How to grow Kalanchoe blossfeldiana? Detailed cultivation methods and tips
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana has high ornamental value, with richly colored flowers in shades of crimson, peach red, orange-red, yellow, orange-yellow and white. Even when not in bloom, its leaves are worth admiring, making it an ideal indoor potted flower. The plant is small and delicate, with a compact form, emerald green leaves and dense flowers. Because its flowering period begins at Christmas, it is also called Christmas kalanchoe.
Placing Kalanchoe blossfeldiana on a windowsill, desk or table at home creates a distinctive charm. Because its common name means "longevity," giving a pot of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana to relatives and friends during festivals is very appropriate and pleasing, symbolizing great fortune and a long life. How do you grow potted Kalanchoe blossfeldiana so it lives up to its name? Here is a look at its growth habits and points to note.
1. Soil
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana (Christmas kalanchoe) originates from Madagascar in Africa and prefers a warm, slightly humid environment with plenty of sunlight. It is not cold-tolerant, with an optimum growing temperature of 15-25°C. It is drought-tolerant and not demanding about soil, doing best in fertile sandy loam. For potting soil, mix 4 parts leaf mold, 4 parts garden soil, 2 parts river sand and a small amount of bone meal. Do not grow Kalanchoe blossfeldiana in heavy clay soil, or it will grow poorly, suffer root rot and leaf drop, and in severe cases die.
2. Light
During cultivation of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, short-day treatment can be used to regulate the flowering period and provide potted flowers year-round. If light is insufficient, the branches become slender and the leaves thin and small. If light is insufficient for a long time, large numbers of leaves will drop and the plant loses its ornamental value. If a flowering plant is kept in a dark place for a long time, the flower color becomes dull and the flowers wither and drop.
3. Temperature
In winter, room temperature must not fall below 12°C; 15-18°C during the day and above 10°C at night are suitable. If the temperature drops to 6-8°C, the leaves turn red and flowering is delayed, so flowers cannot be guaranteed for the holiday. Kalanchoe blossfeldiana should be placed in a sunny spot all year round. However, in northern China the summer sunlight is intense and can easily yellow the leaves, so around midday it is best to shade it appropriately or place it in a semi-shaded spot indoors, while ensuring ventilation and cooling.
4. Watering
Excessive drought will slow the growth of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, turn the leaves red and delay flowering, while a slightly humid environment makes it grow more vigorously, so moisture should be maintained. However, in midsummer watering must be controlled and ventilation ensured; if it is hot and humid, the leaves rot and drop easily. It does not need large amounts of water; ordinarily watering once every 2-3 days to keep the potting soil slightly moist is enough to meet its growth and development needs. In winter when temperatures are low, it will not die of dryness even without watering for 10 days to half a month. If watered too much and drainage is poor, overly wet potting soil easily causes root rot.
5. Fertilizing
During the growing season, fertilize once every half month, or use "Huizhi" 15-15-30 special fertilizer for potted flowers. Two weeks after planting Christmas kalanchoe, spray once with 0.2% daminozide, and spray again when the plant reaches 12 cm in height. This effectively controls plant height and achieves the effect of a beautiful form, green leaves and abundant flowers. During flower bud formation in autumn, apply 1-2 additional applications of phosphorus-potassium fertilizer. In the peak growing season, apply a dilute compound liquid fertilizer or chemical fertilizer once every 2-3 weeks to promote robust growth and abundant flowering. After flower buds form in November, apply 1-2 additional applications of 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution, and the flowers will be numerous, brightly colored and long-lasting.
6. Pinching
To control plant height, pinch back appropriately 1-2 times according to growth conditions to encourage more branching and flowering. In the early stage of vigorous growth, pinch back promptly to promote more branching, and the plant shape will become fuller. Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is phototropic, so during growth the direction of the pot should be changed frequently to adjust light exposure, so the plant receives even light and the branches grow symmetrically in all directions. If the pot is not turned for a long time, the plant will grow leaning to one side. After the flowers fade, promptly cut off the spent flowers to avoid consuming nutrients and affecting the next bloom.