KALANCHOE

(genus Kalanchoe), any of several species of succulent plants of the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae), popular for their easy culture indoors. The most common species, valued for their unusual foliage, include the panda plant (K. tomentosa); penwiper plant (K. marmorata); air plant, or maternity plant (K. pinnata); velvet leaf, or felt bush (K. beharensis); devil's backbone (K. daigremontiana); and South American air plant (K. fedtschenkoi). A range of attractive pot plants, distinguished by their colourful flowers, have been derived from K. blossfeldiana; they are marketed widely in the winter for their flowers, which may remain fresh for as long as eight weeks. As succulents, kalanchoes are relatively care-free houseplants, requiring considerable direct sunlightthough they will survive bright indirect lightand watering only when thoroughly dry. All species can be propagated readily from leaf or stem cuttings.