cactus succulent

Silver Spoons

The Story

Plant Bio

Kalanchoe bracteata is an erect, slow-growing succulent shrub native to southern Madagascar, characterized by its branching woody stems and distinct spoon-shaped foliage. The fleshy leaves are covered in a dense, velvety layer of silvery-white hairs and a protective waxy coating that shields the plant from intense sunlight.

Under high light levels, the pale grayish-green foliage often develops subtle burgundy margins along the leaf tips. In spring and summer, the plant produces terminal clusters of small, tubular flowers ranging in color from yellow to bright orange-red.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking structural interest with its velvety, spoon-shaped silvery-white foliage.

Highly drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal maintenance and watering.

The tubular flowers offer nectar to visiting pollinating insects and hummingbirds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Cactus Succulent

Height

40"

Width

40"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Madagascar

Toxicity

Toxic to pets and humans

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site or container with sharp drainage, using a gritty cactus and succulent mineral mix.
Position the plant in a location receiving full sun to bright indirect light, providing protection from intense afternoon sun in hot climates.
Water deeply only when the soil has dried out completely, avoiding any overhead watering that wets the velvety foliage.
Withhold water almost entirely during the winter months when the plant enters its natural dormancy period.

Pro Tip

Keep overhead watering to a minimum to prevent fungal marking on the velvety leaf coating, and enforce a dry winter dormancy period with little to no water to avoid stem rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Provide excellent air circulation to prevent fungal leaf issues.
Protect the plant from freezing temperatures and frost.

Don't

Do not let the plant sit in standing water or waterlogged soil.
Do not prune hard into old, bare, woody stems.
Do not water overhead, as moisture damages the silvery leaf coating.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock gardensPatios and courtyardsSucculent gardensContainer specimens

Companion Plants

Echeveria Senecio serpens Crassula ovata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Silver Spoons questions

What zones can Silver Spoons grow in?

Silver Spoons is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Silver Spoons deer resistant?

Yes — Silver Spoons is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Silver Spoons bloom?

Silver Spoons typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Silver Spoons need full sun?

Silver Spoons does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Silver Spoons drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Silver Spoons handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.