Kalanchoe × houghtonii

Kalanchoe × houghtonii is a hybrid within the family of the crassulaceae. This species was created as a cross between Kalanchoe daigremontiana and Kalanchoe delagoensis and was first discovered in the Botanical Garden of Houghton in the United States. Due to its striking appearance and the unusual ability to grow in vegetative, it is now one of the common houseplants and is of interest worldwide for succulent lovers.

Morphology and growth form

The plant is a succulent hybrid with upright, slim stems that can reach heights of up to one meter. The fleshy, elongated leaves are opposite and have small, wedge -shaped breeding plants on their edges, which are easy to replace and are used for the vegetative increase. The leaves often have a bluish green color, which is crossed by brown or purple spots. These markings are particularly pronounced in intensive sunlight and serve as protection against excessive transpiration and sunburn.

Flower and flowering period

In late winter or spring, Kalanchoe × houghtonii develops a inflorescence with numerous tubular, bell-like flowers, which usually have a reddish-orange color. The flowers stand in dense grapes and protrude above the leaves. They attract polluting insects and are a remarkable feature because they optically highlight the plant in their flowering period. The flowering phase also marks the vegetative reproduction, since numerous breeding plants are increasingly repelled at this time and develop in new places.

Multiplication

The multiplication of the breeding plants is the most concise property of Kalanchoe × houghtonii. These small plants grow along the leaves and fall slightly on the ground, where they quickly take root and grow into independent plants. This propagation strategy is particularly effective for regions with unfamiliar growth conditions because it enables dense spread in a short time. The thick leaves and the ability to store water support survival in Arid and semi -dry areas. The plant is a cam plant (crassulacean acid metabolism), which means that it takes up CO₂ at night and uses photosynthesis during the day. This minimizes the transpiration and water is used efficiently.

Care and location claims

In cultivation, Kalanchoe × houghtonii is an easy -care plant that thrives best at light locations with a direct or indirect sun. It prefers permeable soils and economical irrigation, since waterlogging can quickly lead to the root rot. In moderate climate zones, it is ideal as a houseplant because it tolerates temperatures below 10 ° C poorly. In order to promote a compact growth shape, a light window sill or a place with direct sun can be chosen.

Cultural and ecological importance

Due to its rapid propagation, Kalanchoe × houghtonii is considered invasive in some regions, especially in parts of the tropical and subtropical zones, where it can displace native plants. Due to its unusual morphology and its ability to multiply without seeds, it is a popular research object in botany because it offers interesting findings on the evolution of vegetative increase and ecological adaptation.