Kalanchoe is a succulent plant native to Madagascar. It belongs to the Crassulaceae family and has more than 125 different species. Very popular for its ease of maintenance and its colorful flowers, it brings an exotic touch to your interior or garden. In this article we offer you a detailed guide to caring for your Kalanchoe plant, with information on repotting, the use of fertilizers and the particularities of this plant. We will also introduce you to several species of Kalanchoe so that you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Kalanchoe care
To ensure optimal growth for your Kalanchoe, it is important to follow a few simple rules regarding watering, exposure to light and temperature.
Watering
Like all succulent plants, Kalanchoe needs moderate watering. In general, watering every 10 to 15 days in summer and every 20 to 30 days in winter is sufficient. It is important to let the substrate dry between two waterings to prevent the roots from rotting. To do this, you can use a mixture of potting soil and sand or even clay balls at the bottom of the pot.
Exposure
Kalanchoe likes light, but not direct sun which can burn its leaves. Therefore, choose a bright exposure without direct sun or slightly shaded.
Temperature
This plant appreciates a temperature between 18 and 22°C throughout the year. It does not tolerate temperatures below 12°C and it is therefore preferable to bring it indoors during the winter if it is outdoors.
Repotting Kalanchoe
Repotting Kalanchoe is generally done every two years, in spring. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose a pot slightly larger than the one your plant is in.
- At the bottom of the new pot, place a layer of clay balls to ensure good drainage.
- Mix universal potting soil with coarse sand (about two thirds potting soil to one third sand) and fill the pot with this mixture.
- Gently untangle the roots of the plant before placing it in the new pot.
- Fill the empty spaces with the earthy mixture and pack lightly.
- Water moderately after repotting.
Use of fertilizer for Kalanchoe
Using a suitable fertilizer will allow your Kalanchoe to develop harmoniously. Opt for a fertilizer specific to succulent plants, rich in potassium and low in nitrogen. You can apply it every month during the growing period (spring-summer).
Particularities of Kalanchoe
Some varieties of Kalanchoe are called “viviparous plants” because they produce small seedlings on their leaves which fall to the ground and give rise to a new plant. This allows Kalanchoe to propagate easily without human intervention. However, if you want to control this spread, you can remove the seedlings before they fall to the ground.
Detailed description of the different species of Kalanchoe
There are over 125 different species of Kalanchoe, but here are some of the most popular:
- Kalanchoe blossfeldiana: This species is the most common and is characterized by its colorful flowers (red, pink, orange or yellow) which appear in winter. It measures between 30 and 40 cm in height.
- Kalanchoe daigremontiana: Also called the “mother plant of thousands,” this species produces seedlings on its lanceolate leaves. Its flowers are tubular and pendulous, purple on the outside and gray on the inside.
- Kalanchoe pumila: This small, compact plant has gray-green leaves covered with a thin layer of white wax. Its flowers are pale pink and appear in late winter or early spring.
- Kalanchoe thyrsiflora: Also called “peacock plant” because of the rounded shape of its light green leaves edged with red, this species produces a floral scape carrying greenish-yellow tubular flowers.
Kalanchoe will bring an exotic touch to your interior or garden in no time. Feel free to explore the different varieties available to find the one that suits you best!
