DESCRIPTION: Kalanchoe are succulents that bloom naturally.
They have thick dark green leaves that are multilobed and obtuse.
GROWTH HABIT: Kalanchoe are upright and spread through
lateral branching. Although they are succulents, growth is fairly rapid. They
will reach heights of 8"-12" and widths of 8"-12"
BLOOM SEASONS:
Early
winter through spring, though I have had blooms through the summer and into the
fall.
WATER REQUIREMENT: Water thoroughly and
then let dry before watering again.
SOIL REQUIREMENT: Use well-drained soils high in organic
matter. Kalanchoe have a very fine root system.
FERTILIZATION: Moderate feeder.
CULTURAL PROBLEMS: Wet soils, chewing insects and too high a
light intensity is the primary causes for a poor stand of Kalanchoe.
PESTS: Aphids, Mites, Thrips, and Chewing Insects.
SALT TOLERANCE: Medium to poor salt tolerance.
COLD TOLERANCE: Will not tolerate a hard frost. Hardy in Zones 10-11. Perennial in frost-free climates.
LIGHT: Partial shade to shade.
SPACE: Plant on 12" centers.
PLANT TYPE:
Cactus
FLOWER COLORS: Yellow, Red, Pink, Orange,
Peach
ATTRIBUTES: Container Plant Long Bloomer Showy Flowers
Low Maintenance Withstands Heat Drought
Tolerant
USES:
Accent
Border Woodland
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Kalanchoe is a perky little plant, easy to maintain, with blooms in an array of festive colors. Massed together in a decorative basket or potted up for a prime spot on the kitchen windowsill, kalanchoe doesn't disappoint.
Increasingly popular as a gift plant and widely available, kalanchoe features dark-green succulent leaves topped by masses of miniature, brightly colored blossoms. They come in red, orange, yellow or salmon-pink. As a member of the Crassulaceae family, kalanchoe's relatives include jade plant, hens-and-chicks and many other well known succulents.
This huge, highly varied succulent group also includes shrubs, small trees, even a few tree-dwelling epiphytes. Their appealing foliage is just as varied: smooth or fuzzy, lobed or feathery, marked with contrasting colors. Both leaves and flowers may bear little plantlets with roots. Some bare-leafed species are hardy outdoors through mild coastal winters, but need overhead protection such as eaves.
Plants are typically available year-round and are found in nurseries, home improvement centers and even supermarkets. The blooms are typically present for many weeks, even months, making for a long display of cheerful color.
Give kalanchoe lots of bright lights--even direct sun during cooler months--to keep it happy. Its easy-care nature makes it ideal for dry, heated homes, since it doesn't mind warm temperatures. Water thoroughly, then allow your kalanchoe to dry before watering again. During active growth, fertilize the plant with a diluted water-soluble houseplant fertilizer each time you water.
Kalanchoe isn't bothered by much. Mealy bug infestations, characterized by white, wooly-looking gatherings of the insects, may occur, but can be removed with a simple swipe of a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. And, while this plant doesn't require lots of water, a sure sign of dehydration is yellow, shriveled older leaves. If this happens, remove spent foliage and water thoroughly.
In its native Madagascar, this plant blooms during the spring months, but we can encourage kalanchoe to produce blooms during virtually any season. Kalanchoe is similar to poinsettia and chrysanthemum in that it is photoperiodic, meaning it initiates flowering in response to long nights. Growers pull opaque shade fabric over their plants for 14 hours each night until the plants initiate flower buds. You can accomplish the same thing by placing a box over your plant for the lame "long night" period. Propagate new plants by rooting leaves or stems in potting soil. It will take 6 to 12 months to get the new plants large enough to bloom properly.
Most kalanchoe are discarded after blooming, but they can bloom a second season. Cut back leggy growth and old flower stems, then repot, and keep well watered in a sunny window. After the last frost, move outdoors gradually, sheltering from direct sun. Bring indoors and start controlling light in early October for January blooms.