Introduction to Kalanchoe Gastonis-Bonnieri
Kalanchoe Gastonis-Bonnieri, Popularly known as Donkey Ears, Plant of Life o Miraculous Leaf, is a succulent native to Madagascar that has spread throughout the world thanks to its hardiness and distinctive beauty. This species stands out for the size of its fleshy leaves, its easy reproduction, and its flowering plants that attract the attention of both succulent lovers and fans of natural remedies.
This kalanchoe stands out for its large, oval leaves, a light green color with tanned areas, covered with a light, whitish, waxy layer that protects the leaf surface from excessive sunlight. It also has maroon spots and grows quickly, frequently producing small shoots on the edges of the leaves, giving it the characteristic appearance of the so-called Donkey Ears.
Origin, Common Names and Taxonomy
La Kalanchoe Gastonis-Bonnieri It is a succulent plant belonging to the family Crassulaceae, which includes more than 1.400 species known for their ability to store water in arid climates. It is native to Madagascar and receives its scientific name in honor of the French botanist Gaston Bonnier.
Popularly, it is also called Donkey Ears o Bishop's Hat in some Latin American countries and Bad Mother In Mexico, due to the production of suckers far from the center of the parent plant. Its name perfectly describes the abundance and size of the seedlings and the peculiar shape of the leaves.
Morphological Characteristics and Life Cycle
It is a perennial, which means it can live and thrive for several years, offering leaves or flowers in each cycle. Outdoors, can reach heights up to 50 cm and similar dimensions in width, while indoor Growth is somewhat more contained, generally between 30 and 40 cm.
- Sheets: Large, fleshy, paddle-shaped, and with reddish edges when exposed to intense sunlight. They have mottled spots and a whitish coating that protects them from direct sunlight.
- Reproduction: It produces suckers along the leaf edges, a system that gives it a high capacity for colonization and adaptation.
- Flowering: The plant blooms from autumn to late winter, producing clusters of tubular, bell-shaped flowers that range in color from coral red to orange and yellow. The flowering process can last several weeks and often marks the end of the parent plant's life cycle, at which point the offspring take over and perpetuate the species.
Properties and Medicinal Uses of Kalanchoe Gastonis-Bonnieri
The Kalanchoe Gastonis-Bonnieri It has been traditionally used in natural medicine in Africa, Asia and South America to treat cuts, infections, inflammations, burns and rheumatic ailments. Its effects are due to the presence of compounds such as bufadienolides and flavonoids, which provide anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and healing properties.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Due to its high flavonoid content, it helps to reduce inflammation and discomfort caused by injuries or infections.
- Antimicrobial and healing action: The juice of its leaves is used for restore skin tissues damaged, accelerate wound healing and relieve burns, scratches or insect bites.
- Possible antitumor effect: There are in vitro studies suggesting anticancer activity of bufadienolides (also present in other Kalanchoe species), although clinical trials in humans are lacking. Therefore, their use in this context should be extremely cautious.
- Digestive and throat tonic: The mucilage from its leaves is occasionally taken internally (traditionally not recommended except under medical supervision) for digestive problems and throat conditions.
Caution: Bufadienolides can have cardiovascular effects and be toxic in high doses or with prolonged use. It is recommended that you inform your doctor before any internal use and never self-medicate, especially in pregnant women, children, or people with heart problems or hypertension.
Essential Care of Kalanchoe Gastonis-Bonnieri
Taking care of this succulent is relatively simple, ideal for both beginners and experienced collectors. Its adaptability and resistance making it an ideal candidate for indoor and outdoor gardens.
Light and Location
- Requires abundant bright but indirect light. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause burns and brown spots on leaves.
- Indoor: Place near a well-lit window, preferably south or east facing, where it receives filtered natural light.
- Outdoors: Choose a location with partial shade or diffused sun.
Temperature and Humidity
- Prefers warm climates and does not tolerate frost well. Keep the plant above 10°C at all times; prolonged temperatures below this threshold can damage or kill the plant.
- La humidity Ideal is medium or low, being an excellent option for interiors with low humidity.
Irrigation
- It tolerates drought well: Water only when the top layer of the substrate is completely dry.
- During the growing season (spring-summer), you may need to water weekly or every ten days, depending on the heat and ventilation.
- In fall and winter, reduce watering frequency to every two or three weeks. Avoid wetting the foliage and ensure water drains freely from the pot.
- El excess of water It is the main risk to the health of the plant, as it promotes root rot and the appearance of fungi.
Substrate and Pot
- Use substrate for cacti or succulents, very well aerated and with excellent drainage. You can mix in sand, perlite, and peat to improve conditions.
- It is important that the pot has drainage holes and, optionally, a stone base to prevent puddles.
- If there is poor drainage or compacted substrate, repot every few years by completely changing the plant support.
Fertilization
- Fertilize in spring and summer with a specific fertilizer for succulents, diluted by half. Monthly will be sufficient.
- Avoid overfertilization, as it can damage roots and promote weak or excessively rapid growth.
Reproduction, Transplanting and Pruning
Multiplication
- By children: Collect the small shoots that emerge at the edges of the leaves and plant them in a moist, porous mix. They take root quickly.
- By stem or leaf cuttings: Cut a healthy piece, let it heal for a few days, and plant it in dry soil, watering very lightly until roots form.
- By seeds: Less frequently, they are sown superficially on moist substrate and kept covered to conserve moisture until germination.
Transplant
- Only transplant when the plant requires it: roots sticking out, degraded substrate or excessively large plant for the current container.
- Avoid damage to the roots and do it preferably in spring.
Pruning and Maintenance
- Remove dry, diseased or damaged leaves to promote aeration and prevent pest shelter.
- Prune excessively long stems to maintain a compact shape and encourage branching.
- Always disinfect scissors before using them on the plant.
Pests, Diseases and Common Problems
- Common pests: Aphids, mealybugs, and mites may appear, especially in hot, dry environments. Apply neem oil, potassium soap or homemade garlic and pepper sprays to control them organically.
- Diseases: The biggest risk is root rot due to overwatering or overly compacted substrate. Symptoms include soft, yellow leaves and a bad odor at the base.
- Powdery mildew and fungi They can arise if ventilation is poor and humidity is high. Maintain good air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage when watering.
Pest control tips
- Isolate the affected plant to avoid contagion to other succulents.
- Carry out periodic inspections, especially on the underside of leaves and stem joints.
- Don't overuse chemical insecticides: they can damage the plant and the substrate; opt for organic and natural products.
Risks and Precautions: Toxicity of Kalanchoe Gastonis-Bonnieri
Kalanchoe Gastonis-Bonnieri Contains bufadienolides, steroid compounds with potentially toxic effects on both humans and pets if consumed in excess. Symptoms of poisoning include:
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
- Cardiac arrhythmias and cardiovascular disorders
- Drooling, weakness, diarrhea (especially in pets)
Not safe for pets such as dogs, cats, or rodents, so it is recommended to keep it out of their reach at all times. Likewise, its internal use should only be done under the supervision of a qualified physician or naturopath.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kalanchoe Gastonis-Bonnieri
Can it survive the winter?
It tolerates slight drops in temperature but is not resistant to severe frost. In colder areas, move it indoors during the harshest months or protect it with frost-resistant fabric.
Can it be grown indoors?
Yes, it thrives perfectly in bright, well-ventilated interiors. It only requires good lighting, a suitable substrate, and moderate watering. It's ideal as a low-maintenance decorative plant.
How to enhance flowering?
- Abundant light.
- Correct watering, neither excess nor deficiency.
- Fertilization with balanced fertilizers rich in phosphorus during spring and summer.
How to clean your leaves?
- Use a soft, damp cloth, never use chemicals. Wipe from base to tip to remove dust and promote photosynthesis.
- Avoid breaking any buds that may be at the edges of the leaves.
Properties of Other Related Kalanchoe Species
The gender Kalanchoe includes species such as K. pinnata, K. daigremontiana y K. brasiliensis (also known as "mother of thousands," "Goethe's plant," or "aranto"). They all share similar properties and risks and have been the subject of numerous ethnobotanical and scientific studies for their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anticancer potential, although caution is always required due to their toxicity.
How to Use Kalanchoe Gastonis-Bonnieri Safely
Topical Use
- The fresh juice from the leaves can be applied to cuts, burns, bites, or skin inflammations to promote healing and relieve discomfort.
- Perform a pre-allergy test on a small area of skin.
Traditional Internal Use
- Only under professional supervision, use minimal amounts (e.g. 3-5 grams of fresh leaves in infusion per liter of water).
- Never exceed recommended doses and never combine with medications without consulting first.
- Not suitable for pregnant women, children, or people with heart, kidney, or liver failure.
Common Myths and Scientific Reality
- It is not a universal miracle cure. Their properties are promising, but they do not cure all diseases.
- Its "natural" consumption does not make it completely safe: it contains active ingredients with powerful action, which are toxic at high doses.
- Evidence of anticancer action exists only in studies vitro and with animal models, not in real clinical trials with humans.
Basic Care for Kalanchoes in General
- Light: They prefer plenty of indirect natural light. If they get too much direct sunlight, they can burn.
- Irrigation: Always wait until the substrate dries completely before watering again.
- Substratum: Choose a well-draining one, ideal for cacti and succulents.
- Fertilization: Only in warm months and with specific fertilizers.
- Most common pests: Mealybugs, mites, and aphids. These can be controlled by hand cleaning, using neem, potassium soap, or homemade sprays. Avoid waterlogging and constant humidity to prevent fungus.
Meaning and Symbolism of Kalanchoe Gastonis-Bonnieri
- symbolizes regeneration, rebirth and resilience, especially for its ability to constantly sprout new shoots.
- Giving this plant can mean wishes for health, prosperity and longevity, as well as lasting friendship.
- In traditional cultures, it is associated with the strength to overcome adversity and protection against negative energies.
Kalanchoe Gastonis-Bonnieri It is an exceptional plant in both beauty and medicinal potential. Its low maintenance, reproductive capacity, and symbolic value make it an ideal choice for those seeking a unique ornamental plant steeped in history. The key to enjoying its benefits is the responsible knowledge, learning about its properties, precautions, and recommended care. Keeping this succulent out of reach of children and pets, ensuring a dry and sunny environment, and monitoring watering are the keys to ensuring this "Donkey Ears" looks its best, both in the garden and indoors.
