What to Do When Kalanchoe Leaves Go Soft? A Detailed Guide to Winter Watering Precautions
As the top choice for winter potted flowers, kalanchoe has advantages such as a long blooming period and many flower colors. But for beginners, it is not so easy to grow. A friend complained that his kalanchoe, despite being well cared for, still showed soft leaves. What should he do? Winter care and watering are too difficult - he doesn't know how to water it so it grows well. To solve these confusions, let's take a look at the following.
1. What to do when kalanchoe leaves go soft?
1. Normal growth can be ignored
During the growth of kalanchoe, if the leaves go soft, it may be a sign of normal growth and metabolism. As long as it is only a small amount, it is generally a common phenomenon. If some flower lovers find it unattractive, they can properly prune away these soft and yellowing leaves and continue with correct care.
2. If leaves go soft due to too strong light, shade them in time
Kalanchoe is a short-day flower. If it is left in the sun for a long time, the leaves will inevitably go soft and wilt, so it should be moved indoors in time and kept in a ventilated, shady environment.
3. If leaves go soft due to root rot, check and remedy it in time
In the care of potted plants, root rot is quite common. Once root rot occurs, kalanchoe cannot normally absorb nutrients and water, and the leaves will become soft due to lack of fertilizer and water. So usually check the potting soil and avoid it being too wet. If the leaves, flower buds, etc. show spots, rot, and other features, it is very likely that the roots have rotted.
The remedy for root rot is very important. First cut off the rotten roots, disinfect them properly, transplant them in time, and then place them in a ventilated and shady place for normal care. If it is during the blooming period, cut off the flower buds to ensure the nutrition and growth of the main stem.
4. If leaves go soft due to insufficient nutrients, repot in time
If kalanchoe leaves go soft, it may also be that the nutrients cannot keep up with the plant's growth. At this time, repot the soil in time and apply enough base fertilizer. You can also properly apply a thin solution of dipotassium phosphate to promote a second bloom. To ensure that nutrients are not taken up by side branches and side buds, prune away dead branches and fallen leaves in time.
2. What are the precautions for watering kalanchoe in winter?
In winter care of kalanchoe, watering is a key factor in whether it grows well and whether it survives. Don't think watering is a simple step; when actually done, it is also a “technical job.”
1. Control the amount of water for kalanchoe in winter
Winter is the blooming period of kalanchoe, so its demand for water is also relatively large. If the amount of water is not controlled well and the pot becomes too wet, kalanchoe may suffer cold damage and the roots may be frozen. Generally, if you tap the pot lightly and the sound is clear and not muffled, it is relatively dry and needs watering. If the sound is muffled, it is relatively wet and does not need water for the time being.
2. In winter, choose warm water with little difference from the indoor temperature
Watering kalanchoe directly with cold tap water may be too low in temperature - even you feel your hands freezing, so how could it not freeze and damage the plant? Therefore, choosing warm water close to room temperature and watering at noon when the temperature is relatively high is the most suitable.
3. Water with appropriate nutrient water to promote blooming
The blooming period of kalanchoe is in winter. In order for it to bloom on schedule and smoothly, you can properly water it with a little nutrient water. Do not make the concentration too high, so that the chance of a full pot of blooms can be increased.
Through the introduction in this article, I believe everyone has gained some understanding of issues such as kalanchoe leaves going soft and how to water in winter, and I hope it helps everyone.