Origin
The genus of Kalanchoë belongs to the sedum family (Crassulacae). There are more than 100 different species of Kalanchoë, of which more than 60 are found growing wild on Madagascar, many in South Africa and a few in Asia and South America. Kalanchoë was named by the botanist Adanson in 1763. In Denmark, Kalanchoë Blossfeldiana (also called the Nonesuch flower) is the one we know best.
The plant arrived in Europe in 1928 when Robert Blossfeld from Potsdam in Germany introduced it on the market. Shortly after, it came to Denmark where it has been produced since 1932. In the beginning there was only one type: The one with the coral red flowers. Since then, intensive breeding has resulted in a wide selection, and today the plant is found in white and shades ranging from yellow to orange to red, rose-pink and purple. The plant is one of the most sold potted plants, and around 150 mill. Kalanchoë are sold per year in Europe.
Kalanchoë belongs to the succulent plants, which are characterised by watery leaves. The leaves enable them to stand drought in nature or on the windowsill for a longer time than most other plants, and this allows for a supreme longevity. It has adapted its growth to the length of the day at the equator, and the flowering is induced when the length of the day is under 11 hours.
