Kalanchoe gastonis bonnieri; Donkey's Ears;

   My small succulent garden;

The still closed flowers;

Pretty mottled leaves;

  

   Very attractive bell like flowers emerge from the red sheathes.



Donkey ear plants (also known as Kalanchoe gastonis bonnieri) are plants originating from Madagascar that have leaves resembling the shape of a donkey's ear. These plants are succulents and may be grown indoors or outdoors, in a temperate climate. Donkey ear plants require little care to thrive, as succulents can go for a length of time without being watered. Donkey ear plants produce brightly colored blooms that are known to attract insects and nectar seeking birds.


Plant the donkey ear plant in a pot with soil, or outdoors if you can guard the plant against frost. Potted plants may be kept outdoors and brought inside during the winter. Select a pot large enough for the plant to allow it to grow. Use potting soil that is permeable and includes a mix of peat, soil and sand. Small rocks may be added to the pot when planting to encourage drainage.

Keep the plant in an area where it will receive both sun and shade. During the winter, place the donkey ear plant near a window to expose it to sunshine.

Water the donkey ear plant approximately once a week, or less often as needed. Do not saturate the soil, as over-watering can harm the plant.

Monitor the donkey ear plant for baby plants. Baby plants appear at the tips of the leaves. These baby plants may be removed and planted to create new donkey ear plants.

Courtesy  eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how


Believe it or not:

Whether you tend a garden or not, you are the gardener of your own being,
the seed of your destiny.-   The Findhorn Community

Photos TS