If you’re looking for a houseplant that makes a dramatic statement, look no further than the Kalanchoe beharensis. With its strikingly large velvet leaves, this succulent is impossible to overlook and surprisingly easy to please.
Often called the Velvet Leaf Plant or Felt Bush, it brings a unique texture and architectural form to any space. It’s a slow-growing succulent shrub that can eventually reach impressive sizes, making it a fantastic long-term companion for a sunny spot.
Kalanchoe beharensis – Strikingly large velvet leaves
This plant is native to the arid regions of Madagascar, which tells you a lot about the care it needs. Those big, fuzzy leaves are not just for show—they’re a clever adaptation. The dense covering of tiny hairs, called trichomes, helps protect the plant from harsh sunlight and reduces water loss. This makes it exceptionally drought-tolerant.
The leaves themselves are triangular or lance-shaped, with wavy, undulating edges that add to their visual interest. They emerge a silvery-green and often develop rich brown tones on the undersides and edges as they mature, especially when grown in bright light.
Why You Should Grow a Felt Bush
There are several compelling reasons to add this plant to your collection:
- Unmatched Visual Impact: Its size and texture make it a natural focal point.
- Forgiving Nature: It’s very resilient to occasional neglect, particularly underwatering.
- Air Purification: Like many succulents, it helps improve indoor air quality.
- Pet-Friendly: It is non-toxic to cats and dogs, which is a relief for pet owners.
- Long Lifespan: With proper care, it can thrive for decades, becoming a true heirloom plant.
Finding the Perfect Spot: Light and Temperature
Light is the most important factor for keeping your Kalanchoe beharensis happy and compact. It needs plenty of bright, indirect light. A south or west-facing window is ideal, but some direct sun is beneficial. If the light is too low, the plant will become leggy, stretching awkwardly for the sun, and its growth will be weak.
When it comes to temperature, think warm and stable. It prefers normal room temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C). It is not cold-hardy at all. Protect it from drafts, both cold ones from windows in winter and hot ones from heating or air conditioning vents.
You can move it outside in the summer to a patio with partial sun, but acclimate it gradually to prevent sunburn. Always bring it back inside well before nighttime temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Signs of Light Stress
- Too Little Light: Stretched stems, large gaps between leaves, pale color, leaning heavily toward the light source.
- Too Much Direct Sun: Brown, crispy patches or scorch marks on the leaves, especially during the hottest part of the day in summer.
Watering Your Velvet Leaf Plant Correctly
This is where most people go wrong. The key is to mimic its natural dry habitat. Overwatering is the fastest way to kill this succulent. The thick leaves store plenty of water, so it can handle dry periods very well.
Follow this simple method:
- Stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil.
- If the soil feels completely dry, it’s time to water.
- Water thoroughly until water runs freely out of the drainage holes.
- Empty the saucer or cache pot after 15 minutes so the roots aren’t sitting in water.
- Wait until the soil is bone dry again before repeating.
In winter, when growth slows, you may only need to water it once a month or even less. The plant’s leaves may get a bit softer when it’s thirsty, which is a helpful cue. Remember, it’s always safer to underwater than overwater this plant.
Soil and Potting Needs
Excellent drainage is non-negotiable. A standard cactus or succulent potting mix is perfect. You can make your own by mixing:
- 2 parts regular potting soil
- 1 part perlite or pumice
- 1 part coarse sand
Choose a pot with ample drainage holes. Terracotta pots are an excellent choice because they are porous and help the soil dry out more quickly, reducing the risk of root rot. Repotting is only needed every 2-3 years, as the plant prefers to be slightly root-bound.
Feeding and General Maintenance
Feeding is simple. During the active growing season (spring and summer), feed once a month with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Do not fertilize in the fall and winter when the plant is resting.
Dust can accumulate on those large, velvety leaves, blocking light. Gently clean them every few months with a soft, dry brush (like a makeup brush) or use a can of compressed air. Avoid getting the leaves wet, as water can spot the felt-like texture and potentially lead to rot if it sits in the crevices.
How to Propagate Your Plant
Sharing this unique plant with friends is easy. The most reliable method is from leaf cuttings or stem cuttings.
- Using a clean, sharp knife or scissors, cut a healthy leaf or a stem section with a few leaves.
- Let the cutting callous over for 2-3 days in a dry, shady spot. This step is crucial to prevent rot.
- Place the calloused cutting on top of well-draining succulent soil. Do not bury it.
- Mist the soil very lightly every few days, just to provide a hint of moisture.
- Place in bright, indirect light and wait. Roots and tiny new plants should appear at the base of the leaf in a few weeks.
Common Problems and Simple Solutions
Even easy plants can have issues. Here’s what to watch for:
Drooping or Soft Leaves
This is almost always a sign of overwatering and potential root rot. Stop watering immediately. Check the roots—if they are brown and mushy, cut them away, let the plant dry out, and repot in fresh, dry soil. If the stem is rotted, take healthy leaf cuttings to start new plants.
Leggy Growth
This means the plant is not getting enough light. Move it to a brighter location. You can also prune back the leggy stems in spring to encourage a bushier shape. The cuttings can be propagated.
Pests
While generally pest-resistant, it can occasionally attract mealybugs or aphids. The fuzzy leaves can hide them, so inspect regularly. Treat infestations by dabbing pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or using an insecticidal soap.
Brown Leaf Tips or Edges
This can be caused by very low humidity, especially in heated homes during winter, or a buildup of salts from fertilizer. You can trim the brown tips off with clean scissors for aesthetics. Ensure you are flushing the soil with plain water every few months to remove excess minerals.
Design Ideas for Your Felt Bush
Its sculptural form makes it a fantastic design element. Use it as a standalone specimen on a pedestal to show off its form. It pairs beautifully with other succulents that have different textures, like smooth Echeverias or spiky Aloes, in a large, shallow dish garden. Its silvery tones work well in modern, minimalist, or bohemian interior styles.
Just remember to give it enough space to grow and ensure all plants in a shared container have similar water needs. Its a great plant for adding a touch of the extraordinary to your living room, sunroom, or home office.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How big does a Kalanchoe beharensis get?
Indoors, it typically grows 2-4 feet tall and wide over many years. In its native habitat or in perfect outdoor conditions, it can become a small tree up to 12 feet tall.
Is the Felt Bush plant toxic?
No, it is considered non-toxic to both cats and dogs, making it a safe choice for households with pets.
Why are the leaves on my Velvet Leaf Plant turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves are most commonly a sign of overwatering. Check your watering habits and ensure the soil is draining properly. Older leaves at the bottom may yellow and drop naturally as the plant grows.
Does it flower?
Mature plants may produce small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers on tall stalks in late winter or spring. The flowers are not the main attraction—the foliage is.
Can I prune my Kalanchoe beharensis?
Yes, you can prune it to control its size or shape. The best time is in spring. Use clean, sharp tools and you can use the cuttings to propagate new plants.
What’s the best way to handle the leaves?
Handle with care. The velvety coating can be marred by rough handling or frequent touching. Also, some people find the tiny hairs can be slightly irritating to the skin, so it’s a good idea to wash your hands after handling it, especially if you have sensitive skin.
With its minimal demands and maximum style, the Kalanchoe beharensis is a truly rewarding plant to grow. By providing bright light, careful watering, and the occasional bit of maintenance, you’ll be able to enjoy its stunning, architectural presence for many years to come. Its a plant that truly gets better with age, developing character and a majestic form that few other houseplants can match.