Kalanchoe Care Made Easy: Simple Steps for a Thriving Plant

Kalanchoe plants are succulent plants that belong to the Crassulaceae family. They are known for their bright, showy flowers and long-lasting blooms. Kalanchoes come in a wide variety of colors, including red, pink, yellow, orange, and white.

These plants are easy to care for and make great indoor or outdoor plants. However, like any other plant, Kalanchoe requires proper care to thrive.

All About Kalanchoe Plant Care

Kalanchoe plants are native to Madagascar, but they can now be found in many parts of the world. They are known for their fleshy leaves and vibrant flowers. The Kalanchoe plant is a succulent plant that stores water in its leaves and stems. This means that it requires less water than other plants and can survive in dry environments.

When To Plant Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe plants are usually planted in the spring or summer. They are sensitive to frost, so it's best to avoid planting them in the winter. In warmer climates, they can be planted all year round. When planting Kalanchoe, it's important to choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight.

Caring For Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe plants are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. They are drought-tolerant, which means they can survive without water for extended periods.

However, they still need to be watered occasionally. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to let the soil dry out between waterings.

Light & Temperature

Kalanchoe plants require bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. They should be placed in a location that receives at least 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight per day. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves of the plant, so it's important to avoid placing them in areas where they will receive direct sunlight. If the plant isn't receiving enough sunlight, the leaves will begin to turn yellow and fall off.

In terms of temperature, Kalanchoe plants prefer warm temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C). They can tolerate cooler temperatures but should be kept away from drafty areas, such as near windows or doors. If the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C), the plant can suffer damage or even die. If the plant is kept outdoors, it should be brought inside when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).

Water & Humidity

Kalanchoe plants are succulents and store water in their leaves. This means that they don't require frequent watering and can actually suffer from overwatering.

The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings, and the plant should be watered deeply but infrequently. Watering once a week is usually sufficient, but this may vary depending on the temperature and humidity levels.

In terms of humidity, Kalanchoe plants are adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels. They can thrive in both dry and humid environments, but it's important to avoid placing them in areas that are too humid, such as bathrooms. Excess moisture can cause the leaves to rot and the plant to suffer.

Soil

Kalanchoe plants require well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. A mixture of potting soil and perlite or sand works well for Kalanchoe plants.

The soil should be loose and porous, allowing for good airflow and water drainage. It's important to avoid using heavy, clay soils, as they can cause the soil to become waterlogged and lead to root rot.

Fertilizer

Kalanchoe plants don't require frequent fertilization but can benefit from occasional feedings. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can be applied once every two months during the growing season (spring and summer). It's important to avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to salt buildup in the soil and cause damage to the plant.

Repotting

Kalanchoe plants don't require frequent repotting and can actually suffer from being repotted too often. They should be repotted only when they outgrow their current pot, which is usually every two to three years. When repotting, it's important to choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current pot to prevent overwatering and root rot.

Propagation

Kalanchoe plants can be propagated easily from stem or leaf cuttings. To propagate from stem cuttings, simply cut a stem from the plant, remove the bottom leaves, and place the stem in a pot filled with well-draining soil.

The cutting should be watered sparingly and placed in a bright, indirect location until roots form. To propagate from leaf cuttings, remove a healthy leaf from the plant, allow it to dry for a day or two, and then place it in a pot filled with well-draining soil. The leaf should be watered sparingly and placed in a bright, indirect location until new growth appears.

Pruning

Kalanchoe plants don't require frequent pruning but can benefit from occasional grooming to maintain their shape and promote bushier growth. If the plant becomes too leggy, it can be pruned back to encourage bushier growth. Pruning should be done using clean, sharp pruning shears to prevent the spread of disease.

Troubleshooting Kalanchoe Plant Problems

Like any other plant, Kalanchoe can experience problems if not cared for properly. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

Growing Problems

If the plant becomes too leggy, it may be due to insufficient sunlight. Move the plant to a sunnier location or provide supplemental light. If the leaves begin to curl or droop, it may be a sign of underwatering or overwatering. Adjust watering habits accordingly.

Pests

Kalanchoe plants are generally resistant to pests. However, they can still attract mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. These pests can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. It's important to treat the plant as soon as the pests are noticed to prevent them from spreading to other plants.

Diseases

Kalanchoe plants are prone to root rot if overwatered or if the soil does not drain properly. Signs of root rot include yellowing leaves and a mushy stem. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering. If the plant does develop root rot, it may be necessary to repot the plant in fresh soil.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you keep kalanchoe blooming?

Kalanchoe plants are known for their beautiful and long-lasting blooms. To keep your Kalanchoe plant blooming, there are a few things you can do:

Provide Adequate Light: Kalanchoe plants require bright, indirect sunlight to bloom. If the plant is not receiving enough light, it may not produce blooms. Make sure to place your plant in a location that receives at least 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight per day.
Maintain Optimal Temperature: Kalanchoe plants prefer warm temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C) to bloom. If the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C), the plant may not produce blooms.
Control Daylight Hours: Kalanchoe plants require a certain amount of darkness to initiate the blooming process. To encourage blooming, the plant should be exposed to 14-16 hours of darkness each day. Covering the plant with a dark cloth or moving it to a dark room at night can help initiate the blooming process.
Avoid Overwatering: Overwatering can cause the plant to focus on leaf growth instead of blooming. Kalanchoe plants should be watered sparingly and allowed to dry out between waterings.
Fertilize Sparingly: While fertilizing can help promote blooming, it's important to avoid over-fertilizing, as this can damage the plant. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can be applied once every two months during the growing season (spring and summer).
Deadhead Old Blooms: To encourage the plant to produce more blooms, it's important to deadhead (remove) old blooms as they fade. This will also help maintain the plant's appearance.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your Kalanchoe plant continues to produce beautiful blooms for months to come.

Can you touch kalanchoe?

Yes, it is safe to touch Kalanchoe plants. They are not poisonous to humans or pets, and their leaves are not known to cause any adverse reactions when touched.

However, it's important to handle Kalanchoe plants with care, as their leaves and stems are somewhat delicate and can break easily. This is especially true for plants that have been grown indoors, as they may not be as sturdy as those grown outdoors.

If you need to handle your Kalanchoe plant, it's best to do so gently, using your fingertips to support the leaves and stems. Avoid bending or twisting the plant, as this can cause damage. If you need to move the plant, use both hands to support the pot and be careful not to bump the plant against any hard surfaces.

In general, Kalanchoe plants are relatively low-maintenance and easy to care for. With a little bit of attention and the right growing conditions, they can thrive and produce beautiful blooms for years to come.

How long do potted kalanchoe last?

With proper care, potted Kalanchoe plants can live for several years. However, the lifespan of a Kalanchoe plant will depend on several factors, including the plant's growing conditions, its age, and the care it receives.

Here are some factors that can affect the lifespan of a potted Kalanchoe plant:

Growing Conditions: Kalanchoe plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and warm temperatures. If they are grown in suboptimal conditions, such as low light or cold temperatures, they may not live as long.
Age: The lifespan of a Kalanchoe plant can also depend on its age. Older plants may be more susceptible to disease and pest problems, and may not live as long as younger plants.
Care: Proper care is essential for the long-term health of a Kalanchoe plant. This includes providing the right amount of water, fertilization, and repotting as needed.

With the right care, a potted Kalanchoe plant can live for several years, producing beautiful blooms season after season. It's important to monitor your plant's health and address any issues promptly to help ensure its longevity.

Where is the best place to put kalanchoe?

The best place to put Kalanchoe plants is in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. These plants do best in warm temperatures and need plenty of light to thrive. However, direct sunlight can be too intense and can damage the leaves or cause them to wilt.