The kalanchoe is known as felt bush because of the heavy covering of indumentum (hairs) on all surfaces of the large, triangular leaves. This species is native to some of the drier parts of the island of Madagascar, where the indumentum helps retain moisture during drying winds while also reflecting some of the intensive tropical sunlight. The terminal flower clusters are very rarely seen in cultivation. Pale green flowers are marked with maroon nectar guides that direct pollinating insects to the nectaries and past the pollen that sticks to the insect until it rubs it off on the next plant it visits. This plant is intolerant of frost.