How to care for Kalanchoe so that it grows well

Where to put Kalanchoe

Varieties of Kalanchoe that rarely bloom indoors (for example, laciniata or tomentosa) are not particularly demanding on lighting. They can be grown in either partial shade or full sun. In the latter case, the leaves of the plant will only acquire a slightly reddish tint.

Lush-flowering species (for example, Kalanchoe Blossfeld) are more demanding of location. If there is not enough lighting, the stems of the plant stretch out and eventually it turns into an awkward bush, losing its attractiveness.

The flower should be under bright but diffused light for about 12 hours a day. In winter, you may need to put it under a phyto- or regular fluorescent light. lamp with a power of at least 36 W per 1 m².

It is better to grow Kalanchoe at temperatures up to 28 degrees, although it can easily withstand periods of summer heat. By the way, the flower is suitable not only for the apartment. It feels good even at a temperature of 8–10 degrees Celsius, so in spring, summer and autumn it can be sent to the balcony or used to decorate outdoor flower pots.

How to water Kalanchoe

The plant belongs to succulents and accumulates moisture in the fleshy leaves. This feature helps Kalanchoe live for a long time without water, even if you went on a long vacation.

The flower does not require frequent watering. In the cool season, it is enough to moisten the soil in the pot once every 10–14 days. In hot weather, this interval can be shortened. In any case, focus on the condition of the earthen clod: it should dry out completely between waterings.

During the next procedure, you need to moisten the soil abundantly, and immediately remove the excess water that has accumulated in the pan. Due to the abundance of moisture, the roots of Kalanchoe can rot and also suffer from fungal diseases.

From time to time, classic watering can be replaced with a cool shower to also wash away dust from the leaves.

How to feed Kalanchoe

You need to start fertilizing in March, when the flower comes out of dormancy, and finish around December - at the start of flowering.

You can feed Kalanchoe with universal complex formulations for succulents, aloe or cacti, flowering varieties - support with fertilizers for ornamental flowering plants. Consumption rates and frequency of fertilizing may vary depending on the manufacturer, so follow the instructions.

A universal option is to use fertilizers with an even distribution of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (for example, 16:16:16, 18:18:18 and so on) and microelements. Such products will contribute to the harmonious development of all parts of the plant.

Closer to summer, you need to choose a composition with a low nitrogen content and a high potassium content - this will help the Kalanchoe stop the growth of green mass and concentrate on the formation of buds. As a rule, it is enough to dilute 2 g of the product in 1 liter of water and water the Kalanchoe at the root along the damp soil. One plant will need about 200 ml of nutrient mixture.

Kalanchoe is necessary feed once every 3-4 weeks. In this case, you can pour fertilizer at the root, generously spray the leaves, or alternate methods as you wish.

How to care for Kalanchoe after flowering

Immediately after flowering, you need to remove all faded flower stalks, cutting them with scissors or pruners as close as possible to the rosette of large leaves.

By the way, Kalanchoes tolerate pruning well. If the flower has grown too much or has acquired an unattractive shape, you can radically shorten the stems, forming a bush as you wish. Try to make the cut, retreating a couple of millimeters from the branching - in the future, new branches will appear from the axils and the plant will turn out lush.

In the summer, before the buds begin to form, you can carefully pinch the tops of the main shoots to stimulate the growth of lateral shoots. A couple of leaves at the end of the branch can be carefully separated with your fingers or scissors. Non-flowering Kalanchoe species are formed in the same way in spring, summer and autumn.

How to replant Kalanchoe

It is advisable to carry out the procedure annually, around the end of March, when the plant comes out of dormancy. Choose a pot 2–3 cm larger than the previous one and make sure there are drainage holes at the bottom to drain excess liquid.

Place expanded clay at the bottom of the pot in a layer of about 1.5–2 cm and add a couple of centimeters of nutritious substrate - for example, soil for growing succulents, cacti or aloe. Carefully remove the Kalanchoe from the old container, holding it by the base of the stems, and place the earthen ball in the new pot.

Fill any voids around the roots with fresh soil, lightly tamping it down with your fingers. Also pour a couple of centimeters of soil on top - around the flower stems.

Place the pot on a tray. Pour water into the soil, let it soak in and remove any remaining liquid that has leaked from the pot.

Memo

• Place the plant in partial shade or a place with diffused light. For blooming bushes, the latter option is preferable.
• Water the Kalanchoe once every 10–14 days, completely soaking the soil in the pot and removing excess liquid from the pan. In hot weather, carry out the procedure as needed.
• From March to December, fertilize every 3-4 weeks.
• Remove dried flower stalks and also trim the plant to form a beautiful bush and stimulate the growth of side shoots.
• Try every year transplant Kalanchoe into a larger pot.

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