All You need to know about Kalanchoe succulent

Kalanchoe is a genus of succulent plants that are popular as houseplants due to their attractive foliage and colorful flowers. Bunnings is a large home improvement and gardening retailer in Australia and New Zealand that sells a variety of plants, including kalanchoe.

Kalanchoe plants are generally easy to care for and can thrive in a range of conditions. They prefer well-draining soil and bright, indirect light. Overwatering can be a common problem with kalanchoe, so it’s important to let the soil dry out before watering again. The plant may also benefit from occasional fertilization with a balanced fertilizer.

How to grow and take care of Kalanchoe succulent?

Kalanchoe succulents are easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions, making them a popular choice for beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts alike. Here’s how you can grow and care for your kalanchoe succulent:

1. Light: Kalanchoe plants prefer bright, indirect light. Place them near a window with a sheer curtain or filtered light. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.
2. Water: Kalanchoes are succulents and prefer to be on the dry side, so be mindful of over-watering. Water only when the soil is completely dry to the touch, which is usually every 1-2 weeks. When you do water, give the soil a good soak and then let it drain completely.
3. Soil: Kalanchoes prefer well-draining soil, so it’s best to use a commercial succulent or cactus mix. If you’re using a different type of soil, make sure to mix in some perlite or sand to improve drainage.
4. Temperature: Kalanchoes are native to tropical regions and prefer warm temperatures. Keep your plant away from cold drafts and avoid temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
5. Humidity: Kalanchoes are not picky about humidity and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, from very dry to slightly humid.
6. Fertilizing: Fertilize your kalanchoe succulent once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
7. Pruning: Prune leggy or overgrown kalanchoes to encourage bushier growth. You can also remove any yellow or damaged leaves to keep your plant looking its best.

By following these care guidelines, your kalanchoe succulent should thrive and bring you joy for many years to come!

What is the lifespan of Kalanchoe?

The lifespan of a Kalanchoe succulent can vary depending on the species, but on average, these plants can live for several years with proper care. Some species of Kalanchoe, such as the Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, are considered to be annuals and typically have a shorter lifespan of 1-2 years. Other species, such as Kalanchoe luciae, are considered to be perennials and can live for several years, sometimes even up to 10 years or more.

The lifespan of a Kalanchoe can be influenced by factors such as light, water, temperature, soil, and fertilizer, so it’s important to provide proper care to keep your plant healthy and thriving. By following the care instructions I provided in my previous answer, you can help ensure a long lifespan for your Kalanchoe succulent.

How to water it?

Watering is one of the most important aspects of caring for your Kalanchoe succulent. Here’s how to water it:

1. Frequency: Kalanchoes are succulents and prefer to be on the dry side, so be mindful of over-watering. Water only when the soil is completely dry to the touch, which is usually every 1-2 weeks.
2. Amount: When you do water, give the soil a good soak and then let it drain completely. It’s better to underwater than overwater, as too much water can lead to root rot, which can be fatal for your plant.
3. Method: The best way to water a Kalanchoe is to immerse the pot in a basin of water for a few minutes, allowing the soil to soak up moisture from the bottom. Then, remove the pot from the basin and let any excess water drain away. Do not leave the pot standing in water for an extended period of time.

It’s important to note that the frequency of watering can vary depending on the temperature, humidity, and light conditions in your home, so be sure to check the soil regularly and adjust your watering schedule as needed.

By following these watering tips, you can help ensure that your Kalanchoe succulent receives the right amount of moisture to stay healthy and thriving.

How to prune it?

Pruning is an important aspect of caring for your Kalanchoe succulent, as it helps promote healthy growth and maintain its shape. Here’s how to prune it:

1. Timing: The best time to prune your Kalanchoe is during the growing season, which is typically in the spring and summer.
2. Tools: Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts. Avoid using tools that are dirty or rusty, as this can introduce disease to the plant.
3. Leggy or Overgrown Plants: If your Kalanchoe has become leggy or overgrown, you can prune it back to encourage bushier growth. Cut back the stems to the desired length, making sure to leave a few leaves on each stem.
4. Yellow or Damaged Leaves: You can also remove any yellow or damaged leaves to keep your plant looking its best. Simply snip off the leaves at the base, being careful not to damage the surrounding foliage.
5. Propagation: If you’d like to propagate your Kalanchoe, you can use the cuttings you’ve removed to start new plants. Allow the cuttings to callus over (this may take a few days) and then plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not too wet, and in a bright, indirect light until roots have formed and new growth appears.

By following these pruning tips, you can help keep your Kalanchoe succulent healthy and looking its best.

How big does the Kalanchoe grow?

The size of a Kalanchoe succulent will depend on the species, but most Kalanchoes are relatively small, compact plants that are well-suited to growing in containers. On average, most Kalanchoe species will grow to be anywhere from 6 to 18 inches in height, with a spread of up to 2 feet.

It’s worth noting that some species of Kalanchoe can grow quite large, especially when grown outdoors in their native habitat. However, when grown in containers and as houseplants, most Kalanchoes will remain relatively small and compact.

By providing your Kalanchoe with proper care, including adequate light, water, and nutrients, you can help it grow to its full potential and reach its maximum size.

Which soil is the best for growing it?

Kalanchoe succulents prefer well-draining soil that can retain some moisture while also allowing excess water to quickly drain away. The best soil for growing Kalanchoes is a commercial cactus or succulent mix, which is specially formulated to provide the right balance of water retention and drainage.

If you can’t find a commercial mix, you can make your own by mixing equal parts of sand, perlite, and peat moss or coarse sand, vermiculite, and peat moss. This mixture will provide good drainage while also retaining some moisture, which will help your Kalanchoe stay healthy and thrive.

It’s also important to use a pot with a drainage hole in the bottom to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged. Make sure to place a layer of rocks or gravel in the bottom of the pot to further promote good drainage and help prevent root rot.

By using well-draining soil and a pot with a drainage hole, you can help ensure that your Kalanchoe receives the right growing conditions and stays healthy for many years to come.

Where can I buy it?

Kalanchoe succulents are widely available and can be found at a number of different retailers, including:

1. Nurseries and Garden Centers: Local nurseries and garden centers are a great place to start your search for a Kalanchoe succulent. You can usually find a variety of different species and sizes to choose from, and the staff will be able to offer advice and tips on how to care for your plant.
2. Online Plant Retailers: There are a number of online retailers that specialize in selling succulent and cactus plants, including Kalanchoe. Some popular options include Mountain Crest Gardens, Succulent Gardens, and The Succulent Source.
3. Big Box Stores: Some big box stores, like Home Depot and Lowe’s, also carry a selection of succulent plants, including Kalanchoe. While the selection may be more limited than at a specialty nursery or garden center, it can be a convenient option for those who are just starting out with succulent gardening.
4. Farmers’ Markets and Plant Fairs: If you’re looking for a unique or rare species of Kalanchoe, consider checking out your local farmers’ market or plant fair. You may be able to find one-of-a-kind plants from local growers and collectors.

By shopping around and doing a little research, you should be able to find a Kalanchoe succulent that meets your needs and fits your style.

Summary

In this post, we discussed the care and maintenance of Kalanchoe succulents. We covered topics such as watering, pruning, soil, and size. We also discussed the best places to buy Kalanchoe succulents. The key to successfully growing Kalanchoe is providing it with bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and the right amount of water. By following these guidelines, you can help your Kalanchoe thrive and enjoy its beautiful, long-lasting blooms for many years to come.

Have a nice day!