Kalanchoe is a genus of 125 species of plants andsucculentsthat are part of the stonecrop familyCrassulaceae.
It is native to Madagascar and tropical Africa.
Kalanchoe plants are known for their oval-shaped and often scallop-edged green leaves.
Here are some incredibly diverse and gorgeous Kalanchoe types that can be planted in your home or outside.
It is also nicknamed the Christmas kalanchoe because it is typically sold around Christmas.
it’s possible for you to recognizeKalanchoe blossfeldianaby its slightly fleshy bright green leaves with scalloped edges.
This cultivar has three petal formations: single, double, and rose.
Lastly, rose-like flowers have many petals that make them look like fully opened roses in bloom.
Thats why it is also called the mother of thousands.
It is easy to grow the succulent by picking up fallen plantlets and planting them in the soil.
It is essential to know that many parts of this plant contain a toxic steroid,daigremontianin.
Handling this plant with care is a must.
This succulent is native to Madagascar and has become naturalized in tropical and subtropical areas.
It is one of the kalanchoe species that requires a lot of warmth and bright light to flower.
This growth pattern creates a continuous cycle of renewal.
It is adapted to conserve water and has a thick stem with many branches.
It takes several years for this succulent to bloom.
But once it does, you will enjoy seeing its beautiful shades of red during spring.
However, you must consider a few things to ensure these flowering plants get the best care.
Sunlight
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These succulent plants thrive in bright, indirect light.
you’ve got the option to grow the kalanchoe indoors by placing it on a windowsill.
If you grow it outside, ensure it gets protection from the late afternoon sun.
The plants will get spindly or develop leggy stems if the indoor light is too low.
it’s possible for you to use aplant grow lightto provide the warmth and brightness that kalanchoes require.
So, if you habitually forget to water your plants, this is your best option!
Overwatering can damage the kalanchoe, so allow it to dry out entirely before pouring more water.
This will help prevent root rot.
you’ve got the option to check the dryness of the soil by putting your finger on it.
Kalanchoe care indoors is about creating a soil mix that doesnt retain too much moisture.
Get aplant potwith many drainage holes so that it doesnt hold excess water.
It thrives in a fairly wide range of temperatures of 5995F (1535 C).
Although kalanchoes can thrive in cooler temperatures, they do best in warm climates.
Nevertheless, kalanchoes can die from frost, so they should be overwintered indoors.
Switch to a fertilizer higher in phosphorous if you dont see as many kalanchoe flowers.
Always follow the instructions on the products label.
However, aliquid fertilizeris generally a better option because it will get absorbed quickly and isharder to overdose.
Winter Care
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Bring your kalanchoe inside during the winter.
The succulent also needs less water in the winter than in summer or spring.
Allow the soil to dry out thoroughly before you water it.
How to Grow a Kalanchoe Plant
These plants tend to be slow-growing.
They can take an average of 25 years to reach their mature size.
Heres how you’ve got the option to plant and grow the succulent.
As we mentioned earlier, you might also propagate kalanchoe from leaf offsets or plantlets.
Offsets absorb a lot of energy from the parent plant, so propagation benefits the kalachoes health.
Use shears to trim the flower stalks, encouraging the plant to branch out and improve its foliage.
Kalanchoe is quite forgiving, so dont stress too much about pruning.
Its all about keeping your plant healthy and looking its best.
However, these plants need a hibernation or rest period to gain enough energy to bloom.
Provide indirect sunlight for the remaining hours of the day.
Dont water the plants until you begin to see flower buds emerge.
Once the colorful flowers appear, let the plant enjoy full sun and enough water.
This helps the succulent to keep flowering and keeps the kalanchoe looking tidy.
you’re free to also pluck off dry and brown leaves or branches.
If you find an infestation, isolate the affected areas.
Wipe the infected parts with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
it’s possible for you to also remove brown scale by scraping it off.
Get rid of aphids by picking them off the plant.
Mildew
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Powdery mildew develops on the kalanchoe in the form of fine webbing.
The plants leaves may look mottled and have yellow spotting, dead flecks, or certain ring spot patterns.
To prevent this disease, check that that the kalanchoe gets enough airflow.
you’ve got the option to treat mildew by applying baking soda to the affected areas.
If you see this happening, stop watering the plant till it recovers.
Ensure the plant is kept in a pot with many drainage holes.
Wheres Your Plant-Astic Kalanchoe?
We cant wait to see your kalanchoes pictures and to know which variety you liked best.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Kalanchoes
How Long Do Kalanchoe Plants Live?
Keep pruning the plant, repotting it when it gets too big, and removing or replanting offshoots.
What to Do With Kalanchoe After Flowering?
You could pick the showy blooms and createflower herbariums.
Can Kalanchoe Be Used to Treat Cancer?
It is interesting to note thatKalanchoe pinnatahas thepotential to fight cancer.
Studies have shown that its phytochemicals can enhance therapeutic efficacy when combined with chemotherapeutic drugs.
