Posted on April 13, 2024 ; 3:42 pm

I’ve been doing this for 10 years on my Kalanchoe, and they become prettier each year.

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Kalanchoes are perennial flowering plants that have gained popularity due to their unique appearance and easy care. They can be grown both indoors and outdoors, particularly in USDA hardiness zones 10-12, and boast beautiful blossoms once a year. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy the vibrant colors and textures of kalanchoe all year round.

Kalanchoes Care Tips & Tricks

While there are many species of kalanchoe available, most varieties found in home improvement stores or nurseries follow similar care requirements. Follow these key steps to ensure a happy and healthy kalanchoe plant:

Light

Kalanchoes thrive in direct, unfiltered light indoors or full sun outside. Plant experts stress that providing enough sunlight is an important aspect of kalanchoe care as it promotes blooming and enhances overall plant health.

Soil & Potting

  • Loamy soil provides an ideal environment for kalanchoes, whether grown inside or out.
  • Select a pot with a drainage hole to prevent water pooling around the roots and causing root rot.

Watering

Kalanchoes are native to arid climates where they are adapted to conserve water. To ensure healthy growth, you should only water your kalanchoe when the top one to two inches of soil have completely dried out—and be cautious not to over-water; this could lead the roots and stem to rot, causing the plant to collapse.

Temperature & Humidity

Low humidity levels are ideal for kalanchoes, which is why they should be kept in dry areas. Remember to bring your outdoor kalanchoe plants indoors when temperatures drop below freezing to keep them safe from frost damage.

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Fertilizing

Fertilizing your kalanchoes during the vegetative growth phase is a must but avoid fertilizing when they’re flowering. Opt for houseplant fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions and try utilizing diluted concentrations to maximize nutrient absorption.

Growing Kalanchoe from seeds & propagation

Kalanchoe seeds can be sown indoors in early spring using a high-quality potting mix. After about two months, transfer seedlings into individual pots or plant directly in your garden if you reside in a warm enough climate.

The best method of propagation, however, is through stem cuttings. Before planting, allow the bottom of the stem to dry out for a few days. When transferred to soil, regularly mist with water to provide sufficient hydration.

Different types of Kalanchoe plants

With over 100 species within its genus, there’s bound to be a kalanchoe that catches your eye:

  • Kalanchoe blossfeldiana: Commonly known as the Christmas kalanchoe, it’s one of the most popular varieties.
  • Kalanchoe daigremontiana: This variety produces tiny plantlets along leaf edges and is easy to grow and propagate.
  • Kalanchoe pinnata: Known for bright green scalloped leaves, this plant also produces plantlets and the Fragrant flowers are considered valuable for botanical applications.
  • Kalanchoe thyrsiflora: Also called paddle plant, it features stunning flat round leaves that resemble roses. The mother plant dies after flowering but lives on through offshoots.
  • Kalanchoe tomentosa: With soft, hairy leaves, this kalanchoe is a striking addition to any plant collection. It adapts well to low-water environments, so ensure you don’t over-water it.
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Pest & Disease prevention in Kalanchoe plants

Fortunately, kalanchoes are generally pest- and disease-resistant when cared for properly. Healthy plants are less likely to succumb to common issues such as aphids, mealybugs, or scale infestations. However, be warned: these plants can be toxic to cats, dogs, and livestock, so place them strategically to avoid unwanted nibbling.

With proper care and attention—and a little TLC—your kalanchoe plants will thrive, providing stunning blossoms and foliage that brighten up your surroundings. Don’t be afraid to propagate your plants and experiment with different varieties—you’ll soon have a flourishing kalanchoe collection that will make you the envy of fellow plant enthusiasts!

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