Secrets of growing Kalanchoe at home

In the wild, Kalanchoe can be found in tropical countries, as well as in Africa. Europeans know this plant for its medicinal properties. But as a decoration for garden plots, it began to be used relatively recently. Let's take a closer look at the species of this plant and how to properly care for them.

The appearance of the Kalanchoe and its types

of course, each type of plant has its own personality. But there are some properties that unite them. These include: the leaves and stem have a juicy and fleshy appearance, the leaves have a sessile or petioled appearance, and the leaves may have even or jagged edges. Propagated in different ways: by seeds, cuttings or brood buds. Among the popular types are:
• Kalanchoe Blossfeld. This is a small plant that has a height of up to 30 cm. The leaves are round in shape, wavy edges. They have a long flowering period - winter - late spring.
• Kalandiva. This variety is distinguished by its lush flowering. A large and lush cap is formed from the inflorescences. Small flowers that bloom for about 6 months, the leaves are large, rounded, wavy edges, bright green.
• Feathery. This variety has a long stem, oblong leaves, teeth at the edges. It blooms in different colors: from red to purple.
• Degremona. This species is distinguished by the fact that at the edges of the leaves, it can grow "kids". This flower grows very quickly. The stem has arrow-shaped leaves have a green tint
Keep in mind that some varieties of Kalanchoe can harm your pets due to their toxicity.

Kalanchoe care

• Lighting. The plant loves light, but not direct sunlight. It is believed that this plant can be kept on the light side until lunchtime, and after lunch, either removed from the light, or covered with something. But it will be most correct to keep the plant in a bright place, but where direct sunlight will not fall.
• Temperature. Thanks to its tropical roots, this plant can easily tolerate hot days up to 35 degrees. If the temperature drops below +10 degrees, then the growth of the plant may slow down.
• Watering. Kalanchoe is not a fan of abundant watering. Watering will be optimal once every 3 days, and even then not much. For irrigation, it is best to take settled water.
• Top dressing. Fertilizers are suitable for special fertilizers for succulents. Top dressing is desirable in late spring or mid-summer. You can read all the necessary feeding rules on the package, but for the Kalanchoe you need to take half of the indicated dose.
• Transplant and circumcision. The transplant should be carried out only if the pot has already become small for the Kalanchoe. You need to replant at the end of spring. To do this, you need to carefully pull out the plant with a small piece of earth and plant it in a new container. For about a week, the plant will adapt to its new place of residence. Since this plant is characterized by an upward tendency, in order to maintain its attractive appearance, it will be necessary to carry out a formative cut of excess parts. Do not be afraid to remove the excess, this plant tolerates a haircut well. Young shoots should be cut in the spring. For prevention purposes, pruning should be done after flowering.

What mistakes can be made when caring for a plant

It so happens that the plant stops blooming. This may be because you have added too much fertilizer.To do this, simply gradually reduce the dose of fertilizer, bringing it to a minimum. Also, with abundant and improper watering, the plant may stop blooming. The way out is to reduce the amount of watering and water only with settled water. Direct sunlight can also cause it. To do this, remove the plant to a different location.