The Felt Bush (Kalanchoe beharensis) is a distinctive succulent from Madagascar. It features velvety, felt-like leaves, typically silvery-green, and an unusual texture and architectural form.
Essential Felt Bush Care
The Felt Bush thrives in bright light, from full sun to partial shade. Indoors, a south or west-facing window provides several hours of direct light. Insufficient light causes leggy growth, while harsh, direct sun can scorch leaves. Its fuzzy coating helps protect it from strong sun.
As a succulent, the Felt Bush is highly drought-tolerant and stores water in its thick leaves. The “soak and dry” watering method is recommended: water thoroughly until excess drains, then allow the soil to dry out completely before the next watering. Overwatering is a common issue, leading to root rot, so avoid consistently soggy soil. Reduce watering frequency significantly during cooler, darker months, sometimes to as little as once a month.
Well-draining soil is crucial to prevent root rot. Use a specialized succulent or cactus potting mix, or a custom blend with perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to enhance drainage and ensure proper aeration. The plant prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0-7.0).
Felt Bush prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 73°F and 90°F (23-32°C). It tolerates some fluctuations but is intolerant to frost and freezing conditions. It has low humidity requirements and adapts to typical indoor levels. Avoid excessive humidity and stagnant air to prevent fungal issues.
Pruning Your Felt Bush
Pruning the Felt Bush helps maintain its desired shape, manage its size, and remove any leggy or damaged growth. This succulent can develop a more tree-like form, and pruning encourages a bushier appearance. Remove any dead, yellowing, or damaged leaves using clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors. Make cuts above a leaf node or joint to encourage new growth. Regular pruning also improves air circulation around the plant, deterring certain pests.
Propagating Felt Bush
Propagating Felt Bush is achievable through stem or leaf cuttings. For stem cuttings, select a healthy stem and cut a section a few inches long with a few leaves. For leaf cuttings, carefully detach a whole, healthy leaf from the main plant.
After taking cuttings, allow them to “callus” or dry for several days in a dry, warm place to prevent rot. Once callused, plant the cuttings shallowly in a well-draining succulent or sandy soil mix. Keep the soil slightly moist, but not wet, until roots begin to form, which can take several weeks.
Troubleshooting Common Felt Bush Issues
Leggy growth, characterized by stretched stems and sparse leaves, indicates insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter location with more direct sun. Mushy or rotting leaves and stems indicate overwatering or poor drainage. Reduce watering frequency and ensure the plant is in a pot with drainage holes and appropriate soil.
Scorched leaves, appearing as brown or crispy spots, suggest exposure to too much intense, direct sunlight, especially midday sun. Provide some afternoon shade or filter the light to prevent further damage. Felt Bush is susceptible to common succulent pests like mealybugs and spider mites. Manage these by gently wiping affected areas with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or using an insecticidal soap formulated for plants.