Botanically called Kalanchoe Gastonis-Bonnieri (kal-un-KOH-ee gas-TON bon-nee-ER-ee), donkey ear plants are annual/biennial succulents and a member of the Crassulaceae family and the Sedoideae subfamily.
This Kalanchoe plant is native to Madagascar and is called the “Donkey Ear” because of the resemblance its leaves share with donkey’s ears.

The origin of the term “Kalanchoe” is somewhat unknown.
Many believe it refers to the Chinese word “Kalan Chauhuy” which means “what falls and grows”.
This refers to the plant’s ability to produce its own roots and develop a new baby plant through its leaves.
The second half of the name “gastonis-bonnieri” honors Dr. Gaston Bonnier – a famous French botanist.
The succulent has two more scientific names: Kalanchoe Gastonis-Bonneiri raym.-hamet & h. perrier and bryophyllum gastonis-bonnieri (mother of thousands).
The plant also has several common names which are as follows:
- Tree of Life
- Sprout Leaf Plant
- Miracle Leaf
- Palm Beachbells
- Leaf of Life
- Life Plant
- Good Luck Leaf
- Giant Kalanchoe
Because of its unique leaves, big flower stems, and its way of welcoming many hummingbirds, make the Kalanchoe donkey ear top of the lists of many succulent lovers. Young leaves of Kalanchoe donkey ear are light green or greenish-white in color and become bigger with prominent mule spots as the plant grows. The leaves are shaped like a Donkey’s ear, thus it is commonly known as Donkey Ears. Kalanchoe donkey ear can reach a height of about 2 feet tall when it blooms producing showy drooping flowers with red and yellow colors.
Donkey Ear Plants Care
Size and Growth
Under ideal climatic conditions, donkey ear plants grow rapidly, from 12″ to 18″ inches tall and wide.
At maturity, they form large lance-shaped leaves, from 1’ to 1.6’ feet long.
These bronze-green leaves boast epicuticular wax – a waxy white covering – which makes the plant appear gray-green with maroon-brown blotches.
These ovate-lanceolate leaves also form small plantlets on the side of the leaf margin.
Giant kalanchoes ideally grow in the desert, subtropical, and Mediterranean climate.
Flowering and Fragrance
The terminal inflorescence with darker reddish-salmon petals and the yellow interior is the most prominent feature of the mother plant.
The reddish-yellow flowers are marked by inflated calyces – significantly common among Kalanchoe species.
In the fall or early winter season, small, bell-like flowers grow along a 2’ – 3’ feet tall stalk, often topped with the clusters of pale peach buds.
The flowering process usually lasts for approximately two months, after which the succulent begins to die back.
Light and Temperature
- Donkey ear plants enjoy full sun or partial shade.
- However, if placed immediately in the sun, the leaves may burn and die.
- Therefore, place the plant in an area where it receives part sun or filtered light.
- Then slowly and gradually introduce it to the full sun or part shade in the afternoon.
- The Donkey ear enjoys warmth so make sure the temperature never falls below 55° degrees Fahrenheit (13° C).
- The USDA hardiness zones of this biennial plant are from 10 – 12.
Watering and Feeding
Donkey ear plants have fairly low water requirements.
The succulent needs a moderate level of watering throughout the summer.
However, the plant needs less water in winter.
Water only when the top 1” or 2” inches of soil start to dry out.
Feed the plant twice a week in summer, using a liquid fertilizer or a slow-release fertilizer.
Soil and Transplanting
- The succulent plant prefers humus-rich, well-drained, and fertile soil.
- They also prefer potting soil with the right amount of loam, sand, and lava grit/pumice.
- Transplant the flowering plant in early fall and leave it outside in a bright spot.
- The cool temperature of the fall season will stimulate the growth of flower buds.
Grooming and Maintenance
Kalanchoe Gastonis-Bonnieri requires light pruning to prevent it from getting leggy.
Gently trim any damaged or dead flowers and leaves from the base of the plant.
The drought-tolerant plant is able to be pruned at any time of the year.
Always allow the soil to dry before giving another dose of irrigation.
Keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering at all costs.
Bring the donkey plant indoors when the temperature gets freezing cold.
How to Propagate Kalanchoe Gastonis-bonnieri
Donkey ear plants are usually propagated by cuttings in early spring.
Cut a small length of a leaf with a sterilized knife or scissors.
Place it on top of well-drained and moist soil and wait for some time to see the growth of a new plant.
Kalanchoe Gastonis-bonnieri Pests and Diseases
Aphids and mealybugs are a primary threat to sprout leaf plants.
Life-threatening diseases such as powdery mildew, crow rots, root rots, bacterial rot, leaf spots, and virus diseases also pose a major threat to the perfect growth of the succulent.
Clean the cacti with a wet cloth to effectively treat small-scale infestations.
However, serious infestations need eco-friendly pesticides.
Donkey Ear Plants Uses
The biennial cacti look great in hanging baskets or as a single specimen in a dry garden.
They help enhance the outdoor beauty in winters when they are in full bloom.
The attractive succulent is often mass planted with other similar varieties to further elevate the space.
The flowering species also makes for a great choice as a cut flower.