ASK THE EXPERT: My best friend is living in Tucson, Arizona, and sent me some clippings from a “really cool plant” there that can apparently grow a whole new plant and survive in Utah, where I am. I took it to a local nursery and they said they thought it was succulent.

The leaves are about four inches long and two inches wide, with smooth small ridges on the outside. They have spores, and I believe the couple of sprouts I have fell off of the leaves are from the spores. I really would like to keep this thing alive, but I need to know what it is first. I have it in cactus, palm, and citrus soil for now.

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply: This one was a little difficult, so we contacted our local nurseryman, Neal Adams. He says, That one was tough! But I’m a pretty smart guy.  It is Kalanchoe pinnata  “Cathedral Bells”

The Kalanchoe pinnata is indeed a really, cool plant. It has big, droopy bells for blooms that make it really unique.

Plant Care For Kalanchoe Plants

Kalanchoes are typically easy to care for plants and require minimal plant care. Water Kalanchoes moderately, letting the soil dry completely before you water them again. Make sure your container has good drainage; succulents are easily damaged by over-watering. Kalanchoes love bright and sunny locations, but will stand other lighting conditions. They must be kept above 54° at all times, although higher temps are preferred.

Care & Maintenance For Kalanchoe Plants

To keep Kalanchoes well shaped, pruning is necessary. Trim spent blooms and their stems as needed to encourage future blooming. For a fuller plant, pinch the top back to the second or third leaf to encourage branching.

For more information, check out Flowering Kalanchoe blossfeldiana: Care & Maintenance.

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