Family: Crassulaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Kalanchoe delagoensis (chandelier plant, also known as Kalanchoe tubiflora) is a succulent species native to Madagascar. It is easily recognized by its upright stems and long, narrow, tubular leaves that often produce tiny plantlets along their edges. These plantlets readily fall off and root, allowing the plant to spread quickly. The species is sometimes grown as an ornamental plant in dry gardens and containers because of its unusual form and low water requirements, making it popular among succulent collectors and houseplant enthusiasts.

Risks & Threats
This species is naturalized on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island, and it possesses traits that are cause for concern in Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems. Its ability to reproduce prolifically through leaf plantlets allows it to spread rapidly in disturbed areas, rocky slopes, and dry habitats, where it can form dense patches that displace native vegetation. Like other invasive succulents, it can alter habitat structure and compete with native plants for space and resources. Because of these impacts, it could detrimentally affect tropical island ecosystems if it continues to spread. Choosing a low-risk or native alternative is strongly recommended.

High Risk Traits:

• Able to grow in tropical climates
  
• Widely naturalized, including Kauai, Oahu, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii
  
• Agricultural weed (invades rangelands and pastures, replacing grasses and legumes, and reduces productivity)
  
• Environmental weed (forms dense monospecific thickets displacing and inhibiting recruitment of native vegetation)
  
• Other Kalanchoe species have become invasive
  
• Possibly allelopathic
  
• Toxic to animals and humans
  
• Tolerates shade
  
• Forms dense, monotypic ground cover
  
• Reproduces by seeds and vegetatively by plantlets
  
• Able to hybridize with other Kalanchoe species
  
• Seeds and/or vegetative parts spread by wind, water, garden waste and intentionally

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Palatable, but toxic, to animals
  
• Ornamental
  
• Does not increase fire risk
  
• Fire may provide control
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control