Blue Slick Elephant's Ear

Plant Type: perennial, succulent shrub
Plant Height: 3–6 feet (can reach up to 10 feet in maturity)
Spread: 3–4 feet
Flower Color: yellow-green to rusty orange
Sun Exposure: Full sun, Partial Shade

Blue Slick Elephant’s Ear / Kalanchoe beharensis ‘Blue Slick’: A Velvety, Architectural Showpiece with Silvery-Blue Elegance
Kalanchoe beharensis ‘Blue Slick’, commonly known as the Blue Slick Elephant’s Ear, is a rare and exquisite cultivar of the classic Kalanchoe beharensis. It is admired for its sculptural silhouette, striking blue-gray foliage, and soft, suede-like texture that makes it one of the most visually captivating succulents in any desert landscape. Native to Madagascar, this variety thrives in Arizona’s dry climate and brings a cool, silvery contrast to the warm tones of desert rock, gravel, and stone. Perfect as a statement plant in modern or tropical-desert gardens, Blue Slick embodies elegance, resilience, and artistry in plant form.

Key Features of Kalanchoe beharensis ‘Blue Slick’
This upright, branching succulent forms thick stems topped with large, triangular leaves that are slightly undulated and covered in fine, velvety hairs. The leaves display a distinctive powdery blue-gray color with soft, silvery overtones, sometimes taking on bronze edges under strong sunlight. The surface is smooth and plush, reflecting light beautifully and giving the plant a sculptural, metallic appearance. Mature specimens may develop tall flower stalks that bear clusters of small, yellow-green to rust-orange blooms in winter or early spring. Though the flowers are subtle, the plant’s real allure lies in its bold foliage and elegant symmetry.

Growing and Care Tips
Kalanchoe beharensis ‘Blue Slick’ thrives in full sun to partial shade. In Arizona landscapes, it performs best with full morning sun and light afternoon protection during the peak summer months. It prefers well-draining, sandy or rocky soil and is sensitive to overwatering—soil should dry completely between waterings. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant and thrives with minimal care. It can handle brief dips to around 32°F, but frost protection is recommended during cold snaps. Pruning older leaves or shaping tall stems helps maintain a balanced, architectural look. In containers, use a cactus mix blended with pumice or perlite for proper drainage and stability.

Landscaping Uses
The Blue Slick Elephant’s Ear is a designer’s dream—ideal for modern, minimalist, and tropical-desert landscapes. Its unique color and texture create a cooling visual balance against warmer desert tones. Use it as a focal plant in courtyards, entryways, or beside boulders, where its sculptural leaves can be highlighted by sunlight. It pairs beautifully with smooth agaves, red-tinted aloes, and golden barrel cacti for striking color and texture contrast. In large decorative pots, it serves as an elegant specimen that brings sophistication to patios and poolside plantings.

Summary
Kalanchoe beharensis ‘Blue Slick’ combines elegance and endurance, offering a refined alternative to traditional desert accent plants. With its soft blue-gray leaves, velvety texture, and sculptural form, it introduces tranquility and modern sophistication to Arizona gardens. Hardy, water-wise, and effortlessly beautiful, this plant is the definition of natural luxury in the desert landscape.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):
Kalanchoe beharensis ‘Blue Slick’ Planting Guide:
Location: Full sun to partial shade; best coloration develops in bright light. Provide afternoon shade during extreme summer heat in the Phoenix Valley to prevent leaf scorch.
Soil: Use a sharply draining succulent or cactus mix blended with sand, pumice, or decomposed granite. Avoid moisture-retentive soils.
Spacing: Allow 3–4 feet between plants to accommodate mature size and airflow.
Planting Depth: Keep the crown level with the soil surface; avoid burying the leaf bases.
Support: Not required; thick stems and symmetrical form ensure natural stability.

Watering Guide:
Watering After Planting: Water deeply after installation to settle the soil, then allow it to dry completely before watering again. During establishment (first 2–3 months), water every 10–14 days depending on heat and soil drainage.
When is the Plant Established? Kalanchoe beharensis ‘Blue Slick’ is established after 6–9 months, once new leaves appear consistently and growth resumes steadily through hot weather.
Watering Once Established: Water every 3–5 weeks in summer, and reduce watering significantly during winter dormancy.
Drip Irrigation Setup: Install one low-flow emitter (0.5–1 gallon per hour) about 6–8 inches from the base. Run sparingly and ensure the soil dries completely between watering cycles.
General Watering Tips: Always confirm the soil is fully dry before watering again. Overwatering can cause crown or root rot. Apply a thin layer of decorative gravel or decomposed granite to retain light surface moisture, highlight the foliage color, and promote drainage—keeping it several inches from the plant base for airflow and longevity.