How To Care For Kalanchoe (Helpful Tips)

If you’ve ever been to a plant nursery or appreciated a friend’s windowsill garden, you’ve probably seen the colorful and endearing Kalanchoe.

This charming succulent is more than a pretty face; it’s a low-maintenance marvel taking center stage in gardens and homes worldwide.

What’s the lowdown on Kalanchoe, then? Although this striking plant is native to Madagascar, it is becoming well-known worldwide.

With its glossy, sometimes wavy leaves and cheery, brilliant blooms, kalanchoe is little wonder it has become a favorite among gardeners. 

What Is A Kalanchoe?

Although the term “kalanchoe” seems like something from a botanical dictionary, this plant is everything but scary. Simply put, kalanchoes are a genus of succulent plants prized for their eye-catching look and low maintenance requirements.

Kalanchoe, which originated in the parched regions of Madagascar and other areas of Africa, has proven to be more than just a pretty face by making its way into gardens and homes worldwide.

There are several varieties of kalanchoe, and each has a distinct personality:

• Kalanchoe blossfeldiana: Known for its vivid clusters of petite, tubular blooms, this cultivar is sometimes called the Flaming Katy. It’s a go-to for giving any room a splash of color.
• Kalanchoe tomentose: Also known as the Panda Plant, this plant has fluffy, silver-gray leaves that make it quite charming. It’s ideal for those who enjoy unusual, textured flora.
• Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi: Known as Lavender Scallops, this variety is characterized by its lovely scalloped margins and pale bluish foliage, which lends a hint of sophistication and mystery.

Pattern and Appearance

Kalanchoes are the show-offs of the succulent world, with their eye-catching, thick, fleshy leaves that come in a variety of forms and sizes. These plants usually produce rosettes of leaves, which might have rounder or longer leaves. 

Depending on the species, the leaves themselves may be smooth or have a soft, downy texture covering them. Because they tend to remain tiny and manageable in size, kalanchoes are ideal for desks, shelves, or little pots. 

They typically grow to a height of 12 to 18 inches, while some types can reach somewhat higher heights.

Kalanchoes blossom little bell-shaped blooms in shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, and white bloom in clusters. These flowers often bloom in the winter or early spring, giving you a cheery pop of color just when you need it. 

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The Best Conditions For Your Kalanchoe

Light 

Light is like morning coffee to kalanchoes; it’s necessary for a healthy, lively plant.

The ideal lighting for kalanchoes is bright, indirect light. Imagine it as a warm, well-lit area shielded from the sun’s glaring beams.

The best places are those with ambient light or a sunny windowsill with filtered light.

If your kalanchoe is being kept indoors, situate it close to a window so it may receive some indirect sunlight. Conversely, if you are transferring your Kalanchoe outside, ensure it is not exposed to the intense noon light.

The ideal quantity of light is provided by either the morning sun or the mild afternoon shadow without overpowering the plant.

A light deficiency might result in stunted growth and fewer flowers, but an excess of intense sunshine could burn those beautiful leaves. If your plant is reaching toward the light or its leaves are becoming crispy, keep an eye on it and modify its location.

Humidity and Temperature

Although kalanchoe is a very tolerant plant, it does have some temperature requirements. It prefers temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (15°C and 24°C).

Keep it out of freezing temperatures and chilly drafts during the winter. Because they dislike the cold, kalanchoes may suffer from extremely low temperatures.

It is advisable to keep your kalanchoe indoors, where it can stay warm and comfortable if you reside in an area with cold winters.

Regarding humidity, kalanchoes love a dry atmosphere; they see it as the ideal habitat for desert plants. Humidity levels indoors are often quite acceptable. If the plant is in a very humid region, ensure adequate airflow around it to avoid problems like rot or mildew. Use a container with drainage holes and a soil mix that drains nicely to keep everything happy and dry.

Soil and Planting

Though not in a high-maintenance sense, kalanchoe is a bit finicky regarding soil. It grows best in a well-draining, slightly heavy soil mixture. 

A combination of succulents or cacti is the ideal choice for Kalanchoe. Root rot is a significant problem with succulents, and these blends are made to let water drain away fast. But if you’d instead make your potting mix, here’s a straightforward method to follow:

• Potting Soil: Regular potting soil should be the foundation for your planting. This gives your plant the nutrition it needs. 
• Perlite: Add perlite to enhance drainage and aeration. Perlite ensures that excess water drains freely and prevents the soil from getting compacted.
• Coarse Sand: Mix coarse sand to improve drainage and replicate the naturally dry conditions that kalanchoes like.

Homemade Soil Mix Recipe

• 1 part of potting soil
• 1 part perlite
• 1 part course sand

These components should be combined in a container and well mixed to create a soil mix ideal for kalanchoe plants. This mixture ensures that extra water swiftly drains away, keeping the roots healthy and dry.

Choosing a Pot

The trick with Kalanchoe is to choose a pot with drainage holes. These holes are necessary because they let extra water out, which prevents the dreaded root rot.

Choose a container bigger than the plant’s root ball. This allows the roots to spread out easily. Remember that Kalanchoe is okay with being a little tight, so don’t go crazy with the sizing.

Repotting is usually necessary when the plant outgrows its existing container, or the soil begins to decompose. It’s a good idea to repot every two to three years, and it is best done in the spring when the plant is getting ready for growth.

Repotting involves carefully removing the plant from its old pot, shaking off the old dirt, and then putting it in a new pot with fresh soil that drains properly. It’s like giving your plant a new home in a better location—a fresh start without the hassle of moving!

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Watering & Feeding 

Generally, you should water your kalanchoe every two to three weeks. You may water the plant less throughout the winter when it is dormant.

Before watering, always examine the soil; if it feels dry a few inches down, it needs water. Hold off if it’s still damp.

Watch for musty odors, damp soil, and yellowing foliage. These are warning signs that your kalanchoe may be swimming in excessive water.

Inversely, if the leaves on your kalanchoe are wrinkled or appear a little droopy, they may be thirsty and exhibit signs of underwatering. It’s time to water up when the leaves start to shrink and get dry.

Fertilization

Choose a water-soluble, balanced fertilizer. The ideal combination is a general-purpose mix with equal amounts of potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen (10-10-10).

Another option is to use a fertilizer made especially for cacti and succulents, which frequently contains a little bit more phosphorus to encourage blooming.

Feed your kalanchoe once a month during the growth season (spring and summer). You may forgo feeding the plant when it is dormant in the fall and winter.

To prevent overfeeding your plant, dilute the fertilizer to half its recommended concentration before applying it. After fertilizer application, give the plant lots of water to assist it in absorbing the nutrients.

Maintenance and Pruning

Pruning your Kalanchoe is essential to preserving its health and vitality and keeping it looking nice. Consider it a small spring cleaning combined with a fashionable haircut for your plant.

• How to Prune for Health and Shape: First, remove any lanky or excessively long stems. To make tidy cuts, use pruning shears or clean, sharp scissors. Then, cut down any very long or crowded stems to concentrate on reshaping the plant. This promotes branching and more even growth.
• Remove Dead and Damaged Leaves: Damaged or dead sections of your kalanchoe should be disposed of, much like trash in a home. Keep your plant fresh and healthy by gently removing wasted blossoms and yellowed or shriveled foliage. Pinch off flowers at the base, where they join the stalk. 

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Insects & Other Issues

Even with the finest care, pests and other concerns won’t always go away, but you can deal with them head-on:

• Mealybugs: These tiny, cottony, white insects frequently congregate in the stem joints and leaf axils. An alcohol-dipped cotton swab or insecticidal soap can be used to treat them.
• Aphids: Tiny, green, or black insects that feed on plant sap. Neem oil treatment or a vigorous stream of water might be used to remove them.
• Leaf Spots: Fungal infections or overwatering may cause unattractive patches on your Kalanchoe’s leaves. Eliminate impacted foliage and modify your irrigation techniques. 
• Fungal Problems: Mold or powdery mildew may occasionally develop. If you notice any white, powdery residue, try improving air circulation around the plant and refraining from overhead watering. If the issue continues, a fungicidal spray may also be used.

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Your Kalanchoe Care Checklist

You can now maintain your kalanchoe’s gorgeous appearance! To make things easy, here’s a summary: Keep your plant in a comfortable temperature range of 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C) and provide it with strong, indirect light. 

To prevent soggy roots, choose a soil mix that drains well and select a container with drainage holes. Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer explicitly designed for succulents and water every two to three weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between applications. Prune often to get rid of damaged or dead branches, and watch for pests.