Kalanchoe Beharensis

Hey, it’s Ferb Vu here. I want to share everything I’ve learned about Kalanchoe Beharensis, a fascinating succulent that’s caught my attention. If you’re curious about this plant or how it stacks up against other succulents, you’re in the right place. I’ll walk you through common questions I’ve faced myself and give you clear, no-fluff answers. Let’s dive in.

What Is Kalanchoe Beharensis?

Kalanchoe Beharensis is a unique succulent native to Madagascar. It belongs to the Crassulaceae family, the same family as jade plants and other Kalanchoes. What caught my eye first was its large, fuzzy leaves with a distinct wavy edge — they almost look like velvet.

This plant thrives in dry, sunny environments but can adapt well as a houseplant. It’s sometimes called the “Felt Plant” because of its soft leaf texture. If you’re looking for a succulent that’s both unusual and easy to care for, this is a great pick.

How Do I Care for Kalanchoe Beharensis?

From my experience, care is straightforward but requires a few specific conditions:

Light: Kalanchoe Beharensis loves bright, indirect light. Too much direct sun can scorch its leaves, but not enough light makes it lose its vibrant green hue and slows growth.
Water: Like most succulents, it prefers to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot, which is the number one killer of this plant.
Soil: Well-draining soil is a must. I use a cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or pumice to ensure drainage.
Temperature: It prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 60°F and 85°F. It’s not frost-tolerant, so keep it indoors during cold months.
Humidity: Low to moderate humidity works best. It’s naturally adapted to dry conditions.

How Does Kalanchoe Beharensis Compare to Kalanchoe Tomentosa?

One question I often get is how Kalanchoe Beharensis compares to Kalanchoe Tomentosa, another fuzzy-leaf succulent.

Leaf Texture: Both have fuzzy leaves, but Beharensis leaves are thicker, larger, and have a wavy margin. Tomentosa leaves are smaller and often have brown tips.
Growth Habit: Beharensis tends to grow taller and more upright, while Tomentosa forms a bushier, more compact shape.
Color: Beharensis is a solid green with a velvety finish, whereas Tomentosa often shows subtle patterns and browner tips.
Care Needs: Both share similar care requirements—bright light and well-draining soil—but Beharensis seems a bit more sensitive to overwatering.

If you want a standout plant with a dramatic leaf shape, go for Beharensis. For a low-maintenance, compact fuzzy succulent, Tomentosa is perfect.

Can Kalanchoe Beharensis Bloom Indoors?

Yes! I’ve seen my Kalanchoe Beharensis bloom indoors with the right conditions. It produces clusters of small, tubular flowers, usually orange or red.

To encourage blooming:

Provide plenty of light, especially in winter months.
Let the plant experience some cooler night temperatures (but nothing freezing).
Don’t overwater — slightly stressed succulents are more likely to flower.
Occasionally, use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.

The flowers are not just pretty but also attract pollinators if you grow your plant outdoors.

Is Kalanchoe Beharensis Toxic to Pets?

I’ve always been cautious about pets around succulents, and I researched this one carefully. Unfortunately, Kalanchoe species, including Beharensis, contain compounds that are toxic to cats, dogs, and even horses if ingested.

If you have curious pets, keep your Kalanchoe Beharensis out of reach or in a spot where they can’t get to it. The plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or worse if eaten.

How Does Kalanchoe Beharensis Differ from Kalanchoe Luciae?

People often confuse Kalanchoe Beharensis with Kalanchoe Luciae because both have thick, fleshy leaves. Here’s what I’ve noticed:

Leaf Shape and Texture: Beharensis has fuzzy, velvety leaves with wavy edges, while Luciae (commonly called “Paddle Plant” or “Flapjack”) has smooth, flat, paddle-shaped leaves with red edges.
Color: Luciae shows more color variation with pink or red margins, especially under bright light or stress. Beharensis stays a solid green.
Growth Pattern: Luciae grows more horizontally with wider leaves, while Beharensis grows taller and more upright.
Care: Both need similar care but Luciae tolerates a bit more drought stress.

If you want a soft, fuzzy texture, Beharensis is your best bet. If you want a bold, colorful statement, go for Luciae.

Can Kalanchoe Beharensis Be Propagated Easily?

Propagation is one of my favorite parts of growing succulents, and Beharensis is no exception.

Leaf cuttings: You can propagate by taking a leaf, letting it dry for a few days, then placing it on well-draining soil. Roots and new shoots will eventually grow.
Stem cuttings: This method works faster. Cut a healthy stem, let it callous, then plant it. Keep the soil lightly moist until roots form.
Offsets: Sometimes, the plant produces small pups at the base, which you can separate and pot individually.

Patience is key — propagation can take several weeks, but it’s rewarding when you see new growth.

What Are Common Problems with Kalanchoe Beharensis?

Here are some issues I’ve encountered and how I handle them:

Overwatering: This causes root rot. I always check the soil moisture before watering.
Leaf Scorch: Too much direct sun causes browning edges. Moving it to filtered light solved this.
Pests: Occasionally, mealybugs or aphids appear. I treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Leggy Growth: Lack of light makes it stretch out. More bright light fixes this immediately.

Why Should I Choose Kalanchoe Beharensis Over Other Succulents?

I love Kalanchoe Beharensis because it offers something different — a plush, soft texture that’s rare among succulents. It’s not just about looks; it’s about the tactile experience. If you want a succulent that stands out in your collection and responds well to care, this plant is a winner.

Plus, it’s a great conversation starter. Visitors always want to touch its leaves and ask about it.

Final Thoughts

Kalanchoe Beharensis is a rewarding succulent to grow, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned plant parent. It demands just enough attention to keep things interesting but not so much that it’s a burden. I’ve found it thrives with bright light, careful watering, and some patience.