Kalanchoe pumila, also known as the ‘Flower Dust Plant’, is a succulent native to Madagascar that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. This slow-growing plant is highly valued by gardeners for its attractive silvery-grey foliage and showy purple flowers.
Appearance and Characteristics
The Kalanchoe pumila ‘Flower Dust Plant’ plant typically grows to be about 6-8 inches in height and 12-18 inches in width, making it a great choice for container gardens or as a ground cover. Its leaves are fleshy and covered in a layer of fine hair that gives them their characteristic silvery-grey color. The edges of the leaves are slightly scalloped, adding to their visual appeal.
In late winter and early spring, Kalanchoe pumila ‘Flower Dust Plant’ produces clusters of small pink flowers that grow on tall stalks above the foliage. These flowers are a delight to the eye and can last for several weeks.
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Care Tips
Here are some tips to help you care for your Kalanchoe pumila plant:
Light and Temperature
While Kalanchoe pumila ‘Flower Dust Plant’ can tolerate some direct sunlight, too much can cause its leaves to burn. It is best to place the plant in an area with bright, indirect sunlight for most of the day. If you do place it in direct sunlight, make sure to protect it during the hottest part of the day, particularly during the summer months.
In terms of temperature, Kalanchoe pumila ‘Flower Dust Plant’ prefers a moderate climate with temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to note that this plant is not frost-tolerant and should not be exposed to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, it is best to keep Kalanchoe pumila ‘Flower Dust Plant’ indoors in areas with mild temperatures or in locations where it can be easily protected from extreme temperature changes.
Kalanchoe pumila ‘Flower Dust Plant’ is a tropical succulent that is not frost-tolerant, and it grows best in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. These zones are characterized by average minimum winter temperatures that range from 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, making them ideal for this plant’s growth and survival.
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Watering and Soil
Kalanchoe pumila ‘Flower Dust Plant’ is a succulent that is adapted to thrive in arid environments, and as such, it prefers soil that is well-draining and able to dry out between waterings. This is because the plant is capable of storing water in its leaves and stems, which allows it to survive prolonged periods of drought.
Overwatering can be particularly harmful to Kalanchoe pumila ‘Flower Dust Plant’, as it can cause the roots to become waterlogged, leading to root rot and eventual death of the plant. It’s important to avoid overwatering the Kalanchoe pumila ‘Flower Dust Plant’ and to allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
When watering, it is important to water Kalanchoe pumila ‘Flower Dust Plant’ deeply, allowing the water to reach the roots, but then allowing the soil to dry out completely before watering again. This may mean watering Kalanchoe pumila ‘Flower Dust Plant’ less frequently than other plants, but it is essential to the plant’s health. In addition to the right amount of water, providing proper soil and good drainage is crucial for Kalanchoe pumila ‘Flower Dust Plant’ to thrive.
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Fertilizer
Kalanchoe pumila ‘Flower Dust Plant’ doesn’t require much fertilizer, but you can feed it with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering.
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Propagation
Propagation of Kalanchoe pumila ‘Flower Dust Plant’ is a simple process that can be accomplished using several methods. One of the easiest ways to propagate this plant is through stem cuttings. To propagate through stem cuttings, you should first select a healthy stem and remove it from the plant. Make sure the stem is at least a few inches long and has several leaves. Afterward, allow the cut end to dry out for a few days, and then plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist but not overly wet and place the pot in a bright, indirect light. In a few weeks, the stem cutting should start developing roots and new growth.
Another method of propagating Kalanchoe pumila ‘Flower Dust Plant’ is through leaf cuttings. To propagate through leaf cuttings, you should first select a healthy leaf and remove it from the plant, making sure that the leaf comes off cleanly and without any damage. Afterward, allow the cut end to dry out for a few days, and then plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist but not overly wet and place the pot in a bright, indirect light. In a few weeks, small plantlets should start growing from the base of the leaf.
Kalanchoe pumila ‘Flower Dust Plant’ can also be propagated using offsets. Offsets are small plants that grow from the base of the mother plant. To propagate using offsets, you should carefully remove the offsets from the mother plant and plant them in their own container with well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist but not overly wet and place the pot in a bright, indirect light. In a few weeks, the offsets should start developing roots and new growth, which indicates that they have successfully rooted.
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Common Problems
Here are some common problems you may encounter when growing Kalanchoe pumila ‘Flower Dust Plant’:
- Overwatering: As mentioned earlier, overwatering can cause Kalanchoe pumila ‘Flower Dust Plant’ to rot. Make sure to allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Pest infestations: Kalanchoe pumila ‘Flower Dust Plant’ can be susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites. Check your plant regularly and treat any infestations promptly.
- Sunburn: Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves of Kalanchoe pumila ‘Flower Dust Plant’ to burn. If you notice the leaves turning brown or black, move the plant to a shadier location.
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