The Kalanchoë belongs to the Crassulaceae family. These are succulents; plants that have fleshy leaves or stems, usually with succulent thick leaves; that’s why they’re called succulents. The Crassulaceae family is large, and there are numerous varieties and forms. The best known are the multicoloured Kalanchoë blossfeldiana hybrids. They were named after Mr Blossfeld, who successfully cultivated and traded the first plants in 1927. These plants are found in their natural growth habit in grassland, steppe in Asia and Africa, India.

Kalanchoë is a short-day plant. This means that flower buds are formed when the days get shorter. Growers can either make the plant start flowering by shading it out, or they can delay the flowering period by providing additional light. This is why Kalanchoë is available in the trade at various times of the year.

Ultra-modern, well-insulated greenhouses are equipped with efficient heating systems, energy-saving screen installations and computer-controlled climate control. The plants grow under optimum conditions with minimal input of heat, electricity and nutrient water.