Pies from Heaven (Kalanchoe rhombopilosa)

Pies from Heaven

Kalanchoe rhombopilosa

Fleshy silver leaves stack like tiny pastries, a compact desert gem. Succulent perennial; common name: Pies from Heaven.

Bright direct to partial sunlight; intense midday summer sun may scorch leaves, so provide light shade in hot climates
1/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Bright direct to partial sunlight; intense midday summer sun may scorch leaves, so provide light shade in hot climates
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Watering Water thoroughly only when the entire soil volume is completely dry; avoid standing water to prevent root rot
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Temperature Tolerates brief light frost down to 5°C, but prolonged temperatures below 10°C may cause leaf damage; optimal range is 18–28°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Rhomboidal, silvery-green with reddish margins, fleshy, arranged in opposite stacked pairs
  • Flower: Tubular pale yellow to orange blooms in terminal clusters
  • Stem: Slender, woody at the base, branching as the plant matures
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Care Guide

Watering

Water when the top 5 cm of soil is fully dry; allow excess water to drain completely

Fertilization

Diluted cactus fertilizer applied once monthly. Do not fertilize during winter dormancy to prevent root burn

Composted banana peel tea:Use fully composted banana peels to avoid pests and odors; dilute 1 part tea to 20 parts water for root drenching
Pruning
  • Remove dead, shriveled, or damaged leaves at the base to maintain plant appearance and airflow
  • Pinch back leggy stems in early spring to encourage compact, bushy growth
  • Trim spent flower stalks after blooming to redirect energy to new leaf growth
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Toxic due to bufadienolide cardiac glycosides; may cause vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rate, tremors

Humans: Ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset including nausea and vomiting

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental succulent for indoor windowsills, rock gardens, or container planters