, minimizing water loss during hot daytime temperatures
• Thrives in warm temperatures and bright light; tolerates drought but is sensitive to prolonged frost
• In cultivation, it performs best in USDA hardiness zones 10–11 (minimum temperatures above -1°C / 30°F)
• Has shown invasive potential in some tropical and subtropical regions where it has escaped cultivation, forming dense mats that can displace native vegetation

Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi, like many members of the Crassulaceae family, is considered toxic to pets and livestock.

• Contains bufadienolide cardiac glycosides — toxic compounds that affect heart function
• Ingestion by cats, dogs, or grazing animals may cause gastrointestinal distress (vomiting, diarrhea) and, in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmias
• The ASPCA lists Kalanchoe species as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses
• Keep out of reach of pets and small children

Lavender Scallops is widely regarded as one of the easiest succulents to grow, making it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced collectors alike.

Light:
• Prefers bright indirect light to full sun
• At least 4–6 hours of bright light daily for best coloration
• Leaf margins develop the most vivid pink-lavender coloration under bright light and cool temperatures
• Can tolerate some direct morning sun; avoid intense afternoon sun in hot climates to prevent scorching

Soil:
• Requires very well-draining, gritty succulent or cactus mix
• Recommended: commercial cactus/succulent soil amended with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand (approximately 50/50 mix)
• Poor drainage is the most common cause of failure

Watering:
• 'Soak and dry' method — water thoroughly, then allow soil to dry out completely between waterings
• Reduce watering significantly in winter during dormancy
• Overwatering leads to root rot and stem rot, the most common causes of plant death
• Avoid getting water on the powdery leaf surface, as it can damage the epicuticular wax

Temperature:
• Optimal growing range: 18–27°C (65–80°F)
• Can tolerate brief periods down to approximately 4°C (40°F) if kept dry
• Not frost-hardy; must be protected from freezing temperatures
• Cooler temperatures (around 10–15°C / 50–59°F) combined with bright light enhance the pink-lavender leaf margin coloration

Humidity:
• Prefers low to moderate humidity; tolerates dry indoor air well
• Avoid overly humid conditions, which can promote fungal issues

Propagation:
• Extremely easy to propagate from stem cuttings or leaf cuttings
• Stem cuttings: cut a 5–10 cm section, allow the cut end to callus for 1–3 days, then place on well-draining soil
• Leaf cuttings: remove a healthy leaf, allow to callus, and lay on soil — new plantlets will emerge from the base
• Plantlets that form on leaf margins can be detached and potted
• Rooting typically occurs within 2–4 weeks

Common Problems:
• Leggy, stretched growth (etiolation) → insufficient light
• Loss of powdery bloom on leaves → physical handling or water splashing
• Root/stem rot → overwatering or poorly draining soil
• Mealybugs and scale insects → treat with isopropyl alcohol or insecticidal soap
• Leaf drop → cold damage, overwatering, or sudden environmental changes