What to Do When Kalanchoe Leaves Turn Soft? How to Rescue This Flower That Symbolizes Longevity and Good Fortune
Kalanchoe is a very common potted flowering plant, and it has excellent ornamental value, so it is loved by flower enthusiasts. Kalanchoe has many varieties and rich flower colors, including the common red, pink, yellow, orange and other flowers. The most popular kalanchoe variety is still the red one. During care, kalanchoe sometimes develops soft leaves. What causes this? What should you do about it?
1. What to do when kalanchoe leaves turn soft?
1. Root rot causes kalanchoe leaves to turn soft: double-petaled kalanchoe should be re-propagated by cuttings every 2 years, otherwise the roots will easily wither and rot. Flower enthusiasts can check whether their own kalanchoe has root rot.
2. Excessive sun exposure causes kalanchoe leaves to turn soft: although kalanchoe likes light, if the light is excessive, the leaves will turn soft and the leaf edges will become withered and yellow.
3. Lack of water causes kalanchoe leaves to turn soft: some potting soil has very good drainage, so it needs to be watered frequently, otherwise it is very easy for the plant to lack water.
4. Dormancy causes kalanchoe leaves to turn soft: kalanchoe is almost in a dormant state in midsummer, and even if it grows, it grows very slowly. At this time, it is best to care for it in a cool place. If it continues to be exposed to strong sun, the leaves will turn soft.
2. How to grow kalanchoe so it thrives?
1. Adapt to the environment
Kalanchoe likes a warm, slightly humid environment with plenty of sunlight.
2. Soil selection
Kalanchoe must not be grown in heavy, sticky soil, otherwise it will lead to poor growth, root rot and leaf drop, and in severe cases cause the plant to die. The potting soil should be mixed from 4 parts leaf mold, 4 parts garden soil, 2 parts river sand, plus a small amount of bone meal. This kind of growing medium is loose and fertile, has good drainage, and is slightly acidic, which is beneficial to root development.
3. Fertilization method
Kalanchoe must not be grown in heavy, sticky soil, otherwise it will lead to poor growth, root rot and leaf drop, and in severe cases cause the plant to die. The potting soil should be mixed from 4 parts leaf mold, 4 parts garden soil, 2 parts river sand, plus a small amount of bone meal. This kind of growing medium is loose and fertile, has good drainage, and is slightly acidic, which is beneficial to root development.
During the peak growing season, apply a dilute compound liquid fertilizer once every 15 to 20 days to promote robust growth and abundant flowering. After flower buds form in November, apply 1 to 2 additional applications of 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate or 0.5% calcium superphosphate, which will result in more flowers, brighter colors, and a longer flowering period.
4. Watering method
Like other succulent flowers, kalanchoe contains a relatively large amount of water in its body and has strong drought resistance, so it does not need a lot of watering. During the growing period, simply water thoroughly once every 2 to 3 days and keep the potting soil slightly moist. When temperatures are low in winter, watering should be controlled even more. If watering is excessive and drainage is poor, the potting soil will become too wet, which can easily cause root rot.
Note: To grow kalanchoe well, you should develop the habit of taking cuttings. Kalanchoe cannot be kept in the same pot for a long time like other woody plants. Flower enthusiasts can cut off branches or leaves for cuttings, so that they can always have a pot of vigorous kalanchoe.