Master the key points of kalanchoe care and enjoy blooms all year round

  Madagascar periwinkle not only has a long flowering period, but its small flowers are also very lovely. Madagascar periwinkle is also a good medicine, with excellent effects on pain relief, anti-inflammation and more. With such a pot of flowers that is both beautiful and useful, do you flower lovers want to get one? The editor has put together some key points on Madagascar periwinkle care here to share with you flower lovers.

  A warm and humid environment 

  Madagascar periwinkle likes to grow in a warm and humid environment, so sufficient light is very necessary. Generally, keeping the temperature at around 18 degrees Celsius is enough, and it can fully meet the growth requirements of Madagascar periwinkle. In winter, pay attention to keeping it warm, especially friends in the north. At this time, do not leave them outdoors anymore; they will also be "unhappy". Many flower lovers say that the Madagascar periwinkle they grow withers in less than a year, but actually it is because winter management was not done well. Before winter, Madagascar periwinkle will show leaf drop and yellow leaves. Actually it does not matter; this does not mean it is going to die. Do not throw it away. It will return to its original appearance the following spring.

  Loose, fertile acidic soil 

  Although Madagascar periwinkle does not have high requirements for soil, if the soil's salinity and alkalinity are too high, it will also affect its growth. It is best to use some humus soil. This kind of soil generally has good air permeability and drainage, which is beneficial to the growth of Madagascar periwinkle.

  Watering must be strictly controlled 

  Madagascar periwinkle has poor tolerance to waterlogging, so it must not be watered too much. In summer, when the temperature is relatively high and the air is relatively dry, you can water a little more appropriately. In winter, water less and maintain a certain degree of dryness, otherwise frost damage is very likely to occur.

  Alternating fertilization is very necessary 

  During the growth stage of Madagascar periwinkle, fertilizer can be applied once about every 10 days. It is best to alternate compound fertilizer and liquid fertilizer, which is beneficial to the formation of Madagascar periwinkle flower buds. In winter, apply as little fertilizer as possible; applying none is also fine.

  Necessary pruning 

  Madagascar periwinkle is a potted plant and cannot grow too tall, as that will affect its beauty. So it must be pruned. Generally, the pinching method is used, which can make Madagascar periwinkle grow more branches and also bloom a little more. Some spent flowers and diseased flowers should also be pruned in time, otherwise it will cause loss of nutrients. For flower lovers in the north, when the temperature gradually drops, the branches can be pruned to about 20 cm, which can allow it to store more nutrients during the dormant period, and it will bloom more the following year.

  Summary of key points for Madagascar periwinkle care 

  1. Sufficient light

  2. Enough fertilizer

  3. Moderate pruning

  4. A warm environment

How to grow kalanchoe all year round? Kalanchoe care through the four seasons

  Kalanchoe, a perennial succulent herbaceous plant, blooms in winter and spring, for as long as 4 months. Because its leaves are large and green and its flowers are many and lush, and its flowering season happens to fall around New Year's Day and the Spring Festival, it is very popular with many families. Kalanchoe also has the good meaning of great good fortune and long life, so many flower lovers want to grow kalanchoe at home. In fact, kalanchoe is not difficult to grow. To grow flowers, first understand the habits of the plant and master watering, temperature, light, fertilization and pinching. So, today the editor will share how to grow kalanchoe all year round.

  Spring 

  Spring is in the flowering period, so maintain sufficient light.

  Light: Kalanchoe in the flowering period needs sufficient light to ensure vigorous blooming. Maintaining all-day light is a must. Sufficient light can extend the flowering period. If the weather warms up in late spring, appropriately reduce the light time. In early spring, pay attention to keeping it warm.

  Watering: Kalanchoe is afraid of waterlogging, so when watering, better dry than wet. Kalanchoe is a succulent plant and itself holds a lot of water, so it does not like too much water. When it needs watering, you can insert a bamboo skewer straight down to the bottom of the soil. If the soil at the bottom is dry, it needs watering. Water thoroughly in one go.

  Summer

  Kalanchoe likes warmth and fears heat. In summer, the main tasks are shading and cooling.

  Light: In summer, the most important thing is to avoid the heat. Avoid direct sunlight; it is suitable to place it in a shaded environment with good ventilation.

  Watering: Water less in summer and avoid heavy watering. In summer, the surface soil dries quickly while the bottom dries slowly, and too much watering easily causes root rot.

  Autumn

  Autumn has suitable temperatures and is the vigorous growth period and flower bud period for kalanchoe. Light: Sufficient light, avoid strong light. Give half a day of light in the morning; when the light is strong in the afternoon, it can be placed indoors, maintaining what is needed for growth and flower bud differentiation.

  Watering: Same as spring watering; better to water less, and absolutely do not water a little here and there for no reason.

  Pinching: To grow a beautiful pot of kalanchoe, pinching in autumn is a must. Autumn is the vigorous growth period. On one hand, pinching avoids wasting nutrients and helps flower bud formation and differentiation; on the other hand, it makes the plant short and sturdy and beautifies the plant shape.

  Winter

  Winter is the flowering period, so pay attention to keeping it warm and giving sufficient light

  Light: The flowering period needs sufficient light. It can be placed on a warm balcony all day to receive sufficient light, and only then will the flowers bloom vigorously and fully.

  Watering: Water less in winter; it is better for the soil to be a bit dry. In winter, the temperature is low and water evaporates slowly, so keep the soil a bit dry. When watering, only a little is needed; just moisten the soil.

  Temperature: Winter temperatures are low, so warmth is needed. At night, place it in a slightly warmer place to keep warm, for example, it can be placed in the bedroom.

  Kalanchoe is phototropic, so the direction of the flower pot needs to be adjusted on a regular schedule. For example, turn the flower pot 90 degrees every week to make light exposure even. You can place a small stone in the flower pot as a marker, ensuring the plant does not lean to one side and stays beautiful.

How to grow kalanchoe? Kalanchoe care tips

How to grow kalanchoe? What should be noted in kalanchoe care?

The kalanchoe plant is small and exquisite, compact in shape, with emerald green leaves and dense flowers. It is an ideal indoor potted flower for winter and spring. Its flowering period coincides with Christmas, New Year's Day and the Spring Festival, making it very suitable for decorating windowsills, desks and table tops. Used in flower troughs, display windows and halls in public places, its overall ornamental effect is excellent. Because of the name "longevity", giving a pot of kalanchoe to relatives and friends during festivals, meaning great good fortune and long life, is also very appropriate and likable.

How to grow kalanchoe? Kalanchoe care tips

Kalanchoe likes plenty of sunlight, and when grown at home it should be placed in a spot with direct sunlight all year round. However, around noon in summer it should be properly shaded and can be moved indoors, otherwise too strong light easily makes the leaves turn yellow. Conversely, if light is insufficient, not only will the branches be thin and slender and the leaves thin and the plant shape unattractive, but the number of flowers will also decrease, the flower color will be less vivid, and a large number of leaves will drop, losing its ornamental value.

Kalanchoe is drought-tolerant and does not have strict soil requirements; fertile sandy loam is best. Generally, repot once every spring after the flowers fade. For the potting soil, it is best to use 4 parts leaf mold, 4 parts garden soil, 2 parts river sand, plus a small amount of mixed and prepared soil. Kalanchoe is a short-day plant and is relatively sensitive to photoperiod. For well-growing plants, giving short-day treatment (8 to 9 hours of light per day) for 3 to 4 weeks can make flower buds appear and bloom.

Kalanchoe is drought-tolerant, so it does not need a large amount of watering. Just water thoroughly once every 3 to 4 days and keep the potting soil slightly moist. In winter at low temperatures and during the rainy season, watering should be controlled to avoid root rot.

During the peak growth season, apply a dilute compound liquid fertilizer once every 2 to 3 weeks 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 solution, and then there will be more flowers, more vivid color and a longer flowering period.

In winter, attention should be paid to cold protection. Room temperature should not be lower than 12 degrees C; 15 degrees C to 18 degrees C during the day and above 10 degrees C at night are best. If the temperature is too low, the leaves will turn red and the flowering period will be delayed or normal flowering will fail, affecting holiday viewing.

Although kalanchoe is a perennial plant, after being grown for more than 2 years, the old roots may rot. To make the kalanchoe branches more robust, it is recommended to take cuttings and divide the pots every 1 to 2 years.

Kalanchoe is phototropic, so during the growth period attention should be paid to changing the direction of the flower pot and adjusting the light so that the plant receives even light and the branches grow evenly in all directions. After the flowers fade, promptly cut off the spent flowers to avoid consuming nutrients and affecting the number of flowers in the next bloom. Generally, repot once every spring after the flowers fade. For the potting soil, use 4 parts humus soil, 4 parts garden soil, 2 parts river sand, plus a small amount of bone meal mixed and prepared. This cultivation soil is loose and fertile, has good drainage, and is slightly acidic, which is beneficial to the growth and development of kalanchoe.