Cacti – According to botany, all succulents and cacti are the same. (In other words, not all plants having succulent traits are considered to be cacti; only cacti have the feature of holding water in thickened and fleshy sections of their structure.) A cactus is a plant that belongs to the order Caryophyllales and the family Cactaceae. Native to the Americas, cacti can be found from western Canada in the north to Patagonia in the south. Cactus also flourish in Sri Lanka and Africa. Sedum is a sizable genus of flowering plants in the Crassulacae family, some of whose members are sometimes referred to as stonecrops. According to descriptions, the genus contains up to 600 species of leaves, which can be found on a variety of plants throughout the Northern Hemisphere, including shrubs, annual and creeping herbs, and trees. The plants have leaves that can store water—another succulent trait! Flowers typically have five petals; rarely do they have four or six. Usually, there are two times as many stamens as petals.
Consequently, as you can see, cactus and sedum are both members of different plant genera and belong to two distinct families in the plant hierarchy, but both can be characterized as “succulent. In the family Crassulacea, the genus Kalanchoe contains roughly 125 species of tropical, succulent flowering plants. They are primarily indigenous to the Old World, though several species have since been introduced and are currently growing wild there. A handful are annual or biennial, while the majority are shrubs or perennial herbaceous plants. Sedum and kalanchoe belong to the same family (Crassulacea), however they are not the same genus. We like kalanchoe as indoor plants because they are typically native to warm regions and are not hardy in Ohio. Nevertheless, despite their resilience or lack thereof, they are still “succulents with thick leaves that hold water.
Dr. John Creech is a sedum cultivar. (Cultivar Dr. John Creech, Sedum, family Crassulaceae) Dr. John Creech belongs to the same family and genus as Kalanchoe, a tropical plant, but is cold-tolerant in zones 3–9 down to minus 40 degrees! The plants are connected genetically, and they both exhibit succulent qualities.
A kalanchoe belongs to what sort of plant?
About 120 species of succulent plants belong to the genus Kalanchoe, which belongs to the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae). The majority of species are indigenous to Madagascar and tropical Africa, and several are well-known for being simple to grow indoors. The majority of kalanchoes require a lot of direct sunlight, although they may also survive in brilliant indirect light and only need watering when completely dry, making them relatively low-maintenance houseplants. Cuttings of leaves or stems can be used to easily reproduce all species.
Is the kalanchoe a succulent?
Thick-leaved succulents known as kalanchoe plants are common at garden centers and floral shops. The majority are grown in pots, however they can also be grown outdoors in environments that are similar to their native Madagascar.
The tiny flower clusters combine to form a voluminous bloom that is carried far above the majority of the leaves by stalks. You must be knowledgeable about kalanchoe maintenance if you want a second bloom. These plants require brief winter light intervals in order to develop new buds. If you learn how to grow kalanchoe, the perennial will provide you several seasons of vibrant, colorful flowers as a reward.
What distinguishes a cactus from a succulent plant?
What distinguishes a succulent from a cactus? The only plant that can survive in a hot south window, where the light shines through the glass intensified, is a cactus. Any plant that stores water in juicy leaves, stems, or roots to resist recurring droughts is considered a succulent. Some people accept non-fleshy desert plants while others exclude plants with flesh, such as epiphytic orchids (yuccas, puyas).
Cactus is merely a type of succulent that can hold moisture and is classified separately from other succulents (cacti is the plural form of cactus in Latin) (Cactaceae). On the other hand, not every succulent is a cactus. In addition to being close relatives of the pointsetta, geranium, lily, grape, amaryllis, crassula, daisy, and milkweed, succulents are members of approximately 40 botanical families that are distributed throughout the world.
The name “cactus” derives from the Greek word “kaktos,” which means “spiny plant.” The ancient Greeks used this word to describe a species that was actually an artichoke variety rather than a cactus. 2000 years later, Linnaeus, who classified plants, gave a family of plants with distinctive characteristics like thick stems that served as water reservoirs, prickly or hairy coverings, and few, if any, leaves the name Cactaceae.
Cacti are simple to spot. They rarely have leaves because they have to work so hard to stay alive. They have stems that have been altered into cylinders, pads, or joints that store water during dry spells. Skin thickness lowers evaporation. For defense against browsing animals, the majority of species have bristles or spines, but some lack them, and others have long hair or a woolly covering. Large and vibrant flowers are the norm. Fruit may be both edible and colorful.
Every cactus has leaves when it is still a seedling. Additionally, some plants briefly produce tiny leaves on their new growth each spring. The majority of cactus progressively lost their leaves as shifting climatic patterns transformed native environments into deserts, evaporating too much limited water into the dry air. They switched to storing the water that was available in their stems. To adapt the size of their evaporation surfaces to changing conditions, many may modify their shape. When moisture is abundant, ribs that resemble an accordion can extend; when there is a drought, they can contract.
The majority of succulents, such as aloes, hawthorias, crassulas, and echeveria, originated in environments with less harsh conditions than cactus, such as those with rainy seasons followed by protracted dry seasons. They all have leaves. Their leaves gradually grew fattened by water-storing tissues and covered in a waxy or horny substance that lessens evaporation from the surface to help them get through the dry spells.
From Canada, through Central America, the West Indies, and south to the chilly regions of Chile and Patagonia, the cactus (Cactaceae) family can be found (southern end of South America). The largest collection may be in Mexico, but there are also a large number in the western deserts of the United States and at higher elevations in the Cordilleras of Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina.
The majority of succulents are native to milder, semi-desert regions of the planet (Mexico, South Africa). Some (such as sedums and sempervivums) are native to cooler regions where they thrive on sunny, rocky ledges and slopes. Although there are many succulents around the world, not all succulents are desert plants. They can be found on mountains, in jungles, and next to bodies of water. Succulents can be found in semi-arid parts of North and South America, Asia, and Africa, but many also live in rain forests. Succulents can be found in the mountains where they can survive inclement weather, strong winds, and poor soil. Aeonium is a succulent native to Africa, the Canary and Madeira Islands; Agave is a succulent native to the Americas; Aloe is a succulent native to Africa, the Mediterranean, and Atlantic islands; Cotyledon is a succulent native to semi-arid regions of Africa; Crassula is a succulent native to mostly Africa; Dudleya is a succulent native to coastal California and Mexico; Faucaria is a succulent native to South Africa; Sempervivum: North Africa, Asia Minor, and Central and Southern Europe.
Does kalanchoe require soil from cacti?
Soil. A kalanchoe plant thrives outside in sandy, well-drained soil. Indoor plants should be potted in a mixture that doesn’t retain a lot of moisture, such as 60 percent peat moss and 40 percent perlite or a 50/50 combination of potting soil and cactus mix.
Do kalanchoes prefer the hot sun?
In broad sun and on well-drained potting soil, kalanchoe thrives. Kalanchoe can easily withstand high indoor light levels. However, in low light situations, plants often become spindly. If you overwater kalanchoe, it could suffer damage. Between waterings, allow the soil to gently dry out. Every month, fertilize living things that are actively growing with any indoor plant fertilizer. 45–65°F at night and 50–70°F during the day are the ideal ranges. Flowers live longer under cool nighttime temperatures.
The inside will shine with this Kalanchoe (Kalanchoeblossfeldiana) cultivar with orange flowers. Clemson Extension’s Barbara H. Smith, HGIC
What benefits does the kalanchoe plant offer?
INTRODUCTION A medicinal herb called kalanchoe is frequently used in folk medicine to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, kidney stones, gastric ulcers, and kidney stones. In temperate areas of Asia and Hawaii, Kalanchoe pinnata has established itself as a native plant.
Does kalanchoe grow in the desert?
In the family Crassulaceae, the genus Kalanchoe contains roughly 125 species of tropical, succulent flowering plants. Native to Tanzania, Malawi, and Mozambique is the Kalanchoe humalis (hu-ma-lis).
In the falls and rapids of rivers, this plant can be seen growing amid rocks, in crevices, and occasionally on a rocky island.
The botanist Michel Adanson published the first description of the genus in 1763. Adanson was a Jesuit missionary, chemist, and naturalist who is renowned for writing the first thorough accounts of the flora and fauna of the Philippines.
Josephus Camelluas was cited by Adanson as the name’s original source. He clarified that the name Kalanchauhuy is a Chinese name.
When a carefully chosen clone known as “Desert Surprise” was released into the nursery industry in 2010, it caused quite a stir.
‘Desert Surprise’ Needs…
Light: Especially during the summer growing season, they love areas that are sunny and light. Consider a south-facing window during the winter.
Water: Water plants sparingly throughout the winter and moderately during the summer. Allow the soil surface to dry out between waterings so that the plant can nearly completely dry out in the winter. Winter homes have low humidity levels, which is ideal for plants. Search for indications of water distress on the fleshy leaves.
They prefer warm temperatures. Keep the temperature above 55 F. Normal potting soil mix is suitable as a base. Feed your plants with a liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the summer, or use slow-release pellets.
Advice: Kalanchoe appreciate solitude. The kalanchoe should not be planted with companion plants, and it should be repotted every spring in pots that are one inch larger. Use 20-8-20 time release fertilizer at half strength with new soil.
Seeds
There are about 2.5 million kalanchoe seeds in one ounce. There are two ways to propagate kalanchoe from seeds. The first step is to buy seeds from a nearby nursery or garden center. The second is, if you have perennial flower gardens, to cross-pollinate at least two kalanchoes.
The kalanchoe seeds can be planted directly in warm, pleasantly wet soil that is mixed with fine potting soil and cactus mix in equal parts. You will receive a tiny kalanchoe sprout because the warmth and humidity of the ground will activate the growth hormones in the seed and direct the sprout toward nutrition.
Indirect lighting and temperatures between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit should be maintained for seeds. When the soil seems dry, sprinkle the seeds with filtered or rainfall in a clean spray bottle. Never overwater!
It should take about ten days for germination. At six to eight weeks, lightly pinch the seedling back. Transplant the seedlings into separate one- to two-inch pots when they are six inches tall.
The two kinds can be crossed to create a hybrid, which may include characteristics from both parents, unique characteristics, or both. It’s always intriguing to see what results from crossing two kalanchoe plants and what colors your shrub will take on.
Wait until two or more plants are in full bloom before interbreeding. To transfer pollen from one plant to another, use a little paintbrush or Q-tip to brush it from the stamen of one flower to the stigma of another. It could be simplest to cut off a bunch of the blooms and tear them apart in order to access the pollen because they are packaged tightly.
Leaf Cuttings
You can grow kalanchoe from leaf cuttings if you wish to repeat the exact same plant in your garden. Take your cuttings in the early spring by removing a few sturdy, green, six to eight-inch-long branches from the kalanchoe with a pair of sharp garden scissors.
Remove the leaves from the cutting’s lowest three inches. To give the cut side of the cuts time to heal, let them dry on the counter for about three days. The cutting will be prone to decay if planted right away.
Cutting propagation requires a cactus mix with some humus topsoil put in, which is the ideal soil for the plant. To ensure that the soil is moist for planting, fully water the mixture and let it drain for 30 minutes. Dig a tiny hole, position the cutting upright, fill the hole, and apply pressure until it stands up by itself.
For at least a week, refrain from watering the kalanchoe cutting. By establishing roots in the ground, this allows the leaf to survive in relatively dry conditions.
To produce at least one viable seedling, you should try to propagate several cuttings. After a month, little seedlings will start to sprout from the cutting’s base. Maintain moisture in the seedlings by misting them with filtered or rainwater, but never let it to pool.
Blooming Kalanchoe ‘Desert Surprise’…
A flower spike with tiny purple blooms emerges from the open rosette’s center in the middle of the summer. After the bloom is done, many people toss the plants, but this is not actually necessary.
Simply remove the flowering head, give the plant a rest with less water, and then continue to take care of it as usual. It ought to spontaneously bloom in the spring. Kalanchoes are forced to bloom continuously by expert growers.
The Good And Bad About Kalanchoe
Cats and dogs are reported to be poisoned by kalanchoe species. Both the roots and the leaves are toxic. The harmless flowers are the most dangerous component.
The Red Pierrot butterfly’s caterpillars eat these plants as food. After the butterfly’s eggs hatch, the caterpillars dig into the phylloclades and consume the cells inside of them.
Bufadienolide cardiac glycosides, found in certain kalanchoe species, can damage the heart, especially in grazing animals.
This is a major issue in the Karoo region of South Africa, where several Kalanchoe species are native, and the accompanying animal sickness is known as cotyledonosis or krimpsiekte (shrinking disease). Australia has seen instances of similar poisonings as well. Click to read Animal-Horrifying Plants.
Kalanchoe species have been used to cure diseases like infections, rheumatism, and inflammation in conventional medicine. Kalanchoe extracts also inhibit the immune system. It has been documented that Kalanchoe pinnata is used as a traditional remedy for hypertension in Trinidad and Tobago.
From diverse Kalanchoe species, a number of bufadienolide chemicals have been isolated.
It has been demonstrated that two of these, daigremontiana and bersaldegenin 1,3,5-orthoacetate, have a strong sedative effect.
Additionally, they have a potent inotropic action that is strongly correlated with cardiac glycosides, and at higher doses, they have an ever-increasing effect on the central nervous system.
Bryophillin A, one of the bufadienolide chemicals discovered from Kalanchoe pinnata, has potent anti-tumor promoting activity.
Additionally, bryophillin C, which proved less active, and bersaldegenin-3-acetate. Additionally, bryophillin C shown insecticidal qualities.
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