How to Plant the Kalanchoe (Mother of Thousands) Succulent? Growing Methods and Precautions

Everyone, do not be scared off by the name of the Kalanchoe (Mother of Thousands) succulent. In fact, this “immortal” only means that its vitality is relatively tenacious; its appearance is actually quite attractive. It is also a succulent that many people choose to grow. Regarding its cultivation methods, there is still a lot to understand.

How to Plant the Kalanchoe Succulent

1. Sowing: sow in early spring, with a germination temperature of 18~21°C.

2. Cuttings: during the growing season, cut off mature top branches, let the cut dry, then insert into a sand bed; they root in 8~10 days, and after another week they can be potted.

3. Adventitious buds: peel off the larger adventitious buds growing on the leaf edges and pot them directly.

4. Suggested planting combinations: Echeveria 'Purple Pearl', Sedum rubrotinctum.

5. Supplement: between each blunt tooth of the Kalanchoe, new small plantlets can form, and they become a new plant as soon as they fall to the ground.

Kalanchoe Growing Methods

1. Temperature and light. Although the Kalanchoe is a very unique plant, it is still a succulent itself, a Crassulaceae succulent, so its key growing points are still very similar to those of ordinary succulents. First, in terms of temperature, the Kalanchoe succulent likes a warm environment, so a warm environment should be maintained during cultivation. In particular, this kind of live-forever succulent is not cold-tolerant in winter; when the surrounding temperature is below zero, the plant will be frostbitten, its leaves will be frozen into a jelly-like state, and after the sun comes out the next day the leaves will turn white and wither, slowly heading toward death. Therefore, in winter cultivation, be sure to keep it warm. At the same time, the Kalanchoe likes light, so sufficient light should be maintained during cultivation.

2. Water. Usually, succulents do not especially need water, and the Kalanchoe is the same. However, sufficient water still needs to be maintained during cultivation, because the Kalanchoe likes a moist environment, although it can also grow and survive normally in dry soil. Conversely, when there is too much water, the Kalanchoe may suffer disease and die. This is because with too much water, the plant's root system is prone to root rot, followed by the invasion of pests, diseases, and bacteria, so there is danger. Therefore, during cultivation, water must be strictly controlled; it should not be too much, but also not too little. Appropriate water is enough.

3. Soil. The Kalanchoe really has no particularly strict requirements for soil; as long as the soil can let air through, it is fine, so even if people plant it in their own vegetable garden, it can still grow normally. However, in order for the plant to grow healthily and robustly, the more nutrients in the soil, the better the plant grows, so during cultivation, the pot can be repotted regularly. In addition, when planting, some growing soil can also be appropriately added, so that the nutrients in the soil will be more sufficient. Moreover, during normal cultivation, it is best to place the Kalanchoe in a cool, ventilated place, which is more conducive to its growth.

Precautions for the Kalanchoe Succulent

Succulents all avoid frequent watering, excessive moisture, and poor ventilation, which can easily cause root rot. During cultivation, keep it as ventilated as possible with light (avoid direct strong light), and regular repotting helps the plant grow.

Fertilizer and Water Techniques for the Kalanchoe Succulent

1. Watering: during the growing season, water 1~2 times a week to keep the potting soil moist, but it must not become waterlogged. When temperatures drop in autumn and winter, reduce watering. If it blooms in winter, strictly control watering, but do not stop watering entirely.

2. Fertilizing: fertilize once a month during the growing season. Usually move it less, to prevent the leaf-edge ”little butterflies“ from falling off.

Before planting the Kalanchoe succulent, you need to understand its growth habits, and then sow at the appropriate time. Later care also needs to be meticulous; watering and fertilizing require mastering techniques, and do not water too much, so as to avoid root rot and death.