How to grow Kalanchoe synsepala (Walking Kalanchoe) succulents? Key points on watering, fertilizing and getting through summer

Kalanchoe synsepala, just hearing the name conjures up a vivid image, and it has an even prettier alias - Walking Kalanchoe. The leaf shape of this succulent naturally looks like two butterflies flying wing to wing, making it especially eye-catching on a windowsill. Today let's talk about how exactly to grow Kalanchoe synsepala.

Get to know it first: what it looks like and what environment it likes

Kalanchoe synsepala is a succulent in the Crassulaceae family, genus Kalanchoe. The edges of its leaves are not smooth and rounded, but have obvious serrations, and the serrated areas take on a deep wine-red color; the overall leaf color is a somewhat dull grayish green, mixed with threads of red, looking especially beautiful and striking.

Its place of origin is southeastern Africa, so it naturally likes warm, dry environments with plenty of sunlight, and its tolerance for drought and low temperatures is quite good. However, tolerating low temperatures does not mean it can be left out in the cold casually; in daily care, you should still avoid low-temperature environments as much as possible.

Watering and light: afraid of waterlogging, needs shade and ventilation in summer

When growing Kalanchoe synsepala, two things are most feared: one is standing water in the pot, and the other is watering too frequently. Once there is too much water, the roots rot very easily. So usually you must control the amount of watering well, preferring dry over wet. If the surrounding air is relatively dry, do not water overhead either; appropriately spraying some water on the leaves to keep them moist is enough.

During the high temperatures of summer, it needs to be shaded while also keeping ventilation and air movement. It is best to place it in a spot with bright light but no direct sunlight, as this kind of environment works best for it.

Potting soil and fertilizing: loose, fertile soil, a light fertilizing once a month during the growing season

For soil mixing, choose a loose, breathable medium with good drainage, and the soil texture is best if it is also somewhat fertile, so that it can support better growth.

Fertilizing does not need to be too frequent; during the growing season, applying a light fertilizer once a month is enough. One thing to be especially careful about: when fertilizing, do not splash fertilizer onto the leaves, otherwise spots are easily left on the leaf surface, affecting its ornamental value.

Overall, Kalanchoe synsepala counts as a relatively easy succulent to grow. As long as you remember these key points - water less, prevent waterlogging, avoid low temperatures, shade and ventilate in summer, and apply a light fertilizer once a month - your "Walking Kalanchoe" can also spread its wings healthily and look better and better as you grow it.