4 years ago, I didn’t know what a Kalanchoe was, and now I am fairly deeply enamored with them. I have these species at the Little House.
Tomentosa – Rusty Edges on Fuzzy Leaves
Beharensis v. Fang – Also called the “stalactite” Kalenchoe
Orgyalis – I thought it was hovering near death for a full year, and then it put out new growth of the same “near dead, sorta brown” leaves. All the internet pics look like mine, so I think we’re good.
Daigremontiana – Mother of Thousands
Thrysiflora – Pancake Plant
Tubiflora – aka “Frog legs”
These are the varieties I have been growing so far. My daughter likes them because they are the first plants that have resisted her unintentional herbicidal tendencies. I like them because (except for our freaky frosty January) then grow quietly, make new copies of themselves, and even bloom sometimes. And the little plantlets of daigremontiana and tubiflora are just a propagator’s dream.

If you’ve been growing weary of your spiny cacti, give the K-crew a try.

Last night was the coldest night at Sky Harbor in 16 years, and by reliable accounts it was 28 degrees at my house this morning. Though covered, many of my sensitive plants look like they took it on the chin. I have a suddenly wilty Kalanchoe Beharensis, the elephant food leaves look dull instead of glossy, and about half of my peppers look like steamed spinach. This was some serious chill.

Master Gardeners told me in class that “we aren’t growing plants, we are growing roots. Then the roots grow plants.” If true, some of my plants will bounce back. Still it is a setback, and makes me feel guilty. Many would say I had no business having peppers outside in January. Some years it works, some years it doesn’t. I did have an anaheim chile plant endure several light frosts and thrive for five years overall. It had good roots.

In a weird way, this makes me all the more eager for March. The plumeria will leaf out again, along with the Adenium, pomegranate, and grape. It will be exciting and reassuring. For tonight, I wish I could invite them all in for a cup of tea.