kalanchoe

ka·lan·choe

noun \ˌka-lən-ˈkō-ē also kə-ˈlaŋ-kə-(ˌ)wē or ˈka-lən-ˌchō\

Definition of KALANCHOE

: any of a genus (Kalanchoe) of chiefly African tropical succulent herbs or shrubs of the orpine family often cultivated as ornamentals —called also bryophyllum

Origin of KALANCHOE

New Latin

First Known Use: 1830

kalanchoe

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana.—© Sydney Karp—PHOTO/NATS

Any of several species of succulent plants that make up the genus Kalanchoe in the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae), popular for their easy indoor culture. Potted K. blossfeldiana plants are marketed widely for their winter-blooming bright red and orange flowers, which may remain fresh for as long as eight weeks. As succulents, kalanchoes require little care, needing only considerable direct sunlight (or at least bright indirect light) and occasional watering. On some species, young plants grow in notches on the leaves of parent plants, then drop to the soil below and begin root growth.