If you’re on the hunt for a striking succulent to pair with your other plants, Kalanchoe Plant is a fantastic choice! With its array of gorgeous colors and varieties, it’s sure to brighten up any room. Plus, Kalanchoe is incredibly easy to care for, making it ideal for both gardening pros and beginners alike.
One standout variety is Kalanchoe Sexangularis, or the Six-Angled Kalanchoe, which adds a unique touch to your collection.
Read on for tips on how to nurture a happy and healthy Kalanchoe plant!
Poisonousness
Although Kalanchoe plants pose no danger to humans, they can be harmful to animals, including cats, dogs, and livestock. The plant’s leaves and flowers contain a substance that can trigger digestive problems like vomiting and diarrhea. In rare instances, it may also lead to irregular heartbeats in pets. To prevent harm, ensure these plants are kept away from animals.
Essential Care Guidelines for Kalanchoe Plants
Watering Practices for Your Kalanchoe Plant
The Kalanchoe plant is quite low-maintenance when it comes to watering. Overwatering can cause the plant to drown, and since its leaves are delicate, even a small amount of water can lead to rot.
To prevent this, it’s recommended to use the “Bottom Watering” method. This technique helps keep the leaves dry while ensuring the plant receives the right amount of water to thrive.
Alternatively, you can water the plant from the top, but be careful not to wet the leaves. If any water does get on them by mistake, gently blot the leaves with a tissue. Also, remember to empty any excess water from the saucer after watering to avoid waterlogging the plant.
Keep in mind that the Kalanchoe plant is a succulent, which means it only needs watering when the soil is fully dry or when the leaves feel soft to the touch instead of firm. If you’re unsure when to water, you can use a moisture meter or simply check the top 2 inches of soil with your finger to see if it’s dry.
Light Requirements
Kalanchoe plants thrive best with at least six hours of sunlight daily, which helps them develop their unique reddish outlines. However, be cautious not to expose them to too much direct sunlight, as their delicate leaves can burn easily, preventing the plant from blooming properly.
To keep your Kalanchoe happy, place it in a spot where it receives ample light but is shielded from the harsh afternoon sun. A bright window indoors or a shaded outdoor area would work well.
Temperature Preferences
Kalanchoes are sensitive to cold and should be kept in temperatures between 60°F and 85°F for optimal growth. If you plan to grow them outside, ensure the temperature stays above 45°F. Since they’re not suited for cold conditions, it’s best to bring them indoors when the weather becomes too chilly for them to handle.
Soil and Fertilization
Kalanchoes prefer soil with excellent drainage to prevent water from lingering around their roots. Since they dislike sitting in wet soil for too long, it’s important to plant them in a mix that allows moisture to flow through quickly. You can either buy a cactus or succulent potting mix designed for good drainage or create your own by blending organic compost with perlite and pumice, adding some worm castings for an extra boost of nutrients.
In terms of feeding, Kalanchoes are relatively low-maintenance plants. They thrive with minimal intervention, so a simple top-dressing of compost and worm castings each spring is often enough to keep them healthy. If you don’t have access to top-dress, you can feed them once a month with a balanced fertilizer like 20-20-20 to support their growth.
Choosing the Right Pot and Repotting Your Kalanchoe Plants
Kalanchoe plants have a fragile root system, so it’s best to choose a pot that allows for good airflow. Clay pots are ideal for this, as they help promote root health. To ensure the plant doesn’t sit in excess water, place a layer of pebbles at the bottom of the pot.
When repotting, it’s best to do so during the plant’s active growth period, either after blooming or in the growing season. Use fresh potting soil and a slightly larger container to give the plant room to grow. Make sure to remove any spent flowers to keep the blooms coming. Always handle the plant with care, as its branches are prone to breaking.
How to Encourage Your Kalanchoe to Bloom
Kalanchoe Plants are capable of flowering multiple times a year, though they typically bloom in late winter to spring when kept indoors. If you’d like to change its blooming cycle, you can trick the plant into blooming at any time.
To do this, reduce its light exposure in the fall and winter, and stop watering and fertilizing it for about six weeks. Once you see flower buds starting to form, move the plant to a brighter spot, resume watering, and start fertilizing again in the spring to encourage full bloom.
How to Propagate Kalanchoe Plants
Propagating Kalanchoe plants is a straightforward process. Start by cutting a stem just above a node or leaf, making sure the piece is at least 3 inches long for the best chance of success.
Once you’ve taken the cutting, let it sit for 2 to 3 days to form a callus, which helps prevent rot when planted. Just leave it on a tray or pot in a dry spot for this to happen.
After the callus forms, place the cutting in well-draining soil and set it in a spot with bright, indirect light, like a south-facing window. Keep the soil lightly moist to encourage rooting.
Once the cutting establishes roots, you can start treating it like a fully grown plant and care for it accordingly.
Common Pests That Affect Kalanchoe Plants and How to Handle Them
Kalanchoe plants are fairly pest-resistant but can still attract aphids, spider mites, scale, and nematodes, especially when grown outdoors. These pests will feed on the plant’s leaves.
To deal with aphids, simply rinse the plant with a steady stream of water. For mealybugs, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently remove them. For scale, a plastic card works well to scrape them off carefully.
Final Thoughts
Caring for Kalanchoes is a breeze, making them a perfect choice for both beginners and seasoned gardeners. With their vibrant blooms and rich green foliage, they bring a lively touch to any space. Whether in your home or garden, these plants are sure to brighten up your surroundings effortlessly!