The Devil’s Horns succulent is a favored choice among plant enthusiasts due to its striking appearance. This popular plant adds unique visual appeal to various indoor and outdoor garden settings.
Identifying Devil’s Horns Succulent
The plant commonly known as Devil’s Horns succulent primarily refers to Kalanchoe luciae and, less frequently, Kalanchoe thyrsiflora. Both are often called Flapjack Plant, Paddle Plant, or Desert Cabbage due to their broad, flat leaves. Kalanchoe luciae has large, paddle-shaped leaves that form a rosette, often developing vibrant red margins when exposed to ample sunlight. This “devil’s horns” effect is characteristic of Kalanchoe luciae under bright light. In contrast, Kalanchoe thyrsiflora typically has slightly broader, shorter leaves with a more pronounced white powdery coating and less intense red coloration.
Care for Your Devil’s Horns Succulent
Light
Devil’s Horns succulents thrive in bright, direct sunlight, needing at least six hours daily to maintain vibrant coloration and compact growth. Optimal sun exposure intensifies the red hues on their leaves. Outdoors, suitable climates allow for this; indoors, a south or west-facing window is ideal. Insufficient light causes a loss of red edges and a leggy, stretched appearance.
Watering
Proper watering involves a “soak and dry” method, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. This succulent stores water in its thick leaves, making it drought-tolerant. Overwatering is a common issue, leading to root rot, characterized by soft, translucent, or yellow leaves. During winter, the plant’s water needs decrease significantly, requiring minimal or no watering.
Soil
Devil’s Horns succulents require well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging and root rot. A specialized succulent or cactus potting mix is recommended. Drainage can be enhanced by adding perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to the mixture. This mimics their natural arid habitat.
Temperature and Humidity
These succulents prefer warm temperatures, ideally between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C), and are not tolerant of frost. If temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), bring outdoor plants indoors to protect them from cold damage. They thrive in low humidity. High humidity can contribute to fungal infections, so good air circulation is beneficial.
Fertilizing
Devil’s Horns succulents generally do not require heavy fertilization. If desired, apply a balanced, diluted succulent fertilizer sparingly during the active growing season (spring and summer). Over-fertilizing can harm the plant. Avoid fertilizing during winter when growth slows.
Propagating Devil’s Horns Succulent
Propagating Devil’s Horns succulent is commonly achieved through offsets (pups) or leaf cuttings. Offsets are small, new plants that grow around the base of the mature plant and can be carefully separated. For leaf cuttings, gently remove a healthy leaf from the stem, ensuring a clean pull. Both offsets and leaf cuttings should callous for a few days to a week before planting to prevent rot. Once calloused, place them on well-draining succulent soil; roots typically develop within a few weeks.
Common Problems and Solutions
One frequent issue with Devil’s Horns succulent is overwatering, leading to root rot and mushy, discolored leaves. Adjusting watering frequency to ensure the soil dries completely and using well-draining soil can resolve this. Inadequate light often results in etiolation, where the plant stretches and loses its vibrant red coloration. Moving the plant to a brighter location or providing supplemental grow lights can correct this. Common pests like mealybugs and aphids can sometimes affect the plant. Manage these by regular inspection and treating infestations with methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Is Devil’s Horns Succulent Toxic?
Both Kalanchoe luciae and Kalanchoe thyrsiflora are toxic if ingested by pets and humans. All parts of the plant, especially the flowers, contain compounds that can cause adverse reactions. Symptoms in pets can include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, more serious issues. Keep these plants out of reach of children and pets. Wear gloves when handling them, as the sap can cause skin irritation.