If you’re a fan of succulents, you’ve likely come across the beautiful and varied kalanchoe. These fascinating plants are native to Madagascar and are known for their unique leaf shapes, colorful flowers, and ease of care. In this article, we’ll explore the key characteristics of kalanchoe succulents and provide tips on how to care for and propagate these popular plants.
What is Kalanchoe?
Kalanchoe is a genus of flowering succulent plants that is native to Madagascar. It is part of the Crassulaceae family, which also includes popular plants such as jade plants and sedum. There are over 200 known species of kalanchoe, each with its own unique characteristics.
Kalanchoe plants are known for their colorful, bell-shaped flowers and unique leaf shapes, which can range from simple and oval to more complex and elongated. They are often used as ornamental plants in gardens and indoor spaces and are popular for their ease of care and ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions.
Kalanchoe Care and Maintenance
Kalanchoe plants are generally easy to care for and can thrive in a wide range of conditions. Here are some tips for caring for your kalanchoe:
Water: Kalanchoe plants are drought-tolerant and do not require frequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, and then water deeply to thoroughly moisten the soil. Be careful not to overwater, as kalanchoe is susceptible to root rot.
Soil: Kalanchoe requires well-draining soil in order to thrive. A cactus or succulent potting mix is a good choice, or you can make your own by mixing equal parts potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand.
Light: Kalanchoe prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but it is important to protect it from intense midday sun, which can scorch its leaves.
Fertilizer: It does not require much fertilizer. If you choose to fertilize, use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half strength once a month during the growing season.
Temperature: It is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it should be protected from frost. It can be grown outdoors in temperate climates, but should be brought indoors in colder regions.
Kalanchoe Propagation
Kalanchoe is known for its ability to grow and propagate easily, making it a popular choice for gardeners and plant enthusiasts. It can be propagated through leaf or stem cuttings or by dividing the plant into smaller sections and planting them in separate pots.
To propagate through leaf cuttings, follow these steps:
- Gently twist or cut a healthy leaf from the base of the plant.
- Allow the leaf to callous over for a few days by leaving it out in a dry, well-ventilated area.
- Once the leaf has calloused, place it on top of well-draining soil and gently press down to secure it in place.
- Water the soil lightly, being careful not to disturb the leaf.
- Keep the soil moist but not wet, and place the plant in a bright, indirect light location.
To propagate through stem cuttings, follow these steps:
- Gently twist or cut a healthy stem from the base of the plant.
- Remove any leaves from the lower half of the stem.
- Allow the stem to callous over for a few days by leaving it out in a dry, well-ventilated area.
- Once the stem has calloused, place it in well-draining soil and gently press down to secure it in place.
- Water the soil lightly, being careful not to disturb the stem.
- Keep the soil moist but not wet, and place the plant in a bright, indirect light location.
Some species, such as Kalanchoe daigremontiana, have the ability to produce plantlets or offsets on their leaves or stems. These plantlets are small, fully-formed plants that can be easily separated from the parent plant and propagated on their own.
To propagate plantlets, simply follow these steps:
- Gently twist or cut the plantlet from the parent plant.
- Allow the plantlet to callous over for a few days by leaving it out in a dry, well-ventilated area.
- Once the plantlet has calloused, place it in well-draining soil and gently press down to secure it in place.
- Water the soil lightly, being careful not to disturb the plantlet.
- Keep the soil moist but not wet, and place the plant in a bright, indirect light location.
It is important to handle the plantlets gently and avoid damaging the roots when separating them from the parent plant. With proper care, the plantlets should take root and grow into fully-formed plants.
Where to Buy Succulents Online
Kalanchoe Varieties
There are many different species and varieties of kalanchoe, each with its own unique characteristics. Some popular varieties include:
- Kalanchoe blossfeldiana ‘Flaming Katy’: This is a popular variety known for its colorful flowers and attractive foliage. It comes in a range of colors including red, pink, orange, and yellow.
- Kalanchoe tomentosa: This variety is also known as “panda plant” or “chocolate soldier” due to its furry, gray-green leaves. It is known for its ease of care and ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions.
- Kalanchoe beharensis: This is a large, shrub-like variety known for its fuzzy, silver-gray leaves. It can grow up to 8 feet tall and is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi ‘Lavender Scallops’: This is a smaller variety known for its trailing growth habit and red, pink, or white flowers. It is often used in hanging baskets or as a ground cover plant.
Conclusion
Kalanchoe is a diverse and fascinating genus of succulent plants that is known for its colorful flowers and unique leaf shapes. With proper care and attention, they can thrive in a wide range of conditions and is a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardening. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or new to the world of succulents, kalanchoe is a plant that is sure to capture your heart.
