How to Grow Kalanchoe: A Beginner’s Guide
How to Grow Kalanchoe?
To grow Kalanchoe, place the plant in bright light indoors or bright, filtered light outdoors during summer.
Use Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix for planting and water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.
Feed with Miracle-Gro® Succulent Plant Food and prune spent flowers, dead leaves, and shriveled branches.
Propagate by breaking off pieces and sticking them in soil.
To trigger re-bloom, keep Kalanchoe in the dark for 14 hours per day.
Remember to keep the plant away from drafty windows and doors and bring it outdoors when nighttime temperatures are above 65°F.
Plant it in a pot that is not more than 2 inches wider than the root ball, with the top of the root ball about an inch below the rim.
Water thoroughly and use a saucer to prevent furniture damage.
Key Points:
- Place Kalanchoe in bright light indoors or bright, filtered light outdoors during summer.
- Use Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix and water when top 2 inches of soil are dry.
- Feed with Miracle-Gro® Succulent Plant Food and prune spent flowers, dead leaves, and shriveled branches.
- Propagate by breaking off pieces and sticking them in soil.
- Keep Kalanchoe in the dark for 14 hours per day to trigger re-bloom.
- Keep the plant away from drafty windows and doors and bring it outdoors when nighttime temperatures are above 65°F.
Did You Know?
1. Kalanchoe, commonly known as “Mother of Thousands,” gets its interesting nickname from the fact that its leaves can produce tiny plantlets along their edges. These tiny plantlets can easily fall off and root themselves in the soil, giving rise to a new generation of plants.
2. Kalanchoe is a succulent plant native to Madagascar, known for its ability to store water in its fleshy leaves. This allows it to survive in arid conditions and makes it a low-maintenance houseplant option.
3. The Kalanchoe plant is believed to have medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Some cultures use the plant’s sap externally to treat wounds, burns, and insect bites.
4. While many houseplants are primarily grown for their foliage, Kalanchoe blooms with vibrant clusters of flowers in various shades of red, pink, orange, and yellow. These showy flowers attract bees and other pollinators.
5. In addition to being a popular houseplant, certain species of Kalanchoe, such as Kalanchoe pinnata, are also grown for their edible leaves. These leaves, known as “life plants” or “miracle leaves,” are used in salads, as a seasoning, or cooked as a vegetable in some cuisines.
Lighting Requirements For Growing Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe plants, also known as Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, are beloved for their vibrant blooms and ease of care. One crucial factor in ensuring the health and longevity of your Kalanchoe is providing it with the right amount of light. These plants thrive in bright light indoors or bright, filtered light or morning sun outdoors in summertime.
Indoor Kalanchoes should be placed near a bright window where they can receive ample sunlight. However, it is important to keep them away from drafty windows and doors, as sudden temperature fluctuations can harm the plant.
If you are growing your Kalanchoe outside, make sure it gets morning sun or bright, filtered light to prevent scorching its leaves during the hotter parts of the day.
Remember, Kalanchoes are succulent plants, which means they have adapted to thrive in environments with high light intensity. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and a decrease in flower production. With the right lighting conditions, your Kalanchoe will reward you with vibrant blooms and add a touch of beauty to your home or garden.
Potting Mix For Kalanchoe Planting
When it comes to potting your Kalanchoe, choosing the right medium is crucial. A suitable potting mix provides proper drainage and nutrient retention to support the plant’s growth. For Kalanchoe planting, it is recommended to use Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix, a specially formulated mix that caters to the needs of succulent plants.
This potting mix is lightweight and well-draining, preventing root rot and allowing air circulation to the roots. It also contains essential nutrients that support the healthy growth of Kalanchoes, ensuring they receive the nourishment they need.
- Simply fill a pot not more than 2 inches wider than the root ball with the potting mix, ensuring that the top of the root ball sits about an inch below the rim of the pot.
“The use of a high-quality potting mix, like Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix, will provide a solid foundation for your Kalanchoe to thrive and grow into a beautiful, healthy plant.”
- Use a lightweight and well-draining potting mix.
- Ensure the top of the root ball sits about an inch below the rim of the pot.
Watering Schedule For Kalanchoe
Proper watering is crucial for the health of your Kalanchoe plant. As a succulent, it is important to strike a balance between regular watering and not overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
A good rule of thumb is to water your Kalanchoe when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. This allows the roots to access moisture while preventing them from becoming waterlogged. Overwatering can cause the leaves to become mushy and the plant to suffer from root rot.
To water your Kalanchoe, thoroughly saturate the soil until water flows out of the drainage holes in the pot. However, avoid leaving your plant sitting in standing water as this can also lead to root rot. Placing the pot on a saucer or using a well-draining pot will help prevent damage to furniture and promote proper drainage.
By following a consistent watering schedule and paying attention to the moisture levels of the soil, you can ensure the vitality and longevity of your Kalanchoe.
Feeding Kalanchoe With Succulent Plant Food
To keep your Kalanchoe healthy and vibrant, it is important to provide it with the necessary nutrients. One way to achieve this is by feeding your Kalanchoe with Miracle-Gro® Succulent Plant Food. This specially formulated plant food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of succulent plants, including Kalanchoes.
When using Miracle-Gro® Succulent Plant Food, simply follow the instructions on the packaging. Generally, it is recommended to feed your Kalanchoe every two weeks during the growing season and reduce the frequency during its dormant period. Overfeeding can lead to fertilizer burn, so it is important to follow the recommended dosage and not exceed it.
Feeding your Kalanchoe regularly with the appropriate plant food will promote healthy growth and enhance its ability to produce colorful, beautiful blooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you grow kalanchoe at home?
To successfully grow kalanchoe at home, it is crucial to provide the right amount of sunlight. When grown indoors, make sure to place the plant in an area where it can receive bright, indirect sunlight. For outdoor growth, provide at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. To encourage blooming, create a dark period of 14 hours for six weeks. Following this period, kalanchoe will reward you with vibrant and beautiful flowers approximately four months later. With proper light and darkness management, your home can become a nurturing environment for the growth and blooming of kalanchoe.
Can you grow kalanchoe from cuttings?
Yes, you can successfully grow kalanchoe from cuttings. To do so, simply insert the cut end of the stem into succulent mix or perlite, making sure the callous part is facing downwards. It is important to note that kalanchoe is a succulent and prefers well-draining soil, so avoid over-watering by not placing the cutting directly into water.
Do kalanchoe need sun or shade?
Kalanchoe plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, making it important to place them in a room with abundant natural light. However, it is crucial to avoid placing them directly in a windowsill as the intensity of direct sunlight can harm their leaves. As succulents, Kalanchoe plants have low watering requirements due to their ability to store water in their leaves.
Is a kalanchoe plant indoor or outdoor?
Kalanchoe plants have the versatility to thrive both indoors and outdoors, depending on the climate and light conditions. With a preference for bright, indirect light, they flourish when placed in a south-facing or west-facing window indoors. However, in warm climates, they can also be planted outdoors, where they will thrive in full to part sun. Regardless of the location, it is important to use well-drained soil, such as a cactus or succulent mix, to ensure optimal growth for these succulent plants.