It was first discovered in Madagascar, but even now it can be found in the wild in Asia, Africa and South America. The benefits of growing a Kalanchoe at home are obvious: it is easy to take care of, it does not require intensive irrigation and multiplies rapidly.
Basic rules of care
Kalanchoe is a resident of the tropics, so it takes a lot of light for intensive growth, but experts recommend covering it in the middle of the day so that it can be at least ten hours a day in the dark. This ends all the difficulties of care.
In addition to not too intense watering, the plant does not require a special temperature regime. The room can be about thirteen degrees of heat, but at eight degrees it will feel comfortable and actively develop.
Watering it should be very accurate, since the root system of the plant is very sensitive to an excess of moisture. Do not be afraid that it will die from lack of moisture. In fact, Kalanchoe perfectly tolerates periods of drought. In autumn and winter, watering should be given special attention and as much as possible to reduce it. Always inspect the tray in which there is a pot, there should not be water.
Transplant and Reproduction
In spring it is recommended to prune the bush and separate the necessary cuttings from it. When it is transplanted, you can start feeding. Then the plant will quickly get accustomed.
You can propagate Kalanchoe in several ways:
- leaves
- stem cauliflower
- seeds and children
Kalanchoe breeds on its own. Over time, the plant shoots out shoots on the leaves, which later fall off and take root in the soil.
If you wish to plant plant seeds on your own, you need to do this from January to March. They do not need to be placed in holes, but simply sown to the surface of the earth, slightly pressing them with your finger. After that, the landing site is covered with glass and placed in a slightly darkened place. Although the adult bush does not like intensive watering, planted seeds need to be watered actively.
Common diseases
All plants without exception are susceptible to various diseases. By Kalanchoe it is easy to determine that it has been infected by external signs.
- The plant quickly loses the leaves. This is the main sign that he does not have enough food. Feed fertilizers or change the soil in a pot.
- The lower leaves fall off, and the upper leaves turn yellow. This is not a disease at all, but a lack of light. Move the Kalanchoe to the southern part of the house.
- The plant looks healthy, but does not bloom. So, you are too carried away by fertilizers. Stop feeding or minimize the dose.
- On the leaves, black spots appeared. Hence, the plant was subjected to a fungal disease. Most likely, it appeared due to low temperature and too high humidity. In this situation, you should transplant it into a pot with a new earth, and remove the damaged leaves. If the room is cold, move it to the window sill over the radiator.
- Powdery mildew can also do harm. It appears if the plant is too hot.
By following these simple rules, you will always be sure that your Kalanchoe will be healthy and bring health to your family.
Read more:
- Kalanchoe plant: medicinal properties
- Kalanchoe curative
- Diseases of the indoor plant Kalanchoe