The Donkey Ear Plant, formally known as Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri, is a popular succulent recognized for its large, fleshy, paddle-shaped leaves that give it its common name. This plant, which is native to Madagascar, belongs to the Bryophyllum subgenus and is a master of asexual reproduction. It is particularly known for its viviparous nature, meaning it produces numerous tiny, fully formed plantlets, or “pups,” along the scalloped margins of its leaves. Propagating this succulent by harvesting and planting these readily available pups is a straightforward and satisfying method to quickly multiply one’s collection.
Identifying and Harvesting the Pups
Recognizing when a Donkey Ear pup is ready for harvest is key. The plantlets develop along the edges of the parent leaf, appearing as small, miniature rosettes. A mature pup will be large enough to handle and show evidence of root development, usually as small, white or light brown aerial roots extending from the base.
The presence of these roots indicates the pup can survive independently once detached. If the pup does not detach easily with a gentle twist, use a clean, sharp knife or scissors to cut it precisely where it connects to the leaf margin. Once removed, the pup must rest for two to three days in a dry, shaded location.
This resting period is known as callousing, where the severed tissue dries and forms a protective, scab-like layer. Callusing prevents moisture from entering the wound, defending against fungal or bacterial infections that cause rot. Planting the pup before this wound has completely sealed significantly increases the risk of propagation failure.
Planting the Donkey Ear Pups
The growing medium is important for establishing newly harvested pups, as they are highly susceptible to root rot in overly moist conditions. The ideal substrate is a commercial succulent or cactus mix, formulated to be highly porous and fast-draining. This mix can be enhanced with additional inorganic materials like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to improve aeration and drainage.
Use a container with adequate drainage holes, such as unglazed terracotta pots, which allow moisture to evaporate through the sides. When planting, set the pups just deep enough into the soil to anchor the base and the aerial roots. The tiny leaves of the pup should remain above the soil surface to prevent moisture contact and subsequent rot.
Do not water the pups immediately; the soil must remain completely dry for the first few days to a week. A very light initial watering may be given later to encourage root growth. The primary strategy is to allow the new roots to seek out moisture. Waiting until roots are clearly established before beginning a regular watering schedule helps prevent the young plant from rotting.
Essential Care for Young Donkey Ear Pups
Newly established Donkey Ear pups thrive in conditions that mimic their native arid environment. Initially, the pups should be placed in an area that receives bright, indirect sunlight. This prevents scorching of the delicate young leaves while still providing the energy needed for root development and growth. As the pups mature, they can gradually be transitioned to stronger light, including a few hours of direct morning sun.
Insufficient light exposure will cause the plants to stretch out and become pale, a condition known as etiolation, which results in weak, leggy growth. Watering must be approached with caution: water thoroughly, but only when the soil has completely dried out. Overwatering is the most common cause of succulent mortality, as the fleshy leaves already store a significant amount of water.
These young plants prefer moderate temperatures and are intolerant of frost, so they should be brought indoors if temperatures drop below 50°F. The Donkey Ear Plant is well-suited to standard indoor humidity levels and prefers well-ventilated spaces, which helps to dry the potting mix quickly after watering. Fertilization is unnecessary for young pups, but mature plants can be fed sparingly with a diluted succulent fertilizer during the active growing season.