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Kalanchoe beharensis 'Brown Dwarf' (Dwarf Velvet Elephant Ear) - A smaller leaf form of the otherwise slow growing succulent tree-like shrub with leaves forming in a rosette less than six inches wide that are small, contorted and deeply dissected and covered with soft brown hairs. This plant is considerably less robust and smaller growing than the species, which can grow up to be a small tree to 12 feet tall. We have never seen this cultivar flower.
Plant in full sun or light shade where it is a bit greener but better protected from frost as it likely is fairly tender but we experienced no damage to plants grown outside with temperatures down to around 30°F. A drought tolerant plant that requires little to no irrigation.
This cultivar was an International Succulent Introduction (ISI) from 1986 as ISI 1671 and noted as being rooted cutting from a plant Werner Rauh collected near Behara, Madagascar. It has also been listed under the cultivar names 'Nana' and 'Ruptured Lollipop'. The name Kalanchoe is somewhat of a mystery - for more information about this naming, the species and a listing of other Kalanchoe cultivars of the species that we grow see Kalanchoe beharensis. We first received this plant with a collection of plants from the estate of the late Jim Prine, beloved nursery friend, plantsman and animal trainer.
The information about Kalanchoe beharensis 'Brown Dwarf' that is displayed on this web page is based on research conducted in our nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We will also include observations made about this plant as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens that we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We also incorporate comments that we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they share cultural information that aids others growing this plant.
Please note that after 46 years in business, San Marcos Growers will be discontinuing nursery operations by the end of 2025 and the property will be developed for affordable housing.
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