Cathedral Bells (Kalanchoe pinnata): Miracle Leaf Succulent

Overview

Cathedral Bells (Kalanchoe pinnata), also called Air Plant, Life Plant, or Miracle Leaf, is an upright, fleshy succulent with large, scalloped, pinnately compound leaves that produce plantlets along their margins. The plantlets drop and root instantly. Tall spikes of pendulous, tubular, greenish-white to pink flowers appear in winter. Widely naturalized in tropics. Used in traditional medicine for wounds, hypertension, and more. Easy to grow but can be weedy. Toxic to livestock. A plant of folklore and pharmacy.

Key Features

• Leaves: Large, pinnate, scalloped; plantlets on margins.
• Plantlets: Drop and root; prolific.
• Flowers: Pendulous, tubular, green-white/pink; winter.
• Uses: Traditional medicine; folklore.

Care Guidelines

Light

Bright light to full sun.

Water

Moderate. Allow to dry between waterings.

Soil

Well-drained.

Containment

Can be invasive in tropics. Grow in pots.

Taxonomy

Family:	Crassulaceae
Genus:	Kalanchoe (kal-un-KOH-ee)
Species:	pinnata (pin-NAY-tuh)
Synonyms:	Bryophyllum pinnatum, Bryophyllum calycinum, Cotyledon pinnata, Crassula pinnata, Kalanchoe pinnata var. calcicola