Environmental Landscape Design Specialist

Kalanchoe rotundifolia

is one of a number of plant species which are presently being tested for their suitability to be grown as Green Roof plants in the Durban region that have initially shown good results. They all occur naturally within a radius of 50 km of the Durban city centre

Kalanchoe rotundifolia is a very common plant found growing as a pioneer plant on poor soils in full sun and partial shade on road cuttings, road verges, on rooftops and derelict land throughout the Durban area.

Growth habit
Kalanchoe rotundifolia is a small succulent plant with and upright growth habit. They reproduce naturally by means of vast amounts of very small seed which germinates readily under ideal conditions.

Propagation
Kalanchoe rotundifolia propagate very easily from stem and leaf cuttings as well as from seed the very fine seed that they produce in very large numbers.

Decorative value
Kalanchoe rotundifolia plants are being grown for their very attractive flowers

Drought resistance
Kalanchoe rotundifolia plants are very drought resistant often growing where there is virtually no soil.

Disease and pest resistance
Kalanchoe rotundifolia are susceptible to attack by thrips and red spider mites if they are grown in nutrient rich well watered medium

Suitability as Green Roof plants
Kalanchoe rotundifolia plants are valuable in plantings that are going to get the very minimum of or no water in winter as well in combinations with other plants that do not have a very vigorous nature.  Green roofs  with shallow low nutrient soils provide an ideal growing environment for these very attractive flowering plants.

Biodiversity value in the Green Roof landscape
every plant that is grown  on a Bio-Diverse green roof has value

Cautions and precautions in the Green Roof application
Care must be taken to ensure good drainage during establishment. Be careful not to over fertilize.