How do you grow Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi so it thrives?
Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi, also known as foreign bell orchid, dancing butterflies, etc., is a succulent plant of the Crassulaceae family, Kalanchoe genus, with brilliant leaf colors, flower-like form, attractive plant shape, and peculiar roots, possessing extremely high artistic ornamental value. Grown in pots for viewing, it is suitable for display in family living rooms and studies, and is also an important cut flower. Now let us take a look at how to grow Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi well!
Growth habits of Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi
Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi is native to the dry, sunny tropical regions of Madagascar, and can now be cultivated in many places around the world. It likes a warm and cool climate environment, and does not tolerate high temperatures and strong sun. In winter the temperature should not be lower than 5°C. Only when the temperature is above 13°C can it flower normally for viewing, and with a winter room temperature of 10-12°C it can flower normally. It is suitable for growing in fertile, loose, and well-drained sandy loam soil. It likes diffused light, and in summer it is best placed in sparse sunlight; it grows vigorously in autumn and sends up flower spikes in winter. In South China it can generally overwinter safely outdoors, while in the north it is only suitable for pot cultivation, to be moved into a greenhouse in winter.
Propagation methods of Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi
Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi is mainly propagated by cuttings, with May to June being the best time. Choose a plump and full terminal stem, cut a 10-12 cm length, let the cut surface dry slightly, then insert it into a sand bed; roots can form in about 7-10 days, and when the roots are 2-3 cm long, transplant it into a pot. Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi can also be propagated by leaf cuttings: cut off a single leaf, let the cut dry, then insert it obliquely into a sand pot; about 10 days after insertion new roots grow, and after 30 days small plantlets grow from the base of the leaf, but most seedlings from leaf cuttings lack chlorophyll and are not easy to keep alive.
How to grow Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi well?
1. Watering: The stems and leaves of Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi are all fleshy and fairly drought-tolerant, so it does not need frequent watering. In spring after flowering, repot and prune the whole plant, control plant height, and encourage more branching; when new branches sprout, watering can be increased a little. In the hot, rainy summer season, water use should be controlled to avoid root rot caused by overly wet soil.
2. Fertilizing: When planting Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi, apply sufficient base fertilizer; from leaf expansion until flower stem formation, apply a comprehensive top dressing once a month. Nitrogen fertilizer should not be applied too much, lest the flower stems become too tender and easily broken by wind. During the growing season, fertilize once a month, applying less nitrogen fertilizer and more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, so the leaf markings appear even more beautiful.
3. Light: Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi is a short-day plant and flowers every winter; if light exceeds 12 hours, flowering will be delayed until early spring. In midsummer it should be slightly shaded, but if too shaded, the stems and leaves tend to grow leggy and soft, and the leaf color becomes dull and lacks luster.
4. Diseases: Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi often suffers from stem rot and brown spot, which can be sprayed with a 600-fold solution of 65% zineb wettable powder. Pests include scale insects and whiteflies, which can be killed by spraying with a 1000-fold solution of 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate.