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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrops) |
| Origin: Madagascar |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Green Yellow |
| Bloomtime: Winter |
| Synonyms: [Kalanchoe vantieghemi] |
| Height: 10-16 feet |
| Width: 6-12 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 30-32° F |
| May be Poisonous (More Info): Yes |
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Kalanchoe beharensis (Velvet elephant ear) - This is a slow growing succulent tree-like shrub can grow to an eventual height of 12 ft. with an equal spread though is typically seen much smaller. It has thick stems that are covered sharp angled leaf scars that likely evolved to protect the stems that hold large, undulated and folded, olive-green, slightly-triangular leaves covered in sort brown stellate (branched) hairs that gives the leaves a soft, velvety texture. Once mature, it produces small, greenish yellow flowers in winter. Plant in full sun or light shade. It is frost tender and needs protection much below 30° F and is drought tolerant. A great sculptural succulent for the succulent garden or in a large pot. The species was originally discovered near Behara in Madagascar but is now recognized as widespread in southern Madagascar. The name Kalanchoe is somewhat of a mystery - there is some thought that it comes from a phonetic transcription of the Chinese words 'Kalan Chauhuy' meaning "that which falls and grows", likely in reference to the plantlets that drop from many of the species but others believe it from the ancient Indian words 'kalanka' meaning "spot" or "rust" and 'chaya' meaning "glossy" in reference to the reddish glossy leaves of the Indian species K. laciniata. The specific epithet "beharensis" is in reference to the occurrence of this plant at Behara, Madagascar. We grow or have grown several forms of this plant, including the very interesting glabrous form, Kalanchoe beharensis var. subnuda, the curious dark leafed dwarf form 'Brown Dwarf', the Kalanchoe beharensis hybrid called 'Fang' (K.beharensis X K.tomentosa) and Kalanchoe 'Oak Leaf', which is a hybrid between Kalanchoe beharensis and Kalanchoe millotii.
The information about Kalanchoe beharensis displayed on this page is based on research conducted in our nursery library and from online sources we consider reliable. We will also relate those observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery gardens and in other gardens that we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone who has additional information, particularly when they share cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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