How to Grow Lavender Scallops – Complete Care & Fertiliser Guide

Lavender Scallops (Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi) is a hardy, colourful succulent that adds texture and interest to any garden or indoor display. Its rounded, scalloped leaves range from soft lavender-grey to green, with some varieties featuring striking cream or yellow margins. In Australia, it’s loved for its year-round foliage colour and drought tolerance, making it an ideal choice for low-maintenance landscapes, coastal gardens, or balcony pots.

The variegated form, often called Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi ‘Variegata’, is particularly eye-catching, with its pastel foliage and seasonal flushes of coral-pink or orange bell-shaped flowers in late winter to early spring. These blooms rise above the foliage on upright stems, attracting pollinators while adding splashes of vibrant colour.

Lavender Scallops Growing Conditions

Sunlight: Lavender Scallops thrives in full sun to bright, indirect light. Outdoors, give it at least 6 hours of sunlight daily to maintain vibrant leaf colour and compact growth. Indoors, position near a sunny north- or west-facing window, supplementing with a grow light in winter if necessary.
Soil: Requires a sharply draining succulent or cactus mix. For containers, combine 2 parts premium succulent mix with 1 part coarse sand or perlite. Good drainage is critical to prevent root rot, especially during cooler months.
Water: Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. In summer, this may mean weekly watering; in winter, water sparingly every 3–4 weeks depending on conditions.
Climate: Best suited to warm, frost-free climates (USDA Zones 10–12). In cooler regions of Australia, grow in pots and move indoors or under cover when temperatures drop below 10°C.
Pruning: Regularly pinch back leggy stems to maintain shape and encourage branching. Trim spent flower stems to direct energy back into foliage growth.

With the right location, soil, and watering habits, Lavender Scallops will reward you with dense, colourful foliage and seasonal flowers without demanding constant care.

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Lavender Scallops Fertiliser – What to Use & When to Feed

While Lavender Scallops is drought-tolerant and can survive in poor soils, it thrives and produces richer foliage colour when regularly fertilised during its active growth period. Proper feeding encourages compact growth, prevents legginess, and supports seasonal flowering.

Best Fertiliser for Lavender Scallops (In-Ground vs Pots)

In-Ground Plants: Apply a slow-release cactus and succulent fertiliser with a low-nitrogen ratio such as 2-7-7 every 8–10 weeks during spring and summer. This low-nitrogen formula helps maintain strong leaf colour without encouraging weak, stretched growth.
Potted Plants: Feed every 3–4 weeks during the growing season with Complete Grow’s Cactus Succulent Plant Food Fertiliser Concentrate (2-7-7). Dilute as directed for safe and consistent nutrient delivery.

Seasonal Feeding Schedule in Australia

Spring (Sept–Nov): Begin fertilising as new growth appears. This is when the plant builds energy for flowering and lush foliage.
Summer (Dec–Feb): Maintain regular feeding to sustain leaf colour and encourage compact growth, especially for variegated varieties that can lose vibrancy in high heat.
Autumn (Mar–May): Apply one or two light feeds before growth slows. This strengthens the plant before its semi-dormant period.
Winter (Jun–Aug): Suspend feeding unless the plant is kept in a warm, bright indoor position where it continues to grow.

Using Complete Grow’s Cactus Succulent Plant Food Fertiliser Concentrate ensures Lavender Scallops receives the precise nutrient balance for rich leaf colour, strong stems, and healthy root development.

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Common Lavender Scallops Problems & How Proper Fertilising Prevents Them

Even though Lavender Scallops is tough, a few common problems can arise when growing conditions or nutrition are off. Fertilising correctly prevents most of these issues:

1. Pale or Dull Foliage – Caused by potassium or magnesium deficiency, or low light. Regular feeding with a cactus-specific fertiliser restores vibrant colours.
2. Leggy Growth – Typically from too much nitrogen or insufficient sunlight. Reduce nitrogen-heavy feeds and move to a brighter location.
3. Leaf Drop – Can result from underwatering, cold drafts, or sudden environmental changes. Keep conditions stable and water appropriately.
4. Slow Growth – Indicates depleted soil or poor drainage. Repot every 2–3 years into fresh succulent mix and resume a regular feeding schedule.

*Avoid overwatering during winter, as Lavender Scallops is especially susceptible to root rot in cooler conditions.*

Frequently Asked Questions About Lavender Scallops

Q: How do I propagate Lavender Scallops?
A: The easiest method is through stem cuttings or leaf cuttings. Allow cuttings to callous over for 24 hours before planting in a well-draining mix.

Q: Are Lavender Scallops toxic to pets?
A: Yes, like many Kalanchoe species, it contains compounds that can be toxic if ingested by cats or dogs. Keep out of reach of pets.

Q: How often should I water Lavender Scallops?
A: Water deeply when the soil is completely dry. In summer, this is usually every 7–10 days; in winter, reduce to every 3–4 weeks.

Q: Can Lavender Scallops grow indoors?
A: Yes, but it needs plenty of bright light to maintain colour. Place near a sunny window or use grow lights for 10–12 hours daily.

Q: What fertiliser works best?
A: Complete Grow’s Cactus Succulent Plant Food Fertiliser Concentrate (2-7-7) is ideal, providing the low nitrogen and high potassium needed for rich colour and healthy growth.