How to Grow Flowering Kalanchoes With Ease

The succulents with a myriad of vividly-hued flowers are none other than the Kalanchoes. The genus consists of at least 125 known species and belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It was one of the first botanical species sent into space in 1979. Not very demanding, the Kalanchoe succulent is a low-maintenance plant. Let’s start knowing this succulent better with this informative blog regarding Kalanchoes. This blog will talk about how to care for a kalanchoe plant, how often to water kalanchoe, kalanchoe marnieriana propagation, and more.

About Kalanchoe Succulent Plant

The kalanchoe succulent plant is one of the most common and loved succulents worldwide, unlike many alien plant succulents. This plant belongs to Madagascar. It thrives in bright indirect sunlight and has similar watering needs as other succulents. The pictures of kalanchoe succulents can be found on almost all online websites. It is easily available with florists, nurseries, supermarkets, gifting options, and online succulent shops. Most of the species in the Kalanchoe genus are of short height, but few like the Kalanchoe beharensis grow up to 20ft tall. If you are short on space and love this species, go in for a mini Kalanchoe. 

Characteristics of Kalanchoe Succulent Types

The plant has dark green leaves. The edges of the leaves are crimped. The number of petals of the flowers of kalanchoe varieties ranges from four to twenty-six. The flower colors of different ​​types of kalanchoe plants range from white to dark red. Some have pink, yellow & orange flowers.

The commonest Kalanchoe is Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, also known as flaming Katy; widow’s thrill or panda plant. It was created as a hybrid by Robert Blossfeld. A few rare kalanchoe species are the vining kalanchoe, Kalanchoe rhombopilosa, and Kalanchoe humilis.

Kalanchoe Plant Care

• Light: The first thing about kalanchoe succulent care is the light. The species prefer lots of light, but it can do well with indirect light when growing indoors.
• Soil: The soil for Kalanchoe should be a well-drained potting mix. In climatic zones where the weather is warm, typically in hardiness zones of 10 to 12, the soil should be preferably sandy. When growing indoors, the best soil is cactus potting soil.
• Kalanchoe watering needs: The plant requires minimal watering. As long as the succulent gets enough light, keep the water levels low.
• Temperatures: Whether the ​​potted Kalanchoe is being grown indoors or outdoors, it can adjust to a range of mercury degrees. Ensure that the plant is out of frost as it is not frost-hardy.
• Blooming season: Spring is the ideal time for flowering kalanchoe succulents. The entire plant is filled with vivid colored blooms that survive for weeks during this season. If the lighting needs are addressed well, the flowers can remain on the plant for most of the year.

FAQs

1. What is a Kalanchoe plant?

Kalanchoe crassula is a houseplant known for its colorful flowers. It bears pretty blooms when grown indoors. The calancha plant is winter hardy and ideal for growing outdoors in the hardiness zone 10-12. One unique thing about kalanchoes is the way they propagate. Tiny plantlets grow on the leaf edges. These fall off and start bearing roots and grow just below the mother plant. That is why kalanchoes are also called ‘mother of thousands.’

2. Name a plant that looks like Kalanchoe.

3. How to care for Kalanchoe? How to take care of a kalanchoe succulent?

Kalanchoe is not a demanding plant. With minimal watering, bright natural light, and a well-drained potting mix, all kalanchoe plant varieties can thrive well, indoors and outdoors.

4. How often to water kalanchoe?

The plant should be watered once in a few weeks. Ensure that the topsoil is completely dry between waterings.

5. How many types of Kalanchoe are there?

There are about 125 different types of kalanchoe plants in the world.

6. Is Kalanchoe or kolanchia harmful to pets?

Yes. You need to take care of the placement of Kalanchoe indoors. It should be out of reach of dogs and cats. The plant contains a natural chemical called cardiac glycosides that are poisonous to animals.

7. Name a few Kalanchoe succulents?

Different kinds of the Kalanchoe are:

• Spider kalanchoe has bright neon pink flowers.
• Red Kalanchoe succulent with crimson-red flowers.
• Kalanchoe purple with purple-pink blooms.
• Kalanchoe tomentosa varieties, also known as Panda plant
• Kalanchoe blossfeldiana succulent plants are by far the most common ones.
• Dark blue Kalanchoe
• Kalanchoe green varieties
• Kalanchoe large leaf, examples are Kalanchoe marmorata, Kalanchoe prolifera, and Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri.

8. What are some of the issues that Kalanchoe can face?

Kalanchoe faces some issues with mealy bugs, mildew, and spider mites.

9. Specific instructions for kalanchoe plant care outdoors.

Here are the things to remember for kalanchoe plant care outdoors:

• Light - If you are keen to get the Kalanchoe bloom throughout the year, make sure that it gets a minimum of 14 hours of darkness every day. Almost four months after this period, the succulent starts to flower. If this cycle of darkness can be repeated regularly, the plant can bloom all the year through.
• Soil - The potting soil for Kalanchoe outdoors needs to be well-drained soil, preferably sandy. When potting the plant, it is better to use a clay pot that works faster in draining the excess water from the soil.
• Kalanchoe watering instructions - Your Kalanchoe succulent will pardon you if you forget to water it. The watering needs of the plant are minimal - maybe once a few weeks during most of the year and even less during winter. The soil should be completely dry between two waterings. Or else, the roots will rot. This is applicable for Kalanchoe of all types. The leaves of the plant can store water that completes any deficit, so no worries! However, if you see panda plant aerial roots, you must recognize that the plant wants water.
• Humidity - The plant survives well in the temperature range of 55°F to 80°F. You need to save it from frost. If you live in the hardiness zone between 10 and 12, you can plant these succulents outdoors. Otherwise, keep them indoors as they will die when touched by frost.
• Use of fertilizers - A key paddle plant succulent care tip is that the plant gains from fertilizers. Feed the plant a light dose of fertilizers during spring if it is planted outdoors.

10. Specific instructions for kalanchoe watering. How often do you water kalanchoe?

One aspect of kalanchoe watering is that it is a drought-tolerant plant. The plant requires minimal watering. Hence, avoid soaking the succulents in water.

11. How to care for Kalanchoe indoors?

When grown indoors, a lot of light will be required to help the Kalanchoe flower. Ensure that the plant is placed in a room with abundant natural light. Also, make sure that it is not in direct sunlight, or the kalanchoe leaves will be scorched. The potting mix should be 50% soil and 50% cactus mix. Or, it should be 40% perlite and 60% peat moss. Besides, the plant needs to be protected from frost; otherwise, it is highly adaptable to the indoor environment. Indoor Kalanchoe can be fed fertilizers during summer and spring - go in for a month but avoid doing so during winter.

12.

How to care for Kalanchoe flowers?

Besides ensuring that the plant gets the required amount of light and water, and is planted in the right soil mix, ensure that you dress the plant with compost every spring. You should also be using worm castings once a year, during springtime. If the flowers are sparse and hard to come by, you can use a fertilizer high in phosphorous.

13. Where can I buy a kalanchoe plant?

The best place to get kalanchoe plants for sale is Planet Desert.

14. Is Kalanchoe a succulent?

Kalanchoe is definitely a succulent type because of its thick leaves that store water. It is mostly popular for its colorful flowers.

15. Mini kalanchoe care tips

• Saturate it with natural bright light. Place it near a south or east window.
• It loves warmth; hence keep it within a temperature range of 60 to 85°F.
• Keep watering because of its size but do not overwater.
• Use a soil mix that contains 40% perlite and 60% peat moss.
• Plant in a clay pot.
• Use fertilizers only during the springtime.

16. How to propagate Kalanchoe?

Kalanchoe propagation is usually done through stem cuttings. The right time to propagate is in spring or summer. The cuttings must be left out to dry first. When it forms a callus at the end, it is time to plant it. Moist the soil for best growth. Cover the pot with plastic and let the pot sit near a bright window.

17. What does Kalanchoe with black spots mean?

Black spots indicate a fungal disease. If not addressed well, it can lead to defoliation.

18. Where to plant Kalanchoe?

Plant Kalanchoe outdoors if you live in warmer areas. Else, grow the plant indoors.

With so many facts and tips shared, one evident thing is that Kalanchoe succulent is quite popular among plant lovers for a reason. From water to light requirements, this houseplant has a wide range of species that are undemanding and need very little care. Kalanchoes are suitable for growing indoors as well as outdoors with success.