Kalanchoe thyrsiflora (also known as desert cabbage, white lady, geelplakkie, meelplakkie, or plakkie) is a species of flowering plant native to Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa and Eswatini. Typically found in grasslands, often on rocky outcrops or in areas where there’s good drainage. This succulent adapts to environments where there’s a clear distinction between wet and dry seasons, with minimal water availability during certain times of the year.
The name Kalanchoe thyrsiflora was first validly published for this southern African species by William Henry Harvey in 1862. Based on an error introduced in The Plant List in 2012, the name K. thyrsiflora has been treated by some as a synonym of K. tetraphylla. However, these two names apply to two distinct species. The name K. tetraphylla dates from 1923 and applies to a different species confined to Madagascar.
While it’s not typically listed as an invasive species outside its native range, any plant can potentially become invasive if conditions are right. However, its requirement for good drainage and susceptibility to overwatering usually prevents it from becoming a problem in most climates.
Characteristics of Kalanchoe thyrsiflora (Desert Cabbage or White Lady)
- Appearance: This succulent features large, flat, and round leaves that are stacked in a rosette form, somewhat resembling a cabbage, which contributes to its common name. The leaves are initially green but can develop a red or pink hue at the margins when exposed to enough sunlight.
- Leaves: The leaves are thick, fleshy, and covered with a powdery bloom (farina) that gives them a silvery or whitish appearance, hence the name “White Lady.” This coating helps protect the plant from intense sunlight.
- Flowers: It produces tall flower spikes that can grow up to 3 feet tall, bearing clusters of small, yellow, bell-shaped flowers. Flowering usually occurs in the winter or spring.
- Growth Habit: This Kalanchoe grows in a compact, rosette form, with a height of about 1 to 2 feet when not in bloom. It’s a monocarpic plant, meaning it usually dies after flowering, but it can produce offsets or “pups” around the base which can be used for propagation.
Cultivation of Kalanchoe thyrsiflora
- Light: Requires bright light with some direct sun. It thrives when it gets plenty of sunlight, which not only promotes healthy growth but also enhances the red edges of the leaves. However, protect from the hottest midday sun in summer which might scorch the leaves.
- Water: Like most succulents, it prefers to be watered only when the soil has dried out completely. Overwatering is a common cause of issues like root rot. Water less in the winter when the plant’s growth slows.
- Soil: A well-draining cactus or succulent mix is essential. You can enhance drainage by adding extra perlite or coarse sand.
- Temperature: It does well in average room temperatures but can tolerate both heat and cooler conditions. However, it should be protected from frost as it’s not frost-hardy.
- Humidity: Low humidity isn’t a problem for this plant, making it well-suited for indoor environments.
- Fertilizer: Fertilize sparingly. Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer for succulents during the growing season. Too much fertilizer can lead to leggy growth.
- Propagation:
- Offsets: Once the plant has flowered and started to decline, it will produce offsets. These can be gently removed and planted in fresh soil.
- Leaf Cuttings: Leaves can be propagated, but this method is less common due to the plant’s monocarpic nature.
- Pruning: Since it’s monocarpic, pruning isn’t necessary except for removing dead leaves or to encourage branching in the offsets.
- Flowering: To encourage flowering:
- Ensure the plant gets enough light to trigger the flowering process.
- Keep in mind that once it flowers, the mother plant will die, but new plants can be grown from its offsets.
- Pests: Generally pest-resistant, but watch for mealybugs and aphids. Treat with insecticidal soap if necessary.
Additional Tips
- Handle with care as the leaves can be fragile and might shed their powdery coating when touched.
- If growing indoors, rotate the pot occasionally to ensure even light exposure and growth.
- After the plant has flowered and started to decline, propagate the offsets to continue growing this species.