PlantFiles: Spotted Kalanchoe, Penwiper Plant
Kalanchoe marmorata

Not sure why this plant is labeled as 10b... I have grown if for years in zone 9b and hadn't had too many problems (it does get a bit unhappy with frosts, but other than a bit of leaf damage, frost hasn't done too much damage (down to 24F!!). This is a well known and very commonly sold plant in southern California and I've seen it grown in lots of gardens. Hmmm. Known for its wide pale green to tan leaves with a wavy edge (not smooth) that are spotted black. Flowers white, profuse in winter but not terribly attractive.

Interestingly Kalanchoe grandiflora is supposed to be a synonym, yet plants labeled as such are definitely different in appearance- have deep, almost metallic, blue-green leaves without spots, and leaves don't have the 'decalled' bumpy edge (spelling?) like the K marmorata leaves do... just a hint of 'bumps' or decalling at the tips. These plants tend to be squatter and thicker, while K mormorata can get quite tall (up to 3-4' tall). Anyway, may still be the same species, just a 'variety'. Haven't seen this one variety flower yet- probably identical?

I had this plant years ago. I didn´t have sucess ebcause the soil conditions were not adequade. It needs a very well drained soil, preferably sandy ones. It also needs full sun or a few hours of shade every day, and regular waterings.

This species of Kalanchoe is grow for its folliage. Leaves are thick, yellow-greenish with brown spots. I never saw the flowers. I wish I knew more about it the time I had it.