Bloomin' Kalanchoes: Panda vs. Devil!

Kalanchoe daigremontiana ("The Devil's Backbone", or "Mother of Millions") and Kalanchoe tomentosa ("The Panda Plant") are both Madagascar natives. One is a scary, often invasive plant that can clone itself endlessly until it takes over your garden, and from there, the world; the other is cute, fuzzy, and slow-growing. Considering they are cousins, it's amazing how different they are. Here is the Panda-

Kalanchoe tomentosa, the Panda Plant, MR

And here is the Mother of Millions:

Flowering stalks of Kalanchoe daigremontiana, MR 2014

Quite shocking, isn't it? K. daigremontiana does not bloom regularly, and some don't bloom at all. Mine love to bloom and are happy to do it whenever the mood strikes. This year, it's in winter. The blooms are odorless but very unique, if a little scary looking. But hey, it's a scary plant! Before putting some in your garden, know that you'll never get rid of it  (mine was planted by the former resident of my house, years ago), and it's entirely toxic to small children, pets, and most wildlife. Reptiles live very happily within it, however, as it offers them protection from predators. Scientists are working with the toxins to create cardiac and psychiatric medications, so it may prove useful to us down the line. Sure is a fascinating plant, but growing its sweeter cousin, the Panda, is a safer bet!

Lazy Sundays Never Last Long....

But I sure wish they did! This weekend, just hanging out with the exuberant Babytoes Family,

and replanting the Panda Plant, because it's doubled in size and doesn't fit even my biggest indoor pot anymore. If it can't fit on the windowsill, it must go outside! Fortunately, kalanchoes of all sorts do very well outdoors here. Three daughter plants are growing out there already.

And what would this time of year be without elementary school science experiments in preparation for the Annual Science Fair? Here is the infamous "Celery Experiment" percolating in the window. Pretty colors!

And finally, more garden sculptures, newly formed and drying in the sun. Off to the kiln next week, wahaha! My garden grows stranger all the time. Must be all the oxygen I get to breathe with so many plants around. Have a great weekend!