International Succulent Introductions

Kalanchoe 'Hybrida' variegated

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ISI 2003-32. Kalanchoe 'Hybrida' variegated.

The ubiquitous florist's kalanchoe, K. blossfeldiana may be what comes to mind when hybrids in this genus are mentioned. However, the original K. 'Hybrida' is a cross of two other well-known and somewhat notorious Madagascan species: K. daigremontiana and K. tubiflora. The source of their notoriety is the fact that both species produce prodigious numbers of vegetative bulbils on the leaf margins. These take root wherever they fall and can become pests in the garden. Naturally, the hybrid shares this feature. However, the variegated form of K. 'Hybrida' has beautifully colored leaves variegated in cream or pink and green, a chimera of genetically distinct tissues. The vegetative bulbils along the leaf margins are produced by the cream-colored tissue that lacks chlorophyll. As a result these fail to root when separated from the parent plant, making this form non-invasive and easily managed. Rooted cuts of HBG 89184. $5.