Kalanchoe gracilipes
Plant Family
Crassulaceae (Stonecrop family)
Binomial Name
Kalanchoe gracilipes
Alternate Binomial Names
Kitchingia gracilipes Baker (1881) / Bryophyllum gracilipes (Baker) Eggli (1992)
Kalanchoe gracilipes var. microphylla Humbert ex Allorge-Boiteau (1995)
Common (Vernacular) Names
No common name was known to us. We have created a new name for this plant introduction of “Coral Agogô” reflecting the color and shape of the flowers. Agogô is an African bell instrument similar in shape to the flowers.
Plant Characteristics
Endemicity. Humid rainforests of Central and Eastern Madagascar.
Growth Habit. An unusual succulent that grows as an epiphyte in trees.
Flowers. Abundant, orange-coral pink colored, pendant, bell shaped flowers. In Hawaii they form in the early winter and continue through spring.
Conservation Status
This species is described as rare but little information on its status is available. We assume that is becoming threatened by habitat loss.
CITES Listing: This species is not listed by CITES.
IUCN Listing: This species is not listed by the IUCN.
Uses
This is plant is rare and generally not available in commerce. We are introducing it for ornamental use.
Ornamental. This is a very attractive plant and easy to grow. It is best suited for growing in hanging planters. The leaves of shade grown plants are dark green. While the plant is apparently adapted to growing in shade it also grows well in full sun and the leaves turn to a ruby red color.
Growing indoors. This plant may be grown indoors with adequate sunlight. It tends to drop leaves.
Cultivation
This plant grows well in any well draining soil mix and does best in humid conditions. Commercial potting soil or cactus mixes work well. It does not grow well and may die in hot, dry desert climates.
Pests and Diseases
In Hawaii snails and slugs are serious pests of this plant and will quickly strip it of leaves. It is best to grow this well off the ground.
Mealy bugs and coccids (scale insects) are common pests and may be treated with insect soap, alcohol and insecticides listed for treatment of these insects. We use imidaclopid soil drenches for long term control.
No diseases have been observed. Plants kept in wet, poor draining soil will develop rot.
Invasiveness Potential
This species was evaluated by the Hawaii-Pacific Weed Risk Assessment (HPWRA) program in 2015 and found to be of low risk (WPA Score = 0). Refer to the Full Assessment for details.
Propagation
This species is easily propagated from cuttings.
Toxicity
The leaves and flowers of this plant are reportedly toxic.
Plants and Seeds for Sale
We offer this plant as rooted and unrooted cuttings for online sale and in hanging planters for local delivery. Cuttings from certified plants may be shipped to all states.
All of our plants have been propagated vegetatively from a single specimen. They bloom but do not produce seeds and are believed to be self-sterile.
See our Online Store for current listings and availability of this plant.
References
Bryophyllum gracilipes http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl/record/kew-2684566 [accessed 30 September 2018]