Hi, I’m Gianluca.
I studied cultural anthropology, and I’ve always been fascinated by the different ways people live, move, and experience a place.
Rome is not only my city – it’s the environment I love observing, understanding, and sharing through these small stories.
Together with my wife Connie, we host travellers in our small hotel near the Vatican, where we enjoy meeting people from all over the world and exchanging perspectives – just as I do here in the blog.
If you ever feel like saying hello while exploring Rome, you’ll find us on our terrace as well, where every morning we serve breakfast with a view.
Gianluca
At QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast, one plant has quickly become a star on our terrace: the Kalanchoe thyrsiflora. This remarkable succulent, with its vibrant, paddle-shaped leaves, has not only thrived in our city environment but also captured the admiration of our guests. Starting as a single supermarket purchase, our Kalanchoe thyrsiflora has spread across the terrace in under three years, creating a lush and colorful landscape.
Botanical Features of Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora
Kalanchoe thyrsiflora belongs to the Crassulaceae family, native to southern Africa. Known for its large, rounded leaves, which often develop a red tint on the edges when exposed to bright sunlight, this succulent is sometimes called “paddle plant” or “flapjack” due to the leaf shape. In the right conditions, the plant may even produce clusters of small, yellow flowers on tall stalks, adding a striking visual element to any space.
Adaptability and Growth in Urban Settings
Kalanchoe thyrsiflora is incredibly adaptable and well-suited to urban environments. Its thick leaves help it retain water, allowing it to withstand dry, sunny conditions. This resilience has made it a perfect choice for our terrace in Rome, where it receives ample sunlight and requires minimal watering. With very little maintenance, it thrives in pots or planters, making it ideal for balconies, terraces, and city gardens.
Our experience with Kalanchoe thyrsiflora has shown how quickly it can propagate under favorable conditions. Initially a single plant, it now covers a large portion of the terrace, providing greenery and color. It’s a delightful surprise for guests, many of whom have taken a small cutting to replant at home, carrying a piece of QuodLibet back with them.
Tips for Growing Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora
- Sunlight: Kalanchoe thyrsiflora prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate full sun as well. Sun exposure enhances the red coloring on the leaf edges, giving the plant a vibrant appearance.
- Watering: This plant is drought-tolerant, requiring only occasional watering. In fact, overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s best to let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
- Soil: A well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix is essential to prevent moisture buildup. Adding sand or perlite to standard potting soil can improve drainage.
- Propagation: Kalanchoe thyrsiflora is easily propagated from leaf or stem cuttings. Simply take a cutting, allow it to dry for a day or two to prevent rot, and then place it in soil. Within a few weeks, it will start developing roots and establish itself in its new environment.
Curiosities and Guest Interactions
Our Kalanchoe thyrsiflora has become an unexpected attraction, with many guests fascinated by its lush growth. It’s not uncommon for visitors to ask about its care or even take a small cutting as a souvenir of their stay. We love seeing the plant’s legacy extend beyond our terrace, bringing a bit of QuodLibet’s charm into our guests’ own homes.
A Green Oasis in the Heart of Rome
For those staying at QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast, the Kalanchoe thyrsiflora is more than just a plant—it’s a conversation starter and a symbol of growth, resilience, and natural beauty in the heart of the city. We hope it adds to the charm of your stay and brings a touch of greenery to your Roman experience.
