Tools and Materials
Tools
Pruning shears
- Hand trowel
- Spray bottle
- Gardening gloves
- Knife
Materials
Kalanchoe plant seed or seedling
- Succulent Potting Mix
Perlite or Sand
Phosphorus-rich fertilizer
- Neem Oil
- Insecticidal Soap
How to Grow a Kalanchoe Plant
By following these detailed steps and using the right tools and materials, you can ensure the proper growth of Kalanchoe plants.
How to Care for Kalanchoe Plants
The Kalanchoe plant is easy to care for, but it needs attention, especially during watering and seasonal care.
Provide the Right Lighting
- Place your Kalanchoe indoors near a sunny window where it gets bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can damage and scorch the leaves.
- Provide partial shade outdoors, especially during hot summer afternoons. The morning sun is ideal for outdoor plants.
Establishing a Watering Routine
- Check the soil moisture with your finger every week. If it feels dry, you need to water it until the crown part.
- Reduce watering during winter when the plant is not in its growth season.
Caution
Avoid watering the leaves or flowers, as this can cause rot. Kalanchoe plants are particularly sensitive to overwatering.
Ideal Temperature and Humidity
- Kalanchoe tolerates dry air but thrives in moderate humidity. The ideal temperature is between 60-85°F. Move the plant indoors if temperatures drop below 60°F.
- If planted inside, keep the room temperature between 60-85°F. If it is grown outside, cover the plant with a green shade net to control temperature.
- Protect the plant from frost and sudden temperature changes by covering it with green shade nets.
Fertilizing
- Fertilize to support active growth and blooming. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 5-6 weeks during the growing season between March and September.
- For vibrant blooms, opt for a fertilizer with higher phosphorus content.
- During fall and winter, reduce watering and stop fertilizing as the plant enters dormancy.
Caution
Make sure you wear gloves while using fertilizer to avoid skin irritation.
Managing Pests and Diseases
- Remove mealybugs manually with a cotton swab dipped in mild 3% rubbing alcohol mixed with water or a spray bottle with neem oil in it.
- For aphids, clean the plant with a wet cloth or apply an insecticidal soap and then remove it thoroughly with a cloth.
- To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering and ensure the pot has enough drainage holes.
- Increase air circulation by using a garden fork on the soil and avoid wetting the leaves when watering to prevent powdery mildew.
Additional Tips
- Prune the plant occasionally to ensure healthy growth using pruning shears.
- Yellow leaves occur due to overwatering or poor drainage. Allow the soil to dry completely before watering again.
- Leggy growth is caused by insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter location.
- If there are no blooms, ensure the plant receives time away from the sun and is fed mulch appropriately on time.
Good to Know
Kalanchoe plants typically grow to a height of 12–18 inches. Once they reach this size, it’s an ideal time to start pruning.