Appearance

Growth form

It is an upright, many-branched succulent that usually grows 6–18 in (15–46 cm) tall and 6–12 in (15–30 cm) wide.

Leaves

The leaves are thick, glossy, dark green, and oval, with gently scalloped edges.

Flowers

Small four-lobed flowers form broad clusters above the leaves. Cultivars offer many colors as well as single and double flowers.

Fruit

The fruit is small and inconspicuous.

Look-alikes

Butterfly StonecropHylotelephium spectabile

Butterfly Stonecrop is a taller outdoor perennial with five-petaled pink-purple flowers that bloom in late summer. Flaming Katy stays compact, has glossy scalloped leaves, and normally shows four-lobed or double flowers in containers.

Why they get mixed up · Both have fleshy leaves and flat-topped clusters of small flowers.

Where it lives

Typical habitats

• indoor containers
• patios
• warm-climate gardens

Range

It is native to northeastern Madagascar. In the United States it is mainly grown as a houseplant, but it can grow outdoors year-round in U.S. plant hardiness zones 10–12.

Preferred conditions

Give it bright filtered light and a fast-draining succulent mix. It does not tolerate frost and should be moved indoors before temperatures fall below 45°F (7°C).

Growing it

Care

Let the potting mix dry between deep waterings. Flower buds form after about six weeks of long nights, so indoor light at night can delay reblooming.

Propagation

New plants can be started from stem or leaf cuttings.

Toxicity

All parts are harmful if eaten and can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or abnormal heart rhythms. Keep the plant away from children, dogs, and cats.

Name and classification

Varieties and forms

Some selections have patterned leaves.

Conservation

IUCN Red List

NENot Evaluated·Not yet assessed