Around the Garden: Kalanchoe Humilis (Dessert Surprise)

almost 4 years ago (Edited)

Remember the army of alien creatures that I started 'breeding' back in January? Well, it seems that some of the recruits are ready to advance into the next stage of their, um... ? training?

Class of Lockdown 2020

But really, on a serious note, I hope everyone is doing OK in these uncertain times.

As for myself, I was very much a homebody anyway and didn't leave the house often, even under normal circumstances. As such, these past few weeks have been somewhat of a relief for me, as the pressure to 'go outside' and 'interact with society' has been temporarily lifted. What that really means, is I can potter around my house and garden without the usual feelings of guilt or that constant thought of, 'I should be doing something else' (other than whatever it is I'm doing at the time).

Of course, I don't mean to make light of the current situation as I realise this has left many people out of work with very little certainty about what lies ahead. I especially feel for parents and carers, and others who have several mouths to feed and needs to care for before they can consider their own.

My first new fuchsia flower, with many buds just waiting to burst

Now, I guess my situation is a little different than most but it's one that also allows me some peace of mind and a little extra wiggle-room. For starters, my children are all of adult age and out fending for themselves which greatly relieves my need, as a parent, to provide for them immediately. Although, ngl, there is a dreadful feeling of concern that overcomes when I start wondering what the future might (or might NOT) hold for them...

Anyhoo, I have NO mortgage payments, NO loan payments and NO credit card debt to repay... generally speaking, I live a fairly simple life and have very few expenses (my main expenses are electricity and a landline/internet connection), as a result, my need to earn $XXX,XXX per annum is greatly reduced. Over the past 5 years, I've gotten very used to living on a reduced income and have spent that time developing a 'homesteading' mentality.

Maybe everything does happen for a reason? Who am I to say?

Kalanchoe Humilis "Dessert Surprise"

Kalanchoe Humilis "Dessert Surprise" - Size Ref: background leaf is 1 inch across, at the widest part

So, what do you think I've been doing during the 'stay-at-home' directive..? Yep, you guessed it..! gardening, pruning, composting, planting, growing and just generally being outdoors and enjoying the clear, sunny days while I can.

The succulent that I've featured in today's post, is one that was started along with the other 'army recruits' back in January; to the best of my knowledge, I believe it is a Kalanchoe Humilis with beautiful green leaves, variegated with purple or maroon stripes.

I've also seen it referred to under the common names of 'Dessert Surprise' or 'Spotted'. You can see the beautiful patterns that are already forming on the underside of the leaves.

Kalanchoe Humilis "Dessert Surprise" - Pattern on underside of leaf

Kalanchoe Humilis "Dessert Surprise" - Beautiful patterns forming

You can see the 'mother' leaf sitting just behind the new plant and in fact, this was a leaf that I picked up (for FREE) off the floor underneath the display shelving. (NO plants were damaged during the process!!!).

And now, I have a brand new healthy Kalanchoe that will live again to see another day and hopefully bear some new baby plants as well.