Kalanchoe beharensis
Family: Crassulaceae
​Common Name: felt bush, felt plant
​Origin: Kalanchoe beharensis originates from xeriscape forests in southwestern Madagascar.
Description: The felt bush is a tree-like succulent that possesses a woody trunk, and can grow as tall as 12 feet. Leaves are very distinctive, olive-green and curled, with a dense matt of felt-like hairs across the surface. When mature, the top of leaves will become rust colored, while the bottom will turn silver or gray. Additionally, from spring to summer a panicle may form, leading to numerous reddish-orange or yellow-green flowers.
  • Interesting Features:
    • The brown hairs of K. beharensis give the leaves a unique velvety or felt-like texture, and have developed in order to protect the species from drought.
  • Uses: Within its natural habitat, the felt bush is used to relieve muscle pain and rheumatism.
    • Additionally, K. beharensis contains anticancer properties – essential oils created from the felt bush may be a possible treatment for cancer, especially when drug resistant.

Cultivation and Care:
  • Watering: Moderate
    • Provide ample irrigation in summer, thoroughly soaking whenever the soil is dry.
    • During spring and autumn, water moderately, but only occasionally in the winter, to prevent the plant from shriveling.
  • Soil: Plant the felt bush in well-draining, nutrient-poor soil supplemented with an equal ratio of loam and sand.
    • Pumice, lava, or pebbles may be added to improve drainage, if necessary, and a pH should be maintained between 6.1 and 7.8.
  • Lighting: Kalanchoe beharensis prefers full sun during the warmer seasons, in order to encourage the best growth.
    • During the dormant winter months, however, partial shade is tolerated.
  • Propagation: The felt bush can be propagated from basal offsets, stem cuttings, and through seed, although some cultivated plants may be sterile.
    • For cuttings, remove leaves during spring or summer, and allow to fully dry before planting under indirect light.
  • Cold Tolerance: 25°F, USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11.
  • Special Accommodations: Although K. beharensis can occasionally tolerate temperatures as low as 25°F, plants prefer warmth and will begin to show signs of stress if living in environments colder than 55°F.
    • Never expose to frost, as this can lead to plant death, and be vigilant of insect pests.
    • ​Every few years, repotting may be necessary, but should be done carefully, to avoid snapping the brittle leaves.

Sources:
  1. Llifle Encyclopedia of Succulents
  2. World of Succulents
  3. Missouri Botanical Garden
  4. Dave’s Garden
  5. Plant Care Today
  6. San Marcos Growers
  7. Lore Central
  8. US National Library of Medicine