How to Grow Kalanchoe? The Correct Cultivation Methods

Plants of the genus Kalanchoe have special habits and high ornamental value, and in many countries they are used for landscape displays in parks. In most parts of China, they can be cultivated. So, how do you grow Kalanchoe?

1. Growing Conditions

1. Sunlight: Kalanchoe needs long hours of light. It must not receive less than 4 hours a day, and it can be kept in indirect light for a long time, so it will not be scorched by direct sun while still growing healthily. If the light is insufficient, its stems will become very thin, its leaves will be very thin, and it will bloom less.

2. Soil: Kalanchoe is not strict about soil. Generally, sandy soil is enough, and if the soil itself has only average drainage, you can loosen the soil regularly to improve it manually.

3. Watering: Kalanchoe should not be watered too much. The soil needs to be kept dry, especially during the rainy season or when the air humidity is high, when water must be strictly controlled. Generally, watering 2-3 times a month is enough, but in high summer temperatures it should also be watered a little more to prevent the leaves from lacking water.

4. Fertilizing: Kalanchoe needs sufficient fertilizer during the growing period. Generally, apply it 1-2 times a month, using animal manure mixed with water-soluble fertilizer, or a compound fertilizer, but with an appropriate amount of urea mixed in.

2. Propagation Techniques

Kalanchoe is generally propagated mainly by cuttings. This can be done in spring, summer and autumn; choose a stem of suitable length with more than 3 leaf nodes. Insert it into sandy soil, shade it appropriately, and it will root in half a month.

3. Pest and Disease Control

1. Diseases: Stem rot, leaf blight and gray mold are relatively common and need to be controlled with pesticides such as carbendazim.

2. Insect pests: These are basically scale insects, which can be brushed off with a small brush, and imidacloprid can be used to kill the larvae.

Kalanchoe is highly drought-tolerant, not cold-tolerant, and likes sunlight. Therefore, when caring for it, do not water it too much, and make sure it gets enough light.