Kalanchoe millotii — a hard houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Kalanchoe millotii

Kalanchoe Millotii

Updated · 44 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Kalanchoe millotii is a succulent plant that is native south-central and southeastern Madagascar. It forms a shrub up to a foot high. The leaf is a hazy green and scalloped, with dense felt covering it.This succulent, like most of its kind, requires porous soil and can only tolerate light frost. The plant is hardy to 36–40 degrees and needs bright light, or full sun to partial shade. This succulent only requires regular waterings during the summer or during heat waves, otherwise watering weekly is sufficient.

A note from PlantMom

Millot kalanchoe has moderate resistance to disease but is more sensitive to humidity. When humidity is high it becomes more prone to illness and can develop root rot during its dormant period. For care, Millot kalanchoe tolerates drought yet requires increased watering while actively growing. Watering should be greatly reduced or stopped entirely during dormancy. Millot kalanchoe is appropriate for growers with some experience, though it can be challenging to maintain, especially in the dormant period. It is particularly suitable for those who can dedicate time to its care over the winter months.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Kalanchoe Millotii.

Light

Millot kalanchoe does best with abundant sunlight, though it can tolerate situations where sunlight is only partially available. This need mirrors the conditions of its native habitat. Too much or too little light can harm the plant and impede its growth.

Water

The Millot Kalanchoe, a drought-tolerant succulent native to Madagascar, thrives in dry conditions. It requires watering only every 2 to 3 weeks and does best in well-draining soil. Occasional misting can help maintain humidity, which promotes growth during seasons with limited rainfall.

Humidity

This plant prefers dry conditions, so don't mist it. However, watering it less often can also thrive in higher humidity.

Temperature

The millot kalanchoe is native to areas where temperatures range from 20 to 38 ℃ (68 to 100.4 ℉). It favors warmer conditions but can adjust to cooler temperatures. During colder periods, it is advisable to keep the plant in a warm environment with temperatures between 21 and 26 ℃ (69.8 to 78.8 ℉).

Fertilizer

Millot kalanchoe only needs light doses of fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing in winter and in summer when it is dormant. Cut back on fertilizer for repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before you fertilize. Fertilizing helps maintain healthy growth and encourages blooms.

Pruning

To maintain the shape of a Millot Kalanchoe, prune any excessive or dense branches in the spring and autumn. Use a knife or scissors for trimming, and apply sulfur powder to any wounds to protect them. If you wish to propagate the plant, cut sturdy stems with 5 to 6 leaves, allow the wounds to heal, and lightly moisten the soil before planting.

Pot & Repot

When repotting Millot kalanchoe, choose a pot slightly larger than the current one with good drainage. Use a gritty, well-draining succulent or cactus mix. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, dust off excess soil, and replant it at the same depth. Wait a few days before watering so any root damage can heal. Repot in spring or fall and place it in a brightly lit area.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Succulent, Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Kalanchoe
Family
Crassulaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-12
Mature Height
30 cm
Mature Spread
10 cm to 49 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Silver
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Yellow, Orange
Flower Size
2.54 cm
Bloom Time
Spring
Planting Time
Summer, Winter
Harvest Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Native Area
Madagascar
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Donkey Tears
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How should I water my Millot kalanchoe plant?

To water Millot kalanchoe properly, follow these steps: 1. Wait until spring when new leaves start to grow before watering the plant. 2. Only add water when the soil in the pot is completely dry. 3. You can use tap water or distilled water for watering. 4. Avoid watering the plant from above; instead, water it at the base. 5. Apply water slowly and evenly across the soil's entire surface. 6. This will ensure that all parts of the soil are moistened while keeping the above-ground portions of the plant dry. 7. Keep adding water until you see a light stream of excess water draining from the pot's hole.

Why should I put fertilizer on my Millot kalanchoe?

Fertilizing Millot kalanchoe is important to add nutrients to the soil. While it does store water and nutrients, applying plant food during the growing season is beneficial for supporting healthy growth. Additionally, fertilizing can help mature specimens of Millot kalanchoe produce blooms during the growing season.

How much sunlight does Millot kalanchoe need to grow? How much sunlight does Millot kalanchoe require to grow?

Millot kalanchoe needs a minimum of 6 hours of sun daily, but more is even better. The exact number of hours can vary based on sunlight intensity and environmental factors, but it is unlikely for the Millot kalanchoe to receive excessive sunlight. In fact, they can thrive with up to 14 hours of sun each day.

What temperature does Millot kalanchoe prefer?

For the best environment for your Millot kalanchoe, aim for temperatures between 60-75℉ (15-25℃). While they can handle slightly higher or lower temperatures, sticking to this range will help them grow the most. If the temperatures drop below 40℉ (10℃) or go above 95℉ (35℃), your Millot kalanchoe will enter a dormant state and stop growing. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 95℉ (35℃) can even be fatal for these plants.

What should I do if I give my Millot kalanchoe too much or too little water?

Overwatering is a more common problem than underwatering for Millot kalanchoe plants. Overwatering can quickly cause the plant to die, so it's important to avoid it. One way to prevent overwatering is to wait for the soil to dry completely before watering, especially during dormancy. However, if your Millot kalanchoe shows signs of overwatering, it's best to remove it from its pot and check the roots for rot or other moisture-related diseases. Some roots may need to be removed, while others can be cleaned and return to health. Afterward, repot the plant in well-draining soil to reduce the risk of future overwatering. On the other hand, underwatering can also happen, but it can be easily resolved by watering the plant slightly more frequently without overcorrecting and causing overwatering.

When should I fertilize my Millot kalanchoe plant?

Millot kalanchoe, like all plants, benefits from extra nutrients. However, it only requires a small amount of fertilizer during the growing season. To effectively fertilize your Millot kalanchoe, do so 1-2 times a year in the spring and autumn, avoiding winter and summer when it is dormant. Take caution with repotted plants and reduce the amount of fertilizer used. Additionally, it is recommended to wait a few months after repotting before beginning to apply fertilizer.

What kind of sunlight does Millot kalanchoe require?

Millot kalanchoe thrives in bright sunlight, whether direct or indirect. While certain types may tolerate partial sun, they generally do best with more sunlight.

Does Millot kalanchoe need different temperatures at different stages of growth?

Millot kalanchoe go through different phases of life that depend on the temperature. During the summer, they enter a dormant phase, while during the winter, they enter a growing phase. For active growth, Millot kalanchoe prefer cooler temperatures, but not too cold. If the temperature falls below 40℉(10℃), they will go into dormancy, regardless of the season. On the other hand, high temperatures can also induce dormancy, which restricts growth and reduces the plant's watering requirements. During dormancy, it is important to be careful with watering as too much can lead to root rot. It is best to water the soil only when it feels dry.

How often do I need to water my Millot kalanchoe plant?

The Millot kalanchoe is a succulent plant that requires less water than most other plants. This is because it originates from a hot and dry region. To properly care for this plant, you should allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings. This usually takes about two weeks to a month. The frequency of watering depends on the season. During spring and summer, when the plant is in a growing state, you can water every 2-3 weeks. In summer, the soil may dry out faster. However, when temperatures drop below 60 degrees or rise above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant becomes dormant or semi-dormant. During this time, you should reduce or stop watering until the temperature is suitable for growth again.

When is it best not to fertilize my Millot kalanchoe?

Millot kalanchoe, like other plants, goes through a dormant period, during which you should avoid fertilizing. This dormant period occurs in both summer and winter, when the plant stops growing. Additionally, it is recommended to halt fertilization for the first few months after repotting in the spring.

Is it necessary to keep Millot kalanchoe away from the sun?

Millot kalanchoe is a plant that typically thrives in hot, sunny climates and is well-suited to such conditions. As a result, it does not require protection from the sun. However, if you plan to relocate your Millot kalanchoe to a significantly sunnier spot, it is important to proceed with caution. Plants need time to adjust to new environments, so the best approach is to gradually expose the plant to increasing amounts of sunlight. Begin by moving it to a sunny location for a couple of hours each day, and then extend the duration over time. Once the plant has acclimated, most varieties of Millot kalanchoe can handle full sun exposure without the need for additional protection.

Here are three tips to help you control the temperature of your Millot kalanchoe.

1. Tip #1

PLATES
Kalanchoe millotii leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Kalanchoe millotii leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Kalanchoe millotii flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Kalanchoe millotii flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Kalanchoe millotii bark
PLATE 05 · bark
Kalanchoe millotii habit
PLATE 06 · habit
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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