<i>Kalanchoe </i>plant named ‘FIRE RAINBOW’

Abstract

A new and distinct cultivar of Kalanchoe plant named Fire Rainbow is disclosed, characterized by rosettes of green leaves with margins of lemon yellow, blushing rose red in bright light and cooler temperature. The new cultivar freely branches, enabling increased and faster propagation. The new cultivar Fire Rainbow exhibits robust and rapid growth. The freely branching characteristic exhibited by the new cultivar, in combination with the robust, moderately rapid growth of the new cultivar Fire Rainbow, results in attractive clustering brightly colored variegation, useful for decorative combinations for special occasions or for container gardens on the patio.

Claims

1. A new and distinct cultivar of Kalanchoe plant named FIRE RAINBOW as herein illustrated and described.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH

(1) The accompanying photograph illustrates in full color a typical plants of FIRE RAINBOW grown in a greenhouse in Vista, Calif. (approximately 3000 foot candles). The photograph was taken using conventional techniques and equipment. While the colors in this photograph may display variances of color as compared to the living cultivar, due to LRV (light reflectance value), it is as accurate as possible using conventional photographic techniques. Colors in the photograph may appear to differ slightly from the color values cited in the botanical description, which accurately describe the colors of the new Kalanchoe plant. Temperatures ranged from about 1 C. to 29 C. night and day. No artificial light, photoperiodic treatments or chemical treatments were given to the plants.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

(2) In the following description, color references are made to R.H.S. Colour Chart, 2007, except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observations and measurements describe Kalanchoe sexangulare Fire Rainbow plants in a commercial greenhouse in Vista, Calif., Temperatures ranged from 1 C. to 29 C. night and day. No artificial light, photoperiodic treatments or chemical treatments were given to the plants. Natural light conditions were approximately 2500 to 4000 fc of light. Measurements and numerical values represent averages of typical plant types. Botanical classification: Kalanchoe sexangulare Fire Rainbow.

PROPAGATION

(3) Type of propagation typically used: Terminal vegetative cuttings. Time to initiate roots: About 10 days at approximately 24 C. Root description: Fibrous.

PLANT

(4) Age of plant described: Approximately 4 months from a cutting. Container size of the plant described: 1 gallon. Growth habit: Upright branching sub-shrub. Height: Approximately 15 cm to top of highest leaf. Plant spread: Approximately 28 cm. Plant comprised of 3 to 6 main stems. Growth rate: Moderately fast. Branching characteristics: Freely branching from an early age. Approximately 3 to 6 primary branches from the center of the plant. Length: Average 4 to 8 cm. Diameter: Average range 4 to 7 mm. Strength: Moderate. Color: Near RHS Greyed-Red 181B. Texture: Glabrous. Internode: Average range 8 mm to 24 mm.

FOLIAGE

(5) Leaf: Arrangement.Opposite. Average length.Approximately 8 to 11 cm. Average width.5.0 cm, naturally folded. Width at base.8 mm. Shape of blade.Oblate. Apex.Rounded obtuse. Base.Attenuate. Margin.Irregularly shaped somewhat shallow crenations. Texture of top surface.Glabrous. Texture of bottom surface.Glabrous. Quantity.Approximately 8 to 12 per stem. Aspect.Strongly folded upward. Cannot be unfolded without breaking leaf. Color.Young foliage, upper side: Near RHS Green 138B. Thick margin Yellow 10D flushed Red 52B. Young foliage, under side: Near RHS Green 138B. Thick margin Yellow 10D flushed Red 52B. Mature foliage upper side: Near RHS Green 138B. Margin Yellow 10D heavily flushed Red 52B. Mature foliage, under side: Near RHS Green 138B. Margin Yellow 10D heavily flushed Red 52B. Venation.There is no visual appearance of venation. Indistinguishable from leaf blade. Petiole: Length.Young foliage near 2 cm; mature foliage near 4 cm. Width.Approximately 0.8 cm. Texture.Glabrous. Color.Interior near Green 138B, Outer section near Yellow 10D.

FLOWER

(6) Not observed.

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

(7) Not observed.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

(8) Fruits and seeds: Not observed to date. Temperature tolerance: Tolerates temperatures from approximately 0 C. to at least 32 C. Disease/pest resistance: Some resistance to powdery mildew. Neither resistance or susceptibility to other normal diseases and pests of Kalanchoe has been observed. Drought tolerance: Tolerates at least 3 weeks of high temperatures without supplemental water, showing no serious damage to plant.