Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe beharensis) Care Indoors, Propagation and Problems
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Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe beharensis) blossoms in bright light to full sunlight, average warmth, moderate humidity and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soil with monthly feeding in the growing season.
Kalanchoe beharensis also called Felt Bush or Velvet Elephant Ear is among the popular Kalanchoe varieties and is grown for its large, fleshy, velvety foliage which is covered by brown hairs.
The leaves in Felt Bush are succulent, olive-green, traingular-shaped, arranged in pairs at right-angles to each other with margins that are doubly crinkled. Each leaf is about 4 inches long and 2-4 inches wide.
On account of its succulent foliage which store waters thus enabling the plant to go for considerably long without being watered, Velvet Elephant Ear Plant and its cousins Kalanchoe blossfeldiana (Flaming Katy), Kalanchoe thyrsiflora (Paddle Plant) and Kalanchoe marmorata (Pen Wiper Plant) are among the best drought tolerant plants that you can grow in any suitable space.
Botanical name: Kalanchoe beharensis
Family: Crassulaceae
Common names: Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe, Felt Bush, Velvet Elephant Ear
Origin
Kalanchoe beharensis (Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe) is native to Madagascar.
Size
The stem in Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe is about 3-5 feet long, slender and knotted. The leaves are about 4 inches long and 2-4 inches wide.
Toxicity
Kalanchoe beharensis (Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe) like other Kalanchoe Plants contains Calcium glycosides which are toxic to animals as listed by The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Keep the it away from the reach of pets to prevent any mishaps.
Where to Buy
Would you like to add Kalanchoe Plants to your collection? You may obtain them online from Etsy (Link to Etsy).
Kalanchoe beharensis Care Indoors
Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe beharensis) flourishes in bright light to full sunlight, average warmth of 16-260C, moderate humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, succulents soil with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Felt Bush requires repotting only when it becomes pot-bound. Pruning is necessary to keep the plant neat and tidy as well as discourage pest and disease infestations. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Watering
Water Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe thoroughly during the growing season and allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
Water very infrequently in the cold season to keep the soil slightly moist as growth is minimal at this time but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to avoid getting soggy soil as it can lead to root-rot and death of the plant.
Avoid wetting the leaves as it can lead to rotting. Water from the bottom instead. Being a tropical plant, cold water will cause it to go into shock. Therefore, always water it with water that is at room temperature.
Light Requirements
Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe grows best in bright light to full sunlight. However, do not expose it to hot midday sunshine to prevent scorching.
Velvet Elephant Ear can be grown under grow lights if the natural light is not sufficient. Check out these full spectrum grow lights on Amazon.
Regularly rotate the pot to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for even growth and prevent leggy growth.
Should you choose to take your Felt Bush outdoors, gradually acclimate it and place it in a shaded place to avoid scorching the leaves.
Temperature and Humidity
Average warmth of 16-260C is ideal for Kalanchoe beharensis. The sudden change in temperature between day and night is excellent for this succulent plant as it mimicks its natural environment.
Keep it away from cold drafts from windy doors and windows to avoid sudden drops in temperature as it can result in leaf drop and reduced growth.
Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe has no need for extra humidity. Average room humidity of 50-55% is adequate for this plant. Ensure that there is good air circulation to discourage fungal infestations.
Ocassionally clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and also discourage pest and disease infestations.
Fertilizer
Feed Velvet Elephant Ear monthly during the growing period with a balanced, liquid fertilizer for a lush growth. Stop feeding in the cold season as growth is minimal at this time and feeding at this time can lead to fertilizer burn and eventual death of the plant.
Potting Mix
The best potting mix for Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe should be rich in organic matter, loose and free-draining to avoid getting soggy soil. The soil should be loose enough to allow water to drain out fast enough. Cactus and succulents Mix is ideal for Felt Bush.
Repotting
Repot Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe only when the plant becomes pot-bound. Use a shallow rather than a deep pot as the plant has shallow roots.
The pot should be only 1 size larger than the current one. Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot.
A clay pot is preferable as it is porous which allows the soil to dry out faster, therefore, preventing it from getting soggy. Take a look at these terracotta pots with saucer on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe requires the removal of dead and diseased leaves to maintain the plant neat and tidy and also discourage pest and disease infestations.
Propagation
Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe beharensis) can be propagated at the beginning of the growing season from leaf cuttings as they root easily.
How to propagate Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe from Leaf Cuttings
Take leaf cuttings together with about an inch of the leaf petiole from a healthy Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe.
Allow the leaf cuttings to dry (callus) for 1-3 days before planting to prevent rotting.
Insert the leaf petiole into moist, free-draining soil while ensuring that the midrib of the leaf also comes into contact with the soil.
Cover the set up with transparent polythene to raise humidity inorder to hasten rooting and establishment.
Position the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight to avoid cooking the plants. Water sparingly, only when the soil is dry.
Ensure the rooting container has adequate drainage to avoid getting the soil soggy as it can lead to rotting of the leaf cuttings.
Once the Felt Bush plantlets have grown at least one set of leaves, remove the plastic cover, carefully seperate them and pot in individual pots.
Place the new Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe plants in a warm, well-lit place and begin routine care.
Related: 5 Easy Ways to Propagate Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe Propagation)
Kalanchoe beharensis Problems with Solutions
Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe beharensis) problems include dropping leaves, drooping leaves, leggy growth, rotting, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems, their remedies and solutions.
Pests
Common pests in Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe are mealy bugs and scale insects. Isolate the affected plant to reduce spread to other plants and treat it with neem oil or insecticidal soap as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Falling (dropping) leaves
Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe falling (dropping) leaves are due to incorrect watering; either overwatering or underwatering. Water the plant liberally during the growing season and allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
Significantly cut down on watering during the cold season but never allow the soil ball to dry out completely. Avoid getting soggy soil by ensuring that the pot has a drainage hole and that the soil is free-draining. Learn more on how to water indoor plants the correct way.
Leggy growth
Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe leggy growth is an indication that the lighting is inadequate. This is an attempt by the plant to reach for the light. Move the plant to a brighter spot where it will receive very bright light to full sunlight or instal a grow light to supplement it if the natural lighting is not enough. Check out this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
Rotting base, yellowing and shriveled leaves
Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe rotting at the base followed by yellowing and shriveled leaves is an indication of basal stem-rot disease which is brought about by overwet conditions. Avoid soil soggy by ensuring that the pot has a drainage hole and that the soil is free-draining.
Drooping leaves
Elephant's Ear Kalanchoe drooping leaves is due to underwatering. Immediately water the plant thoroughly and it should perk up. Thereafter, water the plant thoroughly during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil moderately moist. During the cold season, water very infrequently to keep the soil slightly moist but never allow the soil to dry out completely.
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