Bryophyllum

HIGHLIGHTS

• Popularly used as  – Kalanchoe pinnata
• Flower – Red
• Edible – Entire plant. May be collected year round; preferably used fresh
• Growth – Fast growth rate
• Uses – Juice is mixed with lard and used for diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, and phthisis.

PLANTING & CARE

• Temperature – Prefers temperature of  65 – 75°F (16C – 24°C).
• Water – Newly planted– During growth and flowering, watering every week is usually sufficient.  An important note : An excess of water might induce elongation of the stems, which sometimes end up bending under the weight.
• Light – Place the pot in the sun behind a window facing south or west or in a well-lit area. Some semi-hardy species such as Bryophyllum laxiflorum tolerate a light frost.
• Fertilizer – Fertilize every three months between March and September using a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.
• Pruning – Wear gloves to protect your skin, and slice off the leaf using a craft blade. Set the leaf on a sheet of newspaper in a dark, dry place for a few days until the cut-end dries out. Callusing or drying the leaf cutting will help keep it from rotting during the rooting process.

SPECIFICATION

• Plant – Bryophyllum
• Flower colour – red
• Height – 40 to 50 cm / 1.5 feet
• Pot size – 4 – 6 inches upper diameter
• Weight – 2-3 Kgs