Kalanchoe thyrsiflora forms a basal rosette of large rounded, fleshy leaves, which are grayish cream with red margins. Plants reach about 600 mm, and the erect, upward-facing, tightly arranged leaves are without petioles. The rosettes send up dense inflorescences to 1-1.3 m tall, which are coated with a white powder. On the inflorescence the lower leaves are rounded and become smaller as they ascend along the flowering stem.

This plant is used in traditional medicine. The Sothos use it as a charm to smooth away difficulties, and sometimes in medicine given to pregnant women who don't feel well. the Xhosas use it to treat earache and colds. It is also used to make anthelmintic enemas. Please not that this plant is toxic to sheep and can have harmful effects on people, and should be used with caution.

The southern Sothos use Kalanchoe thyrsiflora as a charm to soothe away difficulties.