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Kalanchoe is a tropical succulent plant originated mainly from Asia and Africa. Its genus contains 125 species in Crassulaceae family. Most of Kalanchoes live in nature, and only several varieties have become indoor plants. However, all Kalanchoes possess healing qualities.

Kalanchoe, also called a room doctor, a mother-of-thousands or a chandelier plant, is a traditional plant of our grandmothers. Its medical properties were so important that every family had at least one big Kalanchoe to cure cough, colds and minor burns. The knowledge about care of a Kalanchoe at home was a necessary instrument for survival. Let’s refresh this useful information which is crucial for the well-being of your Kalanchoe.

All types of Kalanchoe need almost the same conditions. They are used to long drought and long humid periods. It stores water during raining season and uses it during dry periods.

This plant doesn’t need much fertilizing, and is resistant to diseases and pests.

Light

Kalanchoe can live in sunny and even half-shaded conditions. So you can place it on the south window (its leaves will become a bit red), an eastern or a western one will fit the best. If your Kalanchoe is lack of light, it stretches and becomes weak, and its leaves are pale and fall down.

Temperature

In cold season Kalanchoe prefers 12-16 ° C and 23-25 ° C in summer. It can stay outside on the balcony when it’s 10°C and more. Water it a little more during summer heat to protect the flowers.

Watering

As all the succulent plants, Kalanchoe stocks water in leaves and can survive in drought period – let’s say, you are out for a 2-week holidays. But be careful not to overwater it – this is deathful for Kalanchoe, because its roots can rot. Let the soil dry out before water it once again. In winter you can water the Kalanchoe once every 2 weeks.

Humidity

Kalanchoe doesn’t need regular water spray. You can occasionally wash the leaves under shower or wipe them with wet cloth to protect from tiny pests as mealy bugs and red spiders.

Cutting

Cut your Kalanchoe regularly to form strong stems instead of stretched ones. You can also cut flower stalks or pinch flower tips to stimulate spurs.

You can cut a branch if you want to propagate your Kalanchoe. Otherwise, it forms small plants itself, which fall down on soil and take roots quickly.

Fertilization

It’s preferable to fertilize only bloomy types of Kalanchoe, about once a month. Use fertilizers for succulents, but only half of recommended dose. Never fertilize it in winter, it’s a rest time for the plant.

Replanting

As all fast growers, Kalanchoe needs to be replanted every spring. Take a new pot only 2-3 cm bigger in diameter than the old one.

Propagation

The Kalanchoes of Bryophyllum sectionare known for vegetative growing. Indoor species with vegetative growing, such as K. pinnata or K. daigremontiana, form numerous plantlets with air-roots along the leaf margin. Eventually these young plants fall down and take roots.

Otherwise, Kalanchoe can be propagated by seeds, stem or leaf cuttings.

Source - http://hi-spring.com/post.php?id=1



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