Plants That Resemble Kalanchoe – Lookalikes of This Popular Succulent

With their fleshy leaves, trailing stems, and colorful blooms, kalanchoe are popular succulents grown both indoors and outdoors. Their distinctive features make them stand out, but there are also many plants that closely resemble kalanchoe.

Here’s an overview of some common lookalike plants that share similarities with kalanchoe

Bryophyllum

Bryophyllum especially Bryophyllum daigremontianum, looks nearly identical to kalanchoe. In fact they were once classified under the same genus. Like kalanchoe, these succulents have thick, fleshy leaves that may have scalloped or serrated edges. They also produce small plantlets along the leaf margins that drop and root to propagate the plant.

However, bryophyllum flowers have a tubular shape compared to the bell-shaped blooms of most kalanchoe. Bryophyllum also tends to have greener leaves versus the red tints kalanchoe foliage often develops in sun.

Echeveria

With their rosette growth habit and succulent leaves, some echeveria species resemble certain kalanchoe For example, echeveria agavoides has pointy, triangular gray-green leaves similar in shape to kalanchoe luciae Other species like echeveria ‘Doris Taylor’ have ruffled leaves that look much like kalanchoe fedtschenkoi.

However, echeveria leaves are generally smoother versus the very fleshy, plump leaves of kalanchoe. Echeveria blooms also grow in clusters on tall stalks rather than the bell-shaped blooms of kalanchoe.

Aeonium

Like kalanchoe, many aeonium feature rosettes of fleshy, succulent leaves. Aeonium arboreum, for instance, has a central rosette and resembles the structure of upright kalanchoe species. The lance-shaped succulent leaves of aeonium haworthii also closely mimic some varieties of kalanchoe.

A key difference is aeonium’s small, star-shaped flower clusters. Kalanchoe are known for bell-shaped blooms instead. Aeonium also tend to have smoother, less plump leaves compared to kalanchoe.

Sedum

Certain sedum like sedum rubrotinctum and sedum adolphii share some similarities to kalanchoe in their leaf shape and texture. Their thick, rounded succulent leaves have a very comparable look and feel to some kalanchoe varieties.

However, sedum leaves often have a blue-green hue versus the greener leaves of most kalanchoe. Sedum also produces tiny, starry flowers in clusters, unlike the dangling bell-shaped blooms on most kalanchoe.

Crassula

Some jade plant varieties like crassula ovata ‘Hobbit’ or ‘Gollum’ have thick succulent leaves grown in rosettes that resemble certain kalanchoe species. The leaf shape is oval with rounded tips, although crassula leaves are generally smaller.

Crassula’s tiny flowers in clusters are very different from kalanchoe blooms though. Crassula also lacks the red leaf edges and vibrant colors many kalanchoes develop.

Adromischus

The clumping rosettes of adromischus species are similar to kalanchoe. Their plump, spoon-shaped leaves have a comparable look, especially adromischus cooperi which also has reddish margins on the foliage.

The leaves of adromischus are generally more compact and flatten at the base though. Their small, urn-shaped flowers are another distinguishing feature versus kalanchoe’s dangling blooms.

Cotyledon

With their succulent foliage and trailing growth habit, some cotyledon have a look comparable to kalanchoe. Cotyledon orbiculata, for instance, has round leaves flushed red like certain kalanchoe. Cotyledon tomentosa features the same fuzzy coat on its leaves as kalanchoe tomentosa.

However, cotyledon leaves are generally smaller and their margins often have fine teeth. Their pendant, tubular flowers are also quite different from kalanchoe blooms. The trailing stems of cotyledon are more flexible as well.

Senecio

Certain senecio, like the popular senecio rowleyanus or string of pearls, share a similar vining habit to that of trailing kalanchoe varieties. Their succulent, oblong foliage is also comparable to the leaves of some kalanchoe.

However, senecio leaves are much smaller and more cylindrical versus the larger, flatter leaves of kalanchoe. Their flowering habits also differ, with senecio having clusters of tiny blooms.

Cissus

With its vining stems and fleshy leaves, cissus rhombifolia bears a strong resemblance to trailing kalanchoe species. Its leaves are oblong with ruffled edges, much like the foliage of certain kalanchoes.

However, cissus leaves have a more elongated, tapered tip versus the rounded ends of most kalanchoe leaves. Cissus vines also develop thicker, woody stems over time, unlike the more delicate stems of kalanchoe.

conclusión

Kalanchoe have some very distinctive features like plump succulent leaves and colorful bell-shaped blooms. But their rosette growth habit, trailing stems, and fleshy foliage are mimicked by many other succulents and houseplants. With closer inspection though, similarities can be spotted between kalanchoe and plants like bryophyllum, echeveria, sedum, and more. Being able to identify lookalike plants helps ensure you get the exact succulent you want!