Crassulaceae
Kalanchoe fadeniorum
H
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Kalanchoe fadeniorum is a glabrous herbaceous perennial typically growing to about 10 cm in height. It features branched, creeping stems with erect, densely leafy portions. Its fleshy, green leaves are nearly circular, broadly ovate, or inversely ovate, measuring 1.5-5 cm long and 1.3-4 cm wide, with margins that are entire or serrate-crenate. The plant produces a terminal compound cyme with pale reddish yellow-brown corolla tubes that are reddish above, and elliptical petals that are 9-10 mm long. This species is native to southeastern Kenya, found in semi-evergreen thickets on sandy soils at around 360 meters elevation, but is currently classified as Extinct in the Wild, with the last wild record dating back to the late 1970s.
Where it works in Kilifi
This succulent thrives in bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade, making it suitable for a Kilifi-coast garden in a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. It requires well-draining soil, ideally a succulent or cactus mix. Given its small stature and conservation status, it is best suited as a specimen plant in a rock garden or container, rather than for general shade or hedging purposes.
Growing notes
Kalanchoe fadeniorum is a slow-growing species. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering; allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during the cooler months. It is hardy in USDA zones 10-12, consistent with the warm climate of Kilifi, but should be protected from temperatures below 7°C.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: wikipedia.org, encyclo.co.uk, kew.org, crassulaceae.ch, recentlyextinctspecies.com, revfad.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.