๐Ÿ• Succulent Base

Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri

Also known as: Donkey ears

Donkey ears: huge powdery grey straps that arch like fountains, sprouting baby plantlets at the leaf tips. It belongs to the Kalanchoe genus, comes from Madagascar, stays around 60โ€“120 cm, and tolerates USDA 10โ€“12. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.

Key facts

  • Genus: Kalanchoe
  • Origin: Madagascar
  • Mature size: 60โ€“120 cm
  • Hardiness: USDA 10โ€“12
  • Toxicity: Toxic to pets

Succulent at a glance

Genus
Kalanchoe
Origin
Madagascar
Mature size
60โ€“120 cm
Growth habit
Large grey strap leaves in a fountain; plantlets on leaf tips
Leaf colour
Powdery grey-green strap leaves with plantlet tips
Flower colour
Red-orange to yellow
Hardiness
USDA 10โ€“12
Toxicity
Toxic to pets
Other names
Donkey ears

About the Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri

Donkey ears: huge powdery grey straps that arch like fountains, sprouting baby plantlets at the leaf tips. Fast, architectural, and (like all kalanchoes) toxic to pets.

Care and cultivation

Fast growers in bright light. Water the soil only, deadhead blooms, and note most kalanchoes are toxic to pets. Light: Bright light; some species want full sun. Water: Every 2 weeks; keep felted leaves dry. Soil: Standard succulent mix.

Description

Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri is a Kalanchoe succulent from Madagascar. Donkey ears: huge powdery grey straps that arch like fountains, sprouting baby plantlets at the leaf tips. Fast, architectural, and (like all kalanchoes) toxic to pets.

Identification

Key identification features: Powdery grey-green strap leaves with plantlet tips leaves in a Large grey strap leaves in a fountain; plantlets on leaf tips form, reaching 60โ€“120 cm. Also known as Donkey ears. Nickname: 'Donkey ears'. Nickname: 'Donkey ears'.

Adding a Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri to your collection? Buy from reputable nurseries that label plants with accurate botanical names, and quarantine new plants for a couple of weeks before placing them near existing succulents to avoid spreading pests like mealybugs.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I water Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri?

Every 2 weeks; keep felted leaves dry. Let the soil dry completely between waterings and reduce water in winter.

Is Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri toxic to pets?

Toxic to pets. Keep it out of reach of cats and dogs.

Related succulents

Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.