Photo: Rosario DouglasCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Donkey Ears Plant Care
Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri Raym.-Hamet & H.Perrier
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri, also known as Donkey Ears, is a unique succulent characterized by its large, paddle-shaped leaves with fuzzy edges. Originating from Madagascar, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its striking appearance and ease of care.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to full sun
60–85°F
30–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Donkey Ears?
Water Donkey Ears every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 30–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Donkey Ears?
Donkey Ears (Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri) belongs to the Crassulaceae family within the Kalanchoe genus. Donkey Ears is native to Madagascar. Donkey Ears is also known as Kalanchoe.
Donkey Ears displays a compact, bushy succulent growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Donkey Ears produces small, colorful clusters of tubular flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Donkey Ears?
Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Donkey Ears Need?
Donkey Ears thrives in bright indirect to full sun. Avoid placing Donkey Ears in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Donkey Ears Prefer?
Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Donkey Ears prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
30–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Donkey Ears?
Well-draining succulent mix with perlite and sand. Good drainage is essential for Donkey Ears to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Donkey Ears?
Feed Donkey Ears every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Donkey Ears?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Donkey Ears?
Donkey Ears can be propagated through stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to kalanchoe plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Donkey Ears Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Donkey Ears?
Donkey Ears is susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Donkey Ears Need?
Donkey Ears grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Donkey Ears is native to Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow Donkey Ears as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Donkey Ears is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Kalanchoe genus — compare its care with other Kalanchoe species on PlantoScan.
Kalanchoe is part of the Crassulaceae plant family — browse all Crassulaceae genera and species.
Donkey Ears thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Kalanchoe Species
Other Kalanchoe species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri Raym.-Hamet & H.Perrier, family Crassulaceae (first published in Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot. , sér. 9, 16: 364 (1912)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Donkey Ears is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Rosario Douglas, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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