If you already bought succulentsyou’ve probably seen one cat ear. They are extremely popular houseplants because they are very easy to care for.
They are sold in most nurseries, garden centers and plant stores, and are easily identifiable because the Kalanchoe tomentosa it is characterized by fuzzy blue-green leaves that are edged with dark red or chocolate brown. Cat ears come in many sizes, from small to almost 75 cm tall.
Fortunately, cat’s ear succulents are slow growing and are not prone to serious pests or diseases. These hardy little succulents will thrive year-round when planted in pots.
- botanical name Kalanchoe tomentosa
- Common name cat ear
- plant type juicy
- mature size 75 cm tall
- sun exposure bright, filtered light
- soil type well draining
- soil pH 6.1-7.8
- flowering time summer
- flower color red
- native area Madagascar
- toxicity Toxic for humans and animals
Cat ear care They are vertical growing succulents in the family Crassulaceae, native to Madagascar. In addition to being easy to care for, they require less sunlight than most other succulent species. Consequently, cat ears thrive indoors, although they almost never flower when grown this way.
Lighting
Cat ears appreciate bright, indirect light. Kalanchoe tomentosa it does not adapt well to direct sun and is susceptible to leaf burn. If you notice that it is getting curled leaves, move it to a brighter location.
Water
They can be characterized as having low water needs. Let the soil dry completely between waterings, especially in the winter months when the plant is dormant. They may require more frequent watering in the hot summer months.
Ground
As with most succulents, cat’s ears require dry, well-draining soil. A soil mix of cacti or succulents is sufficient; it can be purchased at most garden centers and nurseries.
Temperature and Humidity
There’s no need to worry about moisture; they like dry conditions! Average indoor humidity is perfect for these succulents.
However, are not as heat tolerant as well as other succulent species. They can suffer from extreme heat, especially if grown outdoors in the summer months. Keep this in mind when choosing a location for them.
Also, keep in mind that they are not frost-resistant. If you take your cat’s ear outdoors in the summer, remember to bring it back inside at the first sign of winter.
Fertilizer
Regular fertilization is not required. However, fertilizing once early in the growing season (spring months) can help encourage strong growth. A cactus or succulent fertilizer is best.
pruning
They usually don’t grow large and heavy enough to need massive amounts of pruning, as well as cutting away dead and unwanted shoots. If yours needs more than that, find a professional to help you with the job.
Propagation
They propagate readily, although fuzzy leaf succulents are notoriously more difficult to propagate than regular succulents, so some trial and error may be required.
For propagate a cat’s ear by leaf separation, choose a healthy leaf on the succulent to use. Gently remove the fuzzy leaf by slowly turning it clockwise and counterclockwise until it “pops” off the stem.
Make sure it’s a clean split, meaning no part of the leaf is left on the stem; leaves must be separated cleanly to propagate successfully.
Place the separated leaf in a tray filled with potting soil, in a location that receives both direct and indirect light. Within two to three weeks, you should notice small roots growing from the end of the detached leaf. Start gently watering the new roots every other day.
Eventually, a small rosette will grow at the end of the leaf. Leave the parent leaf attached to the new plant until it falls off on its own; it is providing the new plant with energy and nutrients!
Healthy, mature cat ears also grow readily, can be separated and grown as new plants. Allow the branch to grow for a few months until it takes root and is strong enough to survive independently.
Then take a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears and make a clean cut to separate the branch. Leave the cut stem of the calloused branch for a day, then plant the new plant in potting soil. Do not water until roots begin to form, in approximately two to three weeks.
potting
Since the plants are relatively slow-growing, they only need to be repotted as needed – usually once every two years. If you are replanting, it is best to do so during the active growing season, as it will be able to tolerate disturbance more easily.
Cat ears are not fussy about their potting containers and can do well when placed in just about any pot.
However, keep in mind that a pot with a drainage hole will help prevent overwatering. Also, succulents like this one do well in terracotta pots, as they help absorb excess water from the soil.
*Via The Spruce