How to Grow Kalanchoe manginii (Chandelier Kalanchoe)? A Detailed Guide to Cultivation Methods

Chandelier Kalanchoe, also known as the large chandelier plant, is a perennial succulent herbaceous plant. Its shape resembles a small lantern, hence the name Chandelier Kalanchoe. Do you want to know how to cultivate Chandelier Kalanchoe? Here is a guide introducing the breeding methods and cultivation methods of Chandelier Kalanchoe.

Cultivation Methods for Chandelier Kalanchoe

Chandelier Kalanchoe is relatively drought-tolerant and afraid of waterlogging, growing well under dry conditions in high-rise buildings. In spring and autumn, water about once every 3 days when the potting soil looks dry, and keep it slightly moist. In summer, water less, watering once every 5 to 7 days. During the rainy season, Chandelier Kalanchoe placed outdoors should be sheltered from rain, as excess water easily causes rot.

Chandelier Kalanchoe is fond of fertilizer. After the seedlings are planted in pots for half a month, or after the old plant is divided for half a month, a nitrogen-based liquid fertilizer can be applied to promote stem and leaf growth. After flowering, a nitrogen-based liquid fertilizer can be applied. It restores vitality. At other times, except for stopping in summer, only nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer should be used. When fertilizing, do not put fertilizer on the leaves, otherwise the leaves will rot. If the leaves are accidentally soiled, rinse them clean with water. The flowering period of Chandelier Kalanchoe is long. During the flowering period, the rule of not fertilizing must be broken. Apply a thin layer of NPK fertilizer or 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution every month, so that late flowers will not become sparse due to lack of fertilizer.

Soil Requirements

Chandelier Kalanchoe does not grow tall, but if the soil is sticky, it easily rots. A loose, fertile, slightly acidic soil should be chosen. For household potted plants, humus soil can be mixed with garden topsoil, then 5% coarse sand added. Before planting, add bone meal or NPK compound fertilizer as base fertilizer.

Watering Methods

Chandelier Kalanchoe is a succulent plant. It contains more moisture. It is drought-tolerant and water-resistant, especially on the higher floors of cities. The air is relatively dry, and it can grow well there. Regular watering is not needed; water once every 2 to 3 days when the potting soil is dry. If the potting soil temperature is too high, ventilate and cool appropriately to avoid root rot.

Watering should follow one principle, that is, "see dry, water, and water thoroughly." For indoor maintenance in winter, watering should be increased and fertilizing stopped. In spring and autumn, water about once every 3 days when the soil is dry; in summer, reduce water, preferably watering once every 5 to 7 days. If you place it on an open balcony, you need to pay attention to sheltering it from rain.

Lighting Requirements

Chandelier Kalanchoe likes a sunny environment. Except for appropriate shading at noon in summer, it can be placed on the balcony at other times, where it can receive at least 4 hours of direct light every day and grow very sturdy.

Every half month, the flower pot should be turned so that the plant receives light evenly, avoiding a one-sided crown and reducing ornamental value. However, thin stems and leaves receive less light and are lighter in color than areas with abundant sunlight. If the plant does not easily drop leaves without flowers, or if a plant that has already bloomed is placed in a shady spot, the color will darken, and then the flowers will drop and wither. If this phenomenon is found, light must be supplemented in time.

Although it can also grow in semi-shade, the stems are thin, the leaves are fewer in color, and it is far less lush than in the sun. If the plant does not easily drop leaves without flowers, or if a plant that has already bloomed is placed in a shady spot, the color will darken, and then the flowers will drop and wither. It is best to cut off the flower stems immediately after flowering, which is beneficial for the next wave of blooming.

Temperature Requirements

The most suitable temperature for the growth of Chandelier Kalanchoe is 15°C to 25°C. Growth slows below 30°C and it enters a semi-dormant state, which means Chandelier Kalanchoe basically does not grow in summer. However, if the temperature is below 10°C, growth will stagnate. Below 8°C, the leaf color will turn red, the flowering period will be delayed, and it will freeze to death below 0°C.

Therefore, after autumn begins, from early August to mid-September, increase the sun. When the temperature is below 10°C, move it to an indoor windowsill facing south or west. Let it see more sunlight, and keep the nighttime temperature at around 10°C. With daytime temperatures of 15-18°C, it can bloom in December.

Fertilizing Methods

Chandelier Kalanchoe likes fertilizer. Except for stopping application in summer, only nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer should be applied. When fertilizing, do not put fertilizer on the leaves, otherwise the leaves easily rot. If the leaves are accidentally soiled, rinse them clean with water immediately.

Aquaculture Considerations

Fertilizing During the Flowering Period

The flowering period of Chandelier Kalanchoe is long, and everyone has different habits. If you fertilize frequently, you must maintain it. To break the rule of not fertilizing during the flowering period, apply a thin NPK fertilizer every month to ensure that the plant after flowering does not suffer from lack of fertilizer and poor growth.

Providing Support

When Chandelier Kalanchoe grows tall, bamboo stakes should be set up for support. Otherwise, the gradually growing stems and leaves will be messy, which is very unattractive.

How to Propagate Chandelier Kalanchoe

There are two main ways to propagate Chandelier Kalanchoe. One is cutting branches, and the other is cutting leaves.