How to grow kalanchoe? The latest care methods and precautions
The scientific name of kalanchoe is actually Christmas kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana), a flower beloved by Europeans. It gets its name because it blooms before Christmas arrives. It is a dwarf flower, generally grown as a potted plant, and comes in many flower colors. Planting kalanchoe is very simple, but caring for it requires some thought, and there are many details to pay attention to, which determine the growing condition of the plant.
1. Temperature and light
Because it is a succulent plant, it does not like high temperatures, but low temperatures will make it go dormant. The optimal growing temperature is 15 to 22 degrees. Below 5 degrees, it stops growing; above 5 degrees and around 10 degrees, it does not grow very well. Above 25 degrees, growth is poor; above 30 degrees, it will no longer grow. It is fairly sun-loving, and with sufficient sunlight it blooms earlier. With insufficient sunlight, it may not bloom.
2. Soil and water
It likes loose, deep soil, but not heavy clay soil. If the soil is both deep and heavy clay, the roots will rot. Loose soil is best, and you can mix it yourself, using river sand, humus soil, peat, decomposed pine needles, wood shavings and the like together. Do not use those very attractive ceramic pots, as they are quite poor at letting air through, easily accumulate water, cause root rot, and lead to infection and disease. If you have clay pots, they are best; if not, common plastic pots with holes are also fine, as they can drain at the bottom. It is better to place broken tile pieces at the bottom. Water thoroughly each time, until water flows out, and water sparingly.
3. Fertilizing
It is a fertilizer-loving flower, and more fertilizer helps it bloom. One month after potting, once it has adapted to the environment, it should be fertilized. Generally, fertilize about 2 times with nitrogen fertilizer, using it after dissolving it. Do not use farmyard manure, as it is inconvenient and easily stains the flowers and leaves; use chemical fertilizer. Fertilize once before blooming. The flowering period is very long. You can apply additional fertilizer, spraying potassium fertilizer about once every one to two months.
4. Pest and disease control
A common disease, leaf spot, harms the leaves and produces brown spots. You can use chlorothalonil diluted with water and spray the leaves thoroughly, and results will be seen after a few days. If the disease is severe, you can dig out the plant, wash off the mud, soak it in the medicinal solution for a period, disinfect the container, then grow it in water with nutrient solution for a while, and replant it in a pot after it recovers. A common pest, the leaf caterpillar, harms the leaves, leaving only the epidermis after feeding. Pick off and kill the caterpillars, then spray a disinfecting solution once more, and clean up the excrement.
5. Precautions
When fertilizing, do not let it touch the leaves. If it touches the leaves, wash it off, otherwise it will harm the leaves, and the leaves will turn yellow and wither. Do not over-fertilize, as too high a soil concentration will cause reverse water loss. There is more than one kind of pest and disease, so you must identify them and prevent and control them accordingly. Do not let humidity get too high, as it easily causes disease. Place it in a ventilated and well-lit spot, and it will grow better. When the outdoor temperature is unsuitable, move it indoors to grow.
Kalanchoe belongs to the Crassulaceae family, and like succulents it is drought-tolerant and easy to manage. The main thing is not to water too much, and to pay attention to the other details. The specific situation requires adjusting the growing method accordingly.