How to Grow and Care for the Paddle Plant (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora)

The name "thick-skinned" is not a very pleasant one, and it is not used to describe a person; here it refers to a plant. Growing the paddle plant requires mastering certain techniques. Let's take a look at how to grow the paddle plant.

How to Grow the Paddle Plant

1: Propagation

The paddle plant is usually propagated by cuttings. Generally, choose relatively plump branches, preferably 8-10 cm long. After cutting, let them dry in a ventilated place, then insert them into potting soil and water them appropriately; they will take root in about 3 weeks. This cutting method mostly uses the tip branches, but there is another cutting method that can use a single leaf: insert it into a sand bed, and it will root in about 4 weeks. Once the roots reach about 2 cm, it can be removed and potted for management.

2: Repotting

The paddle plant is a fast-growing plant, and it generally needs to be repotted every spring. When repotting, replace part of the old soil with some fresh soil. To ensure the paddle plant has a full shape and lush branches and leaves, it is generally best not to fertilize too much. During the growth period of the paddle plant, water 2-3 times a week; in a hot and humid environment, reduce the frequency of watering. If it is really short of water, you can spray water on the leaves to prevent waterlogging, and since the paddle plant itself is drought-tolerant, this will not do any harm.

3: Pruning

To keep the paddle plant lush, the branches and leaves generally need to be pruned. When pruning, maintain its original shape, cut off the old and yellow leaves, and keep the fresh branches and leaves. At the same time, do not prune too much at once, so as to avoid harming the plant.

4: Water and Fertilizer Management

The principle of moderate watering for the paddle plant must be strictly followed. In summer, when the climate is dry and the temperature is too high, more water should be given, but it should not be poured directly into the soil, as this will cause root rot. Water the soil only when it is dry, but you can spray the leaves to replenish moisture. In winter, watering should be restrained: once every half a month is enough, which is one-half of the summer watering amount. Fertilize more in summer, and reduce the frequency of fertilization in winter.

5: Pests and Diseases

The only way to prevent pests and diseases is to spray pesticide. The pesticide concentration should not be too strong. The main diseases are anthracnose and leaf spot, which can be treated by spraying a 1000-fold dilution of 70% thiophanate-methyl.

Notes on Growing the Paddle Plant:

1. Pinching: Newly potted paddle plant seedlings should be pinched in time to promote branching; for older plants whose stems are semi-lignified, bare at the base, and mostly curved rather than upright, reducing their ornamental value, they should be cut back to make them sprout new branches.

2. Light: In summer, the paddle plant needs shading; in other seasons, it should have sufficient light, otherwise the color of the leaf edges will disappear.

3. Repotting: When repotting a paddle plant bonsai, keep some of the old soil, then add some fresh soil. When fertilizing, not too much is needed. During the growth period, watering about 2 times a week is enough; do not water too much. But in a hot and humid environment, the frequency of watering needs to be too much; just spray a little mist on the branches and leaves to keep the growing environment moist.

I believe that after reading the above article, you now have some understanding of the relevant content on how to grow the paddle plant. I hope the above content can help you. For more wonderful content, please continue to follow our website~