Kalanchoe marmorata - Penwiper

Kalanchoe marmorata, the Spotted Kalanchoe, Kalanchoe with spotted leaves also known as "Penwiper", is a perennial succulent plant native to Central and East Africa. It develops highly ornamental foliage, featuring rounded light green leaves speckled with purple. Its rosette habit, compact size, and rare, delicate flowering will delight indoor plant enthusiasts.​

Belonging to the Crassulaceae family, Kalanchoe marmorata has the botanical synonyms Kalanchoe somaliensis, Kalanchoe macrantha, Kalanchoe grandiflora. It is a perennial succulent plant native to Central and East Africa, particularly Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia. It typically grows on rocky slopes at altitudes between 1200 and 2400 metres. This species features upright or slightly inclined stems, usually reaching a height of 40 cm in cultivation but can grow up to 1 m in its natural habitat. The leaves are opposite, sessile, obovate to almost circular and measure between 6 and 15 cm in length and 4 to 12 cm in width. They are bluish-green with irregular purple marbling, hence the specific name "marmorata". ​Flowering usually occurs in late winter or early spring. The inflorescences are loose terminal cymes, bearing star-shaped white flowers, sometimes slightly pinkish. The petals fused at the base form a tubular corolla 1.9 to 2.5 cm in length, with spreading lobes measuring 6 to 12 millimetres long. ​However, this flowering remains rare indoors: it will be induced by optimal light exposure and slight water stress.

Kalanchoe marmorata is well-suited to indoor cultivation, tolerating dry environments well and requiring minimal maintenance. It prefers a very bright position, with a few hours of direct sunlight per day, behind a south or west-facing window. A well-draining substrate is essential, composed of a mix of cactus compost and coarse sand or perlite, to avoid excess moisture which could lead to root rot. ​Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out between waterings. During active growth, watering every two weeks is usually sufficient, while in winter, it is advisable to reduce watering frequency. The ideal ambient temperature ranges between 18 and 24°C, and the plant tolerates low humidity.

To create harmonious compositions, Kalanchoe marmorata can be paired with other succulents such as Echeveria, Indoor Sedums, or Haworthia, which share similar cultivation requirements. It also pairs well with plants featuring contrasting foliage, such as Sansevieria or Aloe, to add diversity of forms and textures to your plant arrangements.