Donkey Ear

Donkey Ear Plant 

Prolific & Playful Care Guide

Your Donkey Ear plant is a robust succulent with large, beautifully mottled leaves and a wild nature—it produces tiny "pups" (plantlets) all along the edges! This guide helps you manage its easygoing needs and maximize its unique charm.

 The Safari Sun (Lighting)

To keep those large leaves colorful and prevent them from stretching awkwardly, the Donkey Ear needs plenty of light.

• The Rule: Provide at least 6 hours of bright light daily. This plant loves a sun-drenched spot, such as a south or west-facing window.

• The Look: Intense light encourages the leaves to develop those beautiful, mottled reddish-brown spots. In low light, the leaves will be a plain green and the plant will become "leggy."

• The Caution: Like all succulents, if moving it from a dim spot to blazing sun, transition it gradually to avoid immediate sunburn.

 The Watering Discipline (The True Test)

Like most succulents, the Donkey Ear is highly drought-tolerant and stores plenty of water in its thick leaves.

• The Technique (Drench & Forget): Wait until the soil is entirely bone-dry and the leaves may show a slight sign of softness or shriveling.

• The Soak: When it's time, water heavily until it flows out of the drainage hole, then allow the soil to dry out completely again before even thinking about watering.

• The Warning: Overwatering is the only way to quickly kill this plant. It is far better to underwater. In winter, reduce watering dramatically.

 The Earthen Foundation (Soil & Pot)

Fast drainage is non-negotiable for this Kalanchoe.

• The Mix: Use a gritty, excellent-draining Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix. You can enhance it with extra perlite or coarse sand.

• The Vessel: Use a pot with a large drainage hole. Terracotta is ideal, as it draws moisture out of the soil quickly.

 The Baby Brigade (Propagation)

The Donkey Ear plant gets its name from its prolific reproduction!

• The Event: Watch the edges of the large leaves for tiny, complete little plants (plantlets) that appear with their own roots.

• The Action: Once these pups are large enough to handle, they will naturally fall off or can be gently plucked and planted directly into their own small pots of succulent soil. You will have more Donkey Ear plants than you know what to do with!

 Temperature Comfort

• The Zone: Keep it warm, between 60∘ and 75F (15–24C).

• The Danger: Like most Kalanchoe, it is not frost-hardy. Bring it indoors if the temperature drops below 40F (4C).

Enjoy the bold, playful statement the Donkey Ear makes—it's low effort with high reward!