Patharchatta (Bryophyllum pinnatum), also known as the Air Plant or Cathedral Bells, is a hardy succulent herb famous for sprouting tiny plantlets along its leaf edges. It bears fleshy, scalloped green leaves on upright stems and, when mature, dangling bell-shaped flowers in green, red and purple tones. In Indian folk and Ayurvedic medicine it is valued for supporting kidney and urinary health and for soothing wounds and bruises. Almost indestructible, drought-resistant and self-propagating, Patharchatta thrives in pots and gardens with minimal care, making it one of the easiest and most rewarding medicinal succulents to grow.
Specifications
| Family |
Crassulaceae |
| Native region |
Madagascar; naturalized across India |
| Mature height |
0.5-1.5 m |
| Mature spread |
30-60 cm |
| Growth rate |
Fast |
| Foliage |
Fleshy scalloped green leaves |
| Flower colour |
Green, red and purple |
| Flower season |
Winter |
| Climate zone |
Tropical to subtropical |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering |
Low; allow soil to dry between waterings |
| Soil / mix |
Well-drained sandy or cactus mix |
| Temperature |
Warm; protect from hard frost |
| Humidity |
Low to moderate |
| Fertilizer |
Minimal; light feed occasionally |
| Pruning |
Remove leggy stems as needed |
| Repotting |
Every 1-2 years if potted |
| Propagation |
Leaf plantlets root readily |
| Pests & problems |
Rarely troubled; watch mealybugs |
| Toxicity / safety |
Toxic to pets if eaten (bufadienolides) |
| Difficulty |
Very easy |
Uses
<p>Used in folk and Ayurvedic medicine to support kidney and urinary health and to soothe cuts, burns and bruises with crushed leaves. Also grown as a curious, easy-care ornamental succulent.</p>
Growing tips
<p>Treat it like a succulent: plant in gritty, free-draining soil and water sparingly to avoid rot. It self-propagates freely from leaf plantlets, so thin out volunteers to keep pots tidy.</p>