The Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri, often recognized as “Walking Kalanchoe” or “Donkey Ears,” is a captivating succulent from Madagascar. It is admired for its striking, large fleshy leaves, which can reach up to 20 inches long and 4 inches wide, often displaying a grey-green hue with maroon or dark green blotches. Its common name hints at its distinctive reproductive method, allowing it to spread and establish new plants naturally.
The “Walking” Phenomenon
The “walking” aspect refers to its natural reproductive strategy. Along the scalloped margins of its mature leaves, the plant develops numerous small plantlets, also known as bulbils or offsets. These plantlets are essentially tiny, fully formed clones of the parent plant, complete with their own miniature leaves and roots.
As these plantlets mature, they detach from the parent leaf and fall to the ground. Upon landing on suitable soil, they readily root and begin to grow into independent plants, colonizing the area around the mother plant. This continuous cycle creates the visual impression that the plant is “walking” or slowly spreading. This self-propagation ensures the species’ survival.
Essential Care for Walking Kalanchoe
This succulent thrives in bright, indirect light, though it can tolerate some partial shade. Direct, intense afternoon sun, especially during summer, can scorch its fleshy leaves, so a location with morning sun or filtered light is often ideal.
As a drought-tolerant succulent, allow the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings, typically every 2-3 weeks, to prevent root rot. When watering, do so thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot, then ensure no standing water remains. A well-draining soil mix, such as a specialized succulent or cactus blend amended with perlite or sand, is crucial for preventing waterlogged conditions.
The ideal temperature range is 64-77°F (18-25°C). It is sensitive to cold, with prolonged exposure below 40°F (4°C) causing damage. Average household humidity levels are sufficient, as this plant prefers a drier environment. During the active growing season, from spring to summer, a diluted balanced succulent fertilizer can be applied every 4-6 weeks to support its growth.
Propagating Your Walking Kalanchoe
Gardeners can multiply their plants using its readily available plantlets. To propagate, carefully remove the mature plantlets that have developed along the edges of the parent plant’s leaves. These small plantlets often have visible roots already formed, making them ideal for new growth.
Once detached, allow the plantlets to air dry for a day or two to form a callus over any broken surfaces, which helps prevent rot when planted. Prepare a pot with a well-draining succulent or cactus soil mix. Gently place the callused plantlets on top of the soil, ensuring the roots are in contact with the growing medium, or lightly press them into the surface. Maintain slightly damp soil and provide bright, indirect light; new roots will establish within a few weeks, leading to the growth of independent plants.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Walking Kalanchoe is resilient, but issues can arise from improper care. Overwatering is a frequent problem, leading to root rot, which manifests as mushy stems or yellowing, wilting leaves. To resolve this, ensure excellent drainage and allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. Underwatering, conversely, can cause leaves to shrivel or droop, signaling the need for a thorough watering.
Insufficient light can lead to leggy, stretched growth as the plant reaches for more illumination. Moving the plant to a brighter location with indirect light will encourage more compact growth. Pests like mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites can occasionally affect Kalanchoe. Inspect plants regularly and treat infestations with insecticidal soap or by wiping pests away with an alcohol-dipped cotton swab.