Kalanchoe luciae is a succulent plant up 2 feet (60 cm) tall. The leaves are in rosettes, big, thick, flat rounded, up to 6 inches (15 cm) long and 4 inches (10 cm) wide, grey-green to yellowish-green in color with red margins. The leaves in some cases will completely turn a vibrant red, especially with cool winter temperatures. Each stem bears clusters of pale yellow tubular flowers.

How to Grow and Care

Kalanchoes are not particularly hard to grow, and the flowering varieties are highly rewarding for their colorful and long-lasting flowers. They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window. Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress. They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC). An ordinary potting soil mix is fine. Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.

Growing Conditions

Light: They prefer bright, sunny locations, especially in the summer growing season. During the winter, consider a south-facing window.
Water: Water moderately throughout the summer and reduce watering in the winter. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings, and in the winter, the plant can almost dry out. Watch the fleshy leaves for signs of water distress.
Temperature: They prefer warmth. Do not let fall below 55ºF (12.7ºC).
Soil: Well-drained, light soil, one suitable for succulents.
Fertilizer: Feed bi-weekly in the summer with a liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release pellets.