Kalanchoes are succulents, meaning they store water in their leaves and don’t require continual moisture in the soil. Waterlogged soils will actually cause the stem of your young kalanchoe to rot, which is something you don’t want! Sticking your finger in the dirt every few days is the best way to water a kalanchoe. It’s time to water when the top 2 inches of soil are completely dry (not simply partly dry). Indoors, this means you’ll probably only need to water every 2 or 3 weeks, but keep an eye on it. If the prediction calls for several inches of rain during the summer, be sure to move your kalanchoe undercover. It’s also worth noting that it will grow more slowly in the winter, resulting in even longer time between waterings.
How do I know if my kalanchoe is overwatered?
Kalanchoe leaves that have been overwatered will become mushy and squishy. This is a telltale indicator that you are giving your succulents more water than they require. The leaves of an overwatered Kalanchoe will begin to lose their natural green tint.
Can you over water kalanchoe?
Because kalanchoes are succulents, they don’t like to be overwatered. An overwatered kalanchoe will succumb to root rot soon. When the soil remains damp, it means the roots have died and are no longer taking up water. The plant’s base will also be shaky.
Is kalanchoe a houseplant?
Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) is a popular houseplant that is usually sold in the late winter and early spring. It’s a long-lasting flowering potted plant that requires very little care in the home or office. It has small, four-petaled flowers in clusters held above the foliage and dark green, thick waxy leaves with scalloped edges. It also comes in a double-flowering variant with up to 26 petals per bloom. Kalanchoe flowers come in a variety of colors, including red, magenta, pink, orange, yellow, and white. It is endemic to Madagascar and was introduced in 1932 by German hybridizer Robert Blossfeld.
How long will a kalanchoe live?
As long as you provide adequate nutrients and water for your kalanchoe to thrive, it will continue to grow. These plants can live for six or seven years, but they can get lanky in pots as they become older.
Do you water a kalanchoe from the top or bottom?
If possible, place the plant in strong light or full sun—four hours of direct sunlight if possible. Kalanchoe prefers temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Water every eight to ten days, starting at the bottom and working your way up. You’ve over-watered your plants if the leaves are drooping. If this happens, wait an extra day or two before watering again. Increase summer watering to once a week after Memorial Day. If the surface soil in the pot gets bone dry, wet the soil on the top of the pot with warm water using a small plastic watering can with a long spout. If the leaves become moist, they will mildew and decay.
How do you care for a kalanchoe plant indoors?
Kalanchoes are low-maintenance houseplants that require little attention. Provide them with a bright, sunny location. Wait till the top few cm have dried off before watering them. Remove the faded blooms by deadheading them.
How do you take care of a kalanchoe indoors?
- To blossom, kalanchoe requires a lot of light. Place the potted plant near a bright window. Maintain a warm environment for the plant, ideally between 13 and 29 degrees Celsius (55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Plant in a well-drained, well-aerated soil, such as peat moss and perlite (50/40).
- It is unable to withstand frigid temperatures. Plants should not be placed near drafts or cool windowsills.
- Kalanchoes, like other succulents, do not require much water. Between waterings, let the soil dry out. Overwatering might cause the roots to decay, so be careful.
- To stimulate more blooms, pinch back or deadhead flowers. Allow the plant to rest after deadheading and reduce watering.
- Between fall and spring, most kalanchoes will blossom again, usually during shorter days and longer nights.
- Take a leaf cutting and soak it in water until roots grow to propagate the plant. After that, replant in soil.
Should you mist a kalanchoe?
They don’t need to be sprayed or misted, but if yours is really filthy, hose it down once a year. When watering a Kalanchoe that is wrapped in foil or in a decorative container without a drain hole, remove the plant.