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Kalahari Survivor® (Bryophyllum scandens): An Exotic and Easy-Care Houseplant That "Gives Birth to Live Young"

If you are seeking a low-maintenance, fun and distinctive houseplant, the Kalahari Survivor® might be the perfect addition to your collection. This unusual plant, also known as Bryophyllum scandens (Bryophyllum beauverdii), is remarkable not just for its appearance but for its fascinating ability to produce "living offspring" directly from its leaves.

An Exotic Greeting from Madagascar

Kalahari Survivor® is a unique climbing succulent originally discovered during an expedition in Madagascar, where it grows wild. It is also found in South Africa, thriving in tough climates that demand resilience and adaptation. The plant is closely related to other well-known houseplants such as Mother of Thousands (Bryophyllum daigremontianum) and Narrow-leaved Life Plant (Bryophyllum delagoënse), and, like them, it is famous for producing small plantlets—its "babies"—which appear in pairs at the tips of its slender, succulent, and somewhat curved leaves. These hooked leaves help the plant cling and climb through surrounding shrubs, reaching toward the light.

The English nickname "False Hoya" suits Kalahari Survivor® well, as its appearance is quite similar to the narrow-leaved porcelain flower (Hoya), with which it is often confused—at least until it begins to produce its distinctive offspring. This unique reproductive method only adds to its charm and collectible appeal among plant enthusiasts.

Characteristics and Display

Kalahari Survivor® is offered as a cultivated variety developed by a Danish nursery. Plants are usually grown on hoops with a 45 cm diameter, placed in a 12 cm pot—making it easy to train the vines around the support as they grow. Ambitious growers can later remove the hoop and wind the trailing stems onto a trellis or up a climbing frame, maximizing the plant’s spectacular display. With care, vines can reach up to five meters in length, offering abundant greenery and visual interest.

Care and Cultivation Tips

One of Kalahari Survivor®'s greatest strengths is its hardiness and ease of care—making it a rewarding choice for both beginners and experienced plant owners alike.

• Light: Place in a bright position. The more sunlight it receives, the darker and more burgundy-green the leaves may become.
• Water: Keep watering minimal and let the soil dry out between waterings. Be especially sparing with water in winter, as overwatering is the most common problem with succulents.
• Fertilizer: Feed lightly during the growing season, but do not fertilize at all in winter, when the plant’s growth slows down.
• Support: Train the flexible stems around a hoop, trellis, or up a support for an impressive cascade or climbing effect.

A Conversation Piece for Every Home

The Kalahari Survivor® lives up to its name—originating in the demanding climates of Madagascar and South Africa, it thrives on neglect, resists drought, and displays a unique and dynamic growth habit. Its "living babies" lend a playful touch that will captivate children and adults alike, and its striking form makes it a true conversation starter.

Whether you place it on a bright windowsill, let it cascade from a shelf, or encourage it to climb in a conservatory, the Kalahari Survivor® stands out as both a botanical curiosity and a practical, easy-care plant for modern homes.

For more inspiration and to see images of the Kalahari Survivor®, visit here.