15 Kalanchoe Succulents With Fascinating Leaf Shapes

While most houseplants offer straightforward leaf patterns, Kalanchoe succulents break the mold with their incredibly diverse foliage shapes. You’ll find everything from the fuzzy, panda-ear leaves of K. tomentosa to the geometric, box-like structure of K. rauhii in this fascinating genus. Whether you’re drawn to the paddle-shaped K. marnieriana or the sculptural Mother of Thousands, these plants’ unique leaf formations will transform your windowsill into a living art gallery.

1. Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana Pink Flowers

Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana with pink flowers is a striking succulent variety featuring clusters of small, star-shaped blooms in various shades of pink atop thick, dark green leaves. The flowers typically appear during winter and early spring, lasting for several weeks, and can rebloom with proper care. These pink flowering succulents are popular as houseplants and make excellent gifts during the holiday season due to their vibrant color and long-lasting blooms.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; protect from intense afternoon sun; needs 6-8 hours of light daily
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering during winter; avoid getting water on leaves
• Soil: Well-draining succulent mix or regular potting soil mixed with sand and perlite
• Temperature: 60-85°F (15-29°C); protect from frost
• Humidity: Tolerates average household humidity; prefers dry conditions
• Fertilizer: Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 months during growing season
• Container: Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot

2. Kalanchoe Pinnata Scalloped Leaves

Kalanchoe pinnata, commonly known as Cathedral Bells or Life Plant, features distinctive scalloped leaves that are thick, fleshy, and arranged oppositely on the stems. These leaves are dark green, glossy, and have rounded, notched edges that give them their scalloped appearance. The leaves can grow up to 6 inches long and develop tiny plantlets along their margins, which can fall off and develop into new plants, making this succulent particularly easy to propagate.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate partial shade but needs protection from intense afternoon sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter; avoid overwatering
• Soil: Well-draining succulent or cactus mix
• Temperature: 60-85°F (15-29°C)
• Humidity: Tolerates average household humidity
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes
• Growing Medium pH: 6.0-7.5

3. Kalanchoe Beharensis Velvet Leaves

Kalanchoe beharensis, known for its distinctive velvet leaves, is a large succulent species that can grow up to 6-12 feet tall. The leaves are large, triangular-shaped, and covered in a thick layer of silvery-gray to bronze-colored felt-like hairs, giving them their characteristic velvety texture. These fuzzy leaves can grow up to 1 foot long and have scalloped edges with small brown spots along the margins. The velvet coating helps protect the plant from intense sunlight and aids in water conservation.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight to partial sun; protect from intense afternoon sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C); not frost tolerant
• Humidity: Low to moderate; tolerates dry air well
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Pot: Container with drainage holes
• Growing Zone: USDA zones 9b-11
• Propagation: Stem cuttings or leaf cuttings
• Soil pH: 6.0-7.5

4. Mother of Thousands

Mother of Thousands (Kalanchoe daigremontiana) is a remarkable succulent known for its unique reproductive method where tiny plantlets develop along the edges of its long, boat-shaped leaves. These plantlets eventually drop off and root wherever they land, leading to its prolific spreading nature and common nickname. The main plant grows upright, reaching heights of up to 3 feet, with gray-green leaves that have dark spots on their undersides and produces pinkish-purple flowers in late winter, though blooming is rare in cultivation.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but needs protection from intense afternoon sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter; drought tolerant
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C); not frost tolerant
• Humidity: Low to moderate; tolerates average household humidity
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot
• Spacing: Plant 24-36 inches apart if growing outdoors

5. Paddle-Shaped Kalanchoe Paddle Plant

The Kalanchoe Paddle Plant (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora) is a striking succulent known for its large, rounded, paddle-shaped leaves that grow in opposite pairs. These thick leaves are typically gray-green in color with red margins that become more pronounced when exposed to direct sunlight. The leaves grow in a rosette pattern and can reach up to 6 inches in length. When mature, the plant produces tall flower stalks with clusters of small, fragrant yellow blooms during winter to early spring.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight with some direct morning sun; protect from intense afternoon sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
• Temperature: 60-85°F (15-29°C)
• Humidity: Low to moderate; tolerates dry air well
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes
• Propagation: Leaf cuttings or offsets

6. Kalanchoe Tomentosa Fuzzy Panda

Kalanchoe tomentosa, commonly known as Fuzzy Panda or Panda Plant, is a distinctive succulent characterized by its thick, oval-shaped leaves covered in soft, silvery-white fuzzy hairs. The leaves have dark brown spots along their edges, creating an appearance reminiscent of a panda’s markings. Growing up to 2 feet tall, this slow-growing succulent forms an upright, branching structure and occasionally produces small, tubular flowers, though it rarely blooms indoors.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but protect from harsh afternoon rays
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce watering in winter; highly susceptible to overwatering
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C); not frost tolerant
• Humidity: Tolerates low humidity; avoid misting leaves
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Must have drainage holes
• Propagation: Easily propagated through leaf cuttings

7. Kalanchoe Bracteata Heart-Leaves

Kalanchoe bracteata, commonly known as Heart-Leaves, is a distinctive succulent featuring thick, heart-shaped leaves with silvery-green coloring and a felt-like texture. The plant grows in a compact, upright form reaching heights of 1-2 feet, and produces small, tubular flowers in shades of yellow or orange during its blooming period. Its unique leaf appearance and manageable size make it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor cultivation in suitable climates.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but needs protection from intense afternoon rays
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining succulent mix or cactus soil
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C); not frost tolerant
• Humidity: Low to moderate; tolerates dry air well
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot
• Growing Zone: USDA 9-11 for outdoor growth

8. Kalanchoe Fedtschenkoi Blue-Gray Leaves

Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi features distinctive blue-gray leaves that grow in opposite pairs along trailing stems. These thick, fleshy leaves have scalloped edges and develop a silvery-blue hue when exposed to adequate sunlight. The plant can reach heights of 12-18 inches and produces delicate pink flowers on tall stalks during the growing season, though it’s primarily grown for its striking foliage color.

• Light: Bright, indirect light with some direct morning sun; protect from intense afternoon sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
• Humidity: Tolerates average household humidity
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes
• Growth Period: Active growth in spring and summer

9. Kalanchoe Orgyalis Golden Leaves

Kalanchoe orgyalis, commonly known as Copper Spoons due to its distinctive foliage, features elongated oval leaves covered in dense, coppery-golden fuzz. The leaves grow in opposing pairs along woody stems, creating an eye-catching metallic sheen that intensifies with proper sun exposure. This striking succulent can reach heights of up to 4 feet when mature, developing clusters of yellow flowers in spring or winter under ideal conditions.

• Light: Full sun to partial shade; needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best color development
• Water: Drought tolerant; water thoroughly when soil is completely dry
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
• Temperature: Prefers 60-75°F (15-24°C); not frost tolerant
• Humidity: Low humidity levels
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Pot: Container with drainage holes
• Growth Zone: USDA zones 10-11

10. Kalanchoe Marnieriana Purple Edges

Kalanchoe Marnieriana Purple Edges is a striking variety of the Kalanchoe Marnieriana species, distinguished by its thick, rounded leaves that develop vibrant purple-red edges when exposed to adequate sunlight. This compact succulent typically grows to about 12 inches tall, featuring pale blue-green paddle-shaped leaves arranged in opposite pairs along the stems. The purple coloration intensifies during cooler temperatures and with proper sun exposure, creating an attractive contrast against the blue-green center of the leaves.

• Light: Bright indirect to full sun; morning sun with afternoon shade in hot climates
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C); can tolerate brief periods below 50°F (10°C)
• Humidity: Low to moderate; tolerates dry air well
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes
• Propagation: Easily propagated through leaf cuttings or stem cuttings

11. Silver Teaspoon Kalanchoe Leaves

The Silver Teaspoon Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe bracteata) features striking silvery-gray spoon-shaped leaves that grow in opposite pairs along its stems. These thick, fleshy leaves have a powdery coating that gives them their distinctive metallic appearance and helps protect the plant from intense sunlight. The leaves are typically 2-3 inches long, with slightly scalloped edges and a concave shape that resembles small spoons or scoops.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but protect from harsh afternoon rays
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
• Humidity: Low to moderate; tolerates dry air well
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes
• Growing Zone: USDA zones 10-11 for outdoor growth

12. Kalanchoe Rauhii Box Leaves

Kalanchoe rauhii, known for its distinctive box-shaped leaves, is a compact succulent that typically grows to about 6 inches tall. The plant features thick, rectangular leaves arranged in opposite pairs along its stems, with each leaf having a unique cuboid shape that appears almost artificially geometric. These fleshy leaves are typically gray-green in color and have a slightly powdery coating that gives them a silvery appearance. When exposed to ideal conditions, the plant may produce small, tubular flowers in shades of yellow or white.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but needs protection from intense afternoon sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce watering considerably during winter months
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or pumice
• Temperature: Prefers 60-75°F (15-24°C); protect from frost
• Humidity: Tolerates low humidity levels
• Container: Must have drainage holes to prevent root rot
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced succulent fertilizer during growing season only
• Growing Medium pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)

13. Kalanchoe Pumila Dwarf Silver

Kalanchoe pumila Dwarf Silver is a petite, trailing succulent known for its distinctive silvery-blue foliage with purple-tinged edges. This compact plant typically grows to about 6 inches tall and spreads up to 2 feet wide, making it excellent for hanging baskets, rock gardens, or as ground cover. The leaves are small, oval-shaped, and covered in a powdery coating that gives them their characteristic silvery appearance. During late winter to spring, it produces clusters of small, pale pink flowers that add to its ornamental value.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate partial shade but needs protection from intense afternoon sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
• Temperature: Prefers 60-75°F (15-24°C); not frost tolerant
• Humidity: Low humidity levels; tolerates average household humidity
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes
• Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings or leaf cuttings

14. Kalanchoe Sexangularis Star-Shaped

Kalanchoe sexangularis, also known as the Star-Shaped Kalanchoe, is a striking succulent featuring thick, fleshy leaves arranged in a distinctive star pattern. The leaves are deep green during normal growing conditions but can turn an attractive reddish-bronze color when exposed to stress factors like intense sunlight or cold temperatures. This compact succulent typically grows to about 12 inches tall and produces clusters of small yellow flowers during its blooming period in late winter to early spring.

• Light: Thrives in full sun to partial shade; needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Water: Moderate watering during growing season; reduce considerably during winter; allow soil to dry between waterings
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
• Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C)
• Humidity: Tolerates low humidity levels
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot
• Propagation: Easily propagated through leaf cuttings or offsets

15. Kalanchoe Diagremontiana Blade Leaves

Kalanchoe diagremontiana, commonly known as Mother of Thousands, features distinctive blade-like leaves that grow in opposite pairs along the stem. These thick, elongated leaves are grayish-green in color and have a unique characteristic of producing tiny plantlets along their margins. The leaves can grow up to 6 inches long and 1.5 inches wide, with a lance-shaped form that tapers to a point. These leaves are both decorative and functional, as they serve as a highly effective means of propagation through the development of these miniature offspring.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but needs protection from intense afternoon sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
• Humidity: Low to moderate; tolerates dry air well
• Fertilizer: Light feeding during growing season with balanced succulent fertilizer
• Container: Pot with drainage holes to prevent water logging
• pH: 6.0-7.5