All You need to know about Kalanchoe Marnieriana

Kalanchoe marnieriana, also known as the “Marnier’s Kalanchoe” or “Penwiper Plant,” is a succulent plant species native to Madagascar. It belongs to the family Crassulaceae, which also includes other popular houseplants such as jade plants and Echeveria.

The plant has elongated, ovate leaves that grow up to 10cm long and are a blue-green color with red or purple margins. The edges of the leaves are slightly serrated and have tiny white hairs along the margin, giving them a fuzzy appearance.

How to grow and take care of Kalanchoe Marnieriana?

Kalanchoe marnieriana, also known as “Kalanchoe bryophyllum” or “Marnier’s Kalanchoe,” is a succulent plant that is native to Madagascar. It is a popular houseplant due to its attractive appearance and easy care requirements. Here are some tips on how to grow and take care of Kalanchoe marnieriana:

1. Light: Kalanchoe marnieriana prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can burn its leaves, so it is best to place the plant near a window with filtered sunlight.
2. Watering: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can cause the plant to rot. Water the plant deeply but infrequently.
3. Soil: Kalanchoe marnieriana prefers well-draining soil. A mixture of potting soil and perlite or sand is a good choice.
4. Temperature: Kalanchoe marnieriana prefers temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). It is important to protect the plant from extreme temperatures, such as cold drafts or hot, dry air from heating vents.
5. Fertilizer: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
6. Pruning: Prune the plant to encourage bushy growth and to remove any dead or damaged leaves.
7. Propagation: Kalanchoe marnieriana can be propagated from stem cuttings. Allow the cuttings to dry out for a day or two, then plant them in a pot with well-draining soil.

Overall, Kalanchoe marnieriana is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it is important to avoid overwatering and protect it from extreme temperatures.

What is the lifespan of Kalanchoe Marnieriana?

Some sources suggest that this plant can live up to 5 years or more with proper care. However, like most plants, the lifespan of Kalanchoe Marnieriana can be affected by a variety of factors such as pests, diseases, and environmental conditions.

The lifespan of Kalanchoe Marnieriana can vary depending on growing conditions, but with proper care, it can live for several years. Proper care including appropriate lighting, watering, fertilizing, and pruning can help prolong the life of the plant.

How to water it?

When watering Kalanchoe marnieriana, it is important to avoid overwatering, as this can cause the roots to rot. Here are some tips on how to water this plant:

1. Allow the soil to dry out partially between waterings. You can check the soil moisture level by inserting your finger into the soil to a depth of about an inch. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water the plant.
2. When watering, water the plant deeply until water drains out of the bottom of the pot. Discard any excess water that has accumulated in the saucer.
3. Do not allow the plant to sit in water, as this can cause the roots to become waterlogged and can lead to root rot.
4. During the winter months or when the plant is not actively growing, reduce the frequency of watering. The plant will require less water during these periods.
5. If you are unsure whether the plant needs water, it’s better to wait a day or two before watering. Kalanchoe marnieriana can tolerate some drought, and it’s better to err on the side of underwatering rather than overwatering.

Overall, it’s important to be cautious when watering Kalanchoe marnieriana and to monitor the soil moisture level to ensure that the plant is not overwatered.

How to prune it?

Pruning Kalanchoe marnieriana is important to keep the plant healthy, promote bushy growth, and maintain its attractive appearance. Here are some steps to follow when pruning this plant:

1. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make the cuts. This will prevent damage to the plant and reduce the risk of infection.
2. Cut back any leggy or straggly stems to encourage bushy growth. You can cut the stem back to just above a leaf node (the spot on the stem where a leaf is attached).
3. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves or stems. These can attract pests or diseases and can harm the overall health of the plant.
4. If the plant has become too tall or wide, you can prune it back to a more manageable size. You can cut the stems back by up to one-third of their length, being careful not to remove too much foliage at once.
5. As you prune the plant, be sure to step back and evaluate its shape and appearance. You can make further cuts to achieve the desired shape and symmetry.
6. Dispose of any plant material that has been pruned, as this can harbor pests or diseases.

Overall, pruning Kalanchoe marnieriana is a simple process that can help keep the plant healthy and attractive. Be sure to make clean cuts and take your time to achieve the desired shape and appearance.

How big does the Kalanchoe Marnieriana grow?

Kalanchoe marnieriana is a relatively small plant that typically grows to a height of 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) and a width of 6-8 inches (15-20 cm). However, it can spread and become wider with time if it is not pruned regularly. The plant has a compact, bushy growth habit with long, thin, grayish-green leaves that can reach up to 4 inches (10 cm) in length. The plant may produce small, white or pink flowers on tall stems, but these are not particularly showy and are not a major feature of this plant. Overall, Kalanchoe marnieriana is a small, compact plant that is well-suited for growing in containers or small spaces.

Which soil is the best for growing it?

Kalanchoe marnieriana prefers well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. Here are some tips for selecting the best soil for this plant:

1. Use a potting mix that is specifically designed for succulent plants. These mixes are usually composed of a blend of materials like sand, perlite, and peat moss, which provide excellent drainage and aeration.
2. Avoid using heavy, clay soils, as these can retain too much moisture and lead to root rot.
3. Make sure the soil is well-draining and does not become waterlogged after watering. Good drainage is essential for the health of the plant.
4. If you are making your own potting mix, you can use a blend of materials like coarse sand, perlite, and a well-draining soil mix.
5. Consider adding some organic matter to the soil mix, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to provide additional nutrients to the plant.

Overall, the best soil for Kalanchoe marnieriana is a well-draining potting mix that is specifically designed for succulent plants. A mixture of sand, perlite, and peat moss can be a good option, but it’s important to make sure the soil is not too heavy or dense.

Where can I buy it?

Kalanchoe marnieriana is a popular houseplant and can be found at many garden centers, nurseries, and online plant stores. Here are some options for purchasing this plant:

1. Local garden centers and nurseries: You can check with your local garden centers and nurseries to see if they carry Kalanchoe marnieriana. They may have a selection of plants available for purchase, and you can also get advice on care and growing tips from knowledgeable staff.
2. Online plant stores: There are many online plant stores that specialize in selling a wide variety of indoor plants, including Kalanchoe marnieriana. Some popular online stores include The Sill, Bloomscape, and Etsy.
3. Plant swaps or plant sales: You can also check local plant swaps or plant sales in your area to see if Kalanchoe marnieriana is available. These events can be a great way to meet other plant enthusiasts and to find new and interesting plants to add to your collection.

Overall, there are many options for purchasing Kalanchoe marnieriana, both in-person and online. It’s always a good idea to do some research on the seller or store before making a purchase to ensure that you are getting a healthy plant.

Summary

In this post, we discussed the Kalanchoe marnieriana plant and how to care for it. We talked about its watering needs, the best soil for growing it, and how to prune it. We also discussed where to buy Kalanchoe marnieriana, including local garden centers, online plant stores, and plant swaps. Overall, Kalanchoe marnieriana is a relatively small plant that is easy to care for and can add beauty and interest to any indoor space.

Have a nice day!