Kalanchoe pumila (flower dust plant)

Japanese name: 白銀の舞
Scientific name: Kalanchoe pumila

[Overview]
An evergreen perennial 20–30 cm tall.
It is a succulent.
The whole plant is densely covered with soft, white, velvety hairs and looks whitish.
The leaves are simple and alternate, obovate and about 4 cm long, with rounded teeth on the upper half, where the hairs are reddish brown to blackish brown.
The leaves take on a crimson tinge in winter.
It produces panicles of purplish pink flowers.

[Cultivation]
Propagate by cuttings or leaf cuttings.
It prefers a sunny, well-drained, well-ventilated environment.
With poor sunlight it becomes leggy.
It can overwinter outdoors in regions without frost.
Place pots on a shelf or similar so air can reach the bottom, and move them out of the rain during long rainy spells.
From spring to autumn, water thoroughly only after the soil in the pot has dried all the way through; in winter, keep it on the dry side, watering about once a month.
It dislikes heat and humidity, so in summer place it in an airy spot in partial shade.
Apply a small amount of slow-release fertilizer from spring to autumn, except in midsummer.
Pests and diseases include spider mites and scale insects.

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