The Walking Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe synsepala is one of the more unusual the genus, it is commonly called the ‘Walking Kalanchoe’ and also known as ‘Kalanchoe Gremlin’.
It is characterised by large green leaves and serrated leaf margins that turn red in warmer weather. A variety with narrow leaves that resemble those of s stag horn fern, Kalanchoe synsepala var. Dissecta is also available.
The name ‘Walking Kalanchoe’ comes from the long arching stems or ‘stolens’ that carry either the flowers or small plantlets. The plantlets themselves weigh the stems down, and they where touch touch the ground they send down roots, often 50 cm (18 inches) away from the parent plant.
The flowers appear on seperate stems in terminal clusters of near white tubular flowers in spring.
A fascinating plant to grow in a container or hanging basket.
Kalanchoe synsepala Care
- Best grown in light shade or morning sun. In strong hot the sun the foliage can quickly burn.
- A specialist succulent potting mix that drains well is best although as long as the soil is well drained Kalanchoe Synsepala is happy.
- Water as the soil dries and in summer a deep watering every 5 – 10 days will keep the plant looking good.
- Fertilise with a little slow release fertiliser in early spring when the plant is in active growth.
- Propagation is from seed and also the separation of the plantlets.
Planting Ideas
- Grow Kalanchoe Synsepala in a large container (30 cm in diameter) and allow the long stems to hang down.
- Plant in a hanging basket and hang the basket just below eye level.
- Use it in the succulent garden and allow it to ‘do its thing’.