How to Grow Kalanchoe in 12 Steps: Propagation, Pruning, Care for More Blooms

Kalanchoe, a family of perennial succulents, has taken the plant world by storm with its wide variety and adaptive nature. These plants are popular not just for their interesting leaf-forms but also for their vibrant and long-lasting blooms. Whether you have experience with kalanchoe flower care or are interested in knowing how to care for a kalanchoe plant indoors, this article will provide a comprehensive guide.

Our exploration will span topics such as how big do kalanchoe get, how often to water the kalanchoe, the best place to put the kalanchoe, the season for kalanchoe to bloom, and whether a kalanchoe can grow in water.

How to Grow Kalanchoe

Choosing the Right Soil and Pot for Optimal Kalanchoe Growth

The best soil for a kalanchoe plant is a well-draining one. A cactus or succulent mix will be ideal, ensuring the roots are not saturated with water, reducing the risk of root rot. When choosing a pot for your kalanchoe, picking one with adequate drainage holes is essential. This allows excess water to seep out, preventing waterlogged soil.

A terracotta or clay pot is often an excellent choice as they are porous and allow good air circulation to the roots. The pot’s size should be in proportion to the plant, allowing enough room for root growth without being too spacious. Caring for a potted kalanchoe plant involves providing the right soil and pot conditions to ensure optimal growth.

How to Propagate Kalanchoe Plants

Kalanchoe propagation from leaf cuttings is a simple and effective method. Take a healthy leaf from the mother plant, let it dry for a few days to allow the cut end to callous over, and then place it in a pot with well-draining soil. Ensure the soil is kept slightly damp until roots start to grow. After the roots are set, treat the new plant like a mature kalanchoe with regular watering and light routines. The process of how you take cuttings from Kalanchoe is straightforward and an excellent way to multiply your plant collection.

Providing Adequate Sunlight, Temperature, and Humidity for Kalanchoe Plants

The best place to put kalanchoe is where it can receive plenty of bright but indirect sunlight. While kalanchoe plants love the sun, they can suffer from leaf burn if exposed to harsh, direct sunlight. So, do kalanchoes like sun or shade? They prefer a balance. An eastern or western-facing window is often ideal.

As for temperature, kalanchoes are quite hardy. They can tolerate various temperatures, but the sweet spot is between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity doesn’t play a significant role in caring for kalanchoe plants, but they appreciate air circulation. So, whether the Kalanchoe plant is indoor or outdoor, appropriate sunlight, temperature, and humidity conditions are essential.

Watering Techniques for Healthy Kalanchoe Growth

Knowing how often to water kalanchoe is crucial for its health and longevity. Overwatering often causes root rot, leading to plant death. The watering frequency for kalanchoe indoors is about once a week during the growing season and less often during the dormant winter months.

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But the “soak and dry” method is the most reliable watering technique, where you thoroughly water the plant and then let the soil dry out completely before the next watering. Can kalanchoe grow in water? Yes, it can, but this method is often used for propagation and not for the long-term growth of the plant.

Fertilizing Kalanchoe: Tips and Best Practices

Fertilizing kalanchoe plants isn’t strictly necessary but can help them thrive. It’s especially useful during the growing season when plants actively produce new leaves and flowers. Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength once a month from spring to fall. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent salt buildup and potential harm to your plant.

How to Prune Kalanchoe Plants

Kalanchoe pruning is essential for maintaining a healthy and aesthetically pleasing plant. It involves cutting back the plant’s overgrown, dead, or dying parts to encourage fresh growth and flowering. Remember, the key to successful pruning is using clean, sharp tools to avoid spreading diseases or damaging the plant.

Preventing and Treating Common Pests and Diseases in Kalanchoe Plants

Mealybugs and spider mites can occasionally trouble kalanchoe plants as pests. Keeping your plant healthy with proper watering, light, and fertilization practices can go a long way toward preventing these issues. If your plant does get infested, use a mild insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat the pests.

How to Keep Kalanchoe Blooming?

Plant lovers commonly ask, “Does kalanchoe flower only once?” Fortunately, the answer is no. With proper care, a kalanchoe plant can produce flowers multiple times a year. The key to getting more flowers on your kalanchoe plant is to provide it with a rest period after blooming. Cut back on watering and keep it in cooler temperatures for a few weeks. Then, resume regular care, and the plant should start producing buds again.

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How to Make Kalanchoe Bloom in Summer?

The flowering season for kalanchoe usually falls in the colder months, but with some extra attention, it’s possible to induce blooming in the summer. The trick lies in mimicking the natural conditions of shorter daylight hours. You can trick it into bloom by keeping your kalanchoe in darkness for 14 hours and then providing 10 hours of bright light each day for six weeks.

Kalanchoe Plant Care in Winter and Indoors

In winter, caring for a kalanchoe plant indoors requires some changes. Cut back on watering, reduce fertilization, and ensure the plant gets plenty of light. Make sure the plant is not exposed to drafts or extreme temperature drops. The goal is to keep your kalanchoe alive indoors during the colder months without causing undue stress.

Reasons for Kalanchoe Plant Dying and How to Revive?

If your kalanchoe plant is dying, it’s usually due to overwatering, inadequate light, or pests. The first step to reviving your plant is identifying the problem. Once that’s done, adjust your care routine accordingly. For overwatering, let the plant dry out and then water less frequently. If the plant isn’t getting enough light, move it to a brighter location. If pests are the problem, treat the plant with a suitable pest control solution.

How Long Do Kalanchoe Plants Live

A healthy kalanchoe plant’s life span is 3 to 5 years, but some can survive for much longer. It’s worth noting that how many months a kalanchoe bloom depends largely on the care provided. They can bloom several times a year with optimal care, and the blooms can last several weeks each time.

Kalanchoe Plant Care Outdoors

Kalanchoe plant care outdoors can be a rewarding experience, as these succulents love a good dose of fresh air and sunshine. Like their indoor counterparts, outdoor kalanchoes need well-draining soil, a pot with good drainage, and plenty of bright but indirect sunlight. They’re pretty tolerant of temperature swings, but anything below freezing can be fatal. You might want to bring your kalanchoes inside during extremely hot or cold spells to protect them.

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Conclusion

From understanding kalanchoe propagation from leaf cuttings and kalanchoe pruning techniques to becoming proficient in kalanchoe flower care, we’ve covered the essentials in this guide.

How to Grow Kalanchoe in 12 Steps: Propagation, Pruning, Care for More Blooms