Kalanchoe is a stunning flowering plant that has gained popularity among gardening enthusiasts for its vibrant colors and low-maintenance nature. Native to Madagascar, these succulent plants belong to the Crassulaceae family and are known for their ability to thrive in various conditions. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, growing Kalanchoe can be a rewarding experience. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to grow Kalanchoe successfully and enjoy its captivating blooms.
Steps on how to grow kalanchoe
Choosing the Right Variety
Before embarking on your Kalanchoe-growing journey, it’s important to select the right variety that suits your preferences and growing conditions. Kalanchoe comes in various species, each with its unique characteristics. Common types include Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Kalanchoe pumila, and Kalanchoe thyrsiflora. Consider factors such as flower color, growth habit, and mature size when choosing the variety that appeals to you.
Light and Temperature Requirements
Kalanchoe thrives in bright light conditions, preferably with direct sunlight for a few hours a day. Place your plant near a south-facing window where it can receive adequate sunlight. However, be cautious of intense midday sun, as it may scorch the leaves. Kalanchoe can tolerate a wide temperature range, but they prefer temperatures between 60°F to 85°F (15°C to 29°C). Protect them from frost and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining potting mix is crucial for Kalanchoe’s growth. Choose a commercial cactus or succulent mix or create your own by combining equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand. This blend ensures excellent drainage, preventing waterlogged roots. Select a pot with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Avoid over-potting, as Kalanchoe prefers slightly crowded roots.
Watering and Humidity
Kalanchoe is a succulent that stores water in its fleshy leaves and stems. Overwatering can be detrimental to its health, so it’s essential to strike the right balance. Water your Kalanchoe thoroughly but allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Ensure that the pot has proper drainage to prevent water accumulation. As for humidity, Kalanchoe is adaptable and can tolerate normal household humidity levels.
Fertilization
During the active growing season, feed your Kalanchoe with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer formulated for succulent plants. Dilute the fertilizer to half-strength and apply it every two to four weeks. However, during the dormant period, reduce or eliminate fertilization.
Pruning and Maintenance
Regular pruning helps maintain the shape and health of your Kalanchoe plant. Trim back leggy or overgrown stems, and remove spent flowers to encourage new growth. Pruning is best done in spring or early summer. Additionally, keep an eye out for pests like aphids or mealybugs. If necessary, treat the infestation promptly with an organic insecticide or wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
Propagation
Kalanchoe can be easily propagated through stem cuttings. Simply snip a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, and allow the cutting to dry for a few days. Then, plant it in a well-draining potting mix and provide the necessary care. In a few weeks, roots will develop, and a new plant will start growing.
Types of Kalachoe
Kalanchoe is a diverse genus of succulent plants that encompasses numerous species and cultivars. Here are some popular types of Kalanchoe:
- Kalanchoe blossfeldiana: Also known as Flaming Katy or Christmas Kalanchoe, this is one of the most widely cultivated species. It features clusters of vibrant, long-lasting flowers in shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, and white. The leaves are thick and fleshy, often with scalloped edges.
- Kalanchoe thyrsiflora: Commonly called Paddle Plant or Desert Cabbage, this succulent has striking, paddle-shaped leaves that stack on top of each other, forming an architectural rosette. The leaves are bluish-green, edged with red, and the plant produces tall, upright flower stalks with small, bell-shaped flowers.
- Kalanchoe pumila: Also known as Flower Dust Plant or Kalanchoe Baby’s Shoes, this miniature species has small, rounded leaves that are covered in a fine layer of tiny hairs, giving them a powdery appearance. It produces small clusters of pink or white flowers on short stems.
- Kalanchoe daigremontiana: Commonly called Mother of Thousands or Devil’s Backbone, this species is known for its unique propagation method. It produces small plantlets along the edges of its serrated leaves, which eventually drop off and root, giving rise to new plants. The leaves are green with red or purple markings.
- Kalanchoe tomentosa: This species, often called Panda Plant or Chocolate Soldier, features fuzzy, velvety leaves that are gray-green in color with brownish spots along the margins. The leaves have a rounded shape and are densely covered in fine hairs. It produces small, tubular, yellowish-green flowers.
- Kalanchoe luciae: Also known as Flapjack or Paddle Plant, this succulent has thick, paddle-shaped leaves that are grayish-green to reddish-brown in color. The leaves are often stacked in a rosette formation and have a powdery coating. In the right conditions, the edges of the leaves turn a vibrant red.
- Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi: Commonly called Lavender Scallops or South American Air Plant, this species has lavender to purple-tinted leaves with scalloped edges. The leaves are fleshy and slightly fuzzy. It produces clusters of small, tubular, pink or purple flowers.
Propagating Kalanchoe
Propagating Kalanchoe is a rewarding and straightforward process. One of the most common methods of propagation is through stem cuttings. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to propagate Kalanchoe:
- Select a healthy plant: Choose a mature Kalanchoe plant with strong, disease-free stems. Avoid using cuttings from plants that show signs of stress or disease.
- Prepare the cutting: Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, take a stem cutting that is approximately 3 to 4 inches long. Make the cut just below a leaf node (the point where a leaf is attached to the stem). This is where new roots will form.
- Allow the cutting to callus: Place the cutting in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and allow the cut end to dry and callus for a few days. This helps prevent rot when the cutting is planted.
- Prepare the rooting medium: Fill a small pot or tray with a well-draining soil mixture. A combination of cactus/succulent potting mix and perlite or sand works well. Moisten the soil slightly to make it slightly damp but not overly wet.
- Plant the cutting: Once the cutting has callused, gently insert the cut end into the prepared soil mixture. Plant it deep enough so that it stands upright, and ensure that at least one or two leaf nodes are buried beneath the soil.
- Provide the right conditions: Place the pot in a warm location with bright, indirect light. Avoid exposing the cutting to direct sunlight, as it can scorch the delicate plant tissues. Maintain a temperature between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) for optimal rooting.
- Watering and care: Water the cutting lightly, ensuring that the soil remains slightly moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to rot. Mist the cutting occasionally to provide a slightly humid environment, but avoid excessive moisture. Monitor the soil moisture and adjust watering accordingly.
- Root development: In a few weeks, roots should start forming from the leaf nodes buried in the soil. You can gently tug on the cutting after a few weeks to check for resistance, indicating root growth.
- Transplanting: Once the cutting has developed a healthy root system, usually after 6 to 8 weeks, it is ready to be transplanted into its own individual pot with well-draining soil. Continue caring for the new plant as you would for a mature Kalanchoe.