Characteristics and Care of Kalanchoe

One of the succulent or succulent non-cactus plants for the inexperienced is the Kalanchoe. It is a very low-maintenance type of plant and is recommended for those new to gardening. There are many species and each of them has a unique characteristic such as the colour of the leaves, different colours or its morphology.

A company that offers waste removal service in London quelled our curiosity by saying that it has noticed an increase in the use of these plants in English homes. However, the vast majority of these plants are used to decorate any kind of bright corner both indoors and outdoors.

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Origin and characteristics

These plants are native to the warmer regions of the world. And it is that they have the characteristic of being able to withstand drought by storing water inside. They are found mainly in the African continent and Madagascar. The genus Kalanchoe consists of about 125 species, most of the shrub-like perennial herbs. There are only a few species of animals or biennials.

Its main characteristic is of having fleshy leaves with a medium to dark green colour. The leaves are covered with something similar to wax and are arranged in the form of rosettes. Flower stalks emerge from each of the leaves during the winter to spring season. This is because it is the time when they suffer less stress due to high temperatures. Also because they receive the rainfall of the year. Flowers can be red, pink, white, yellow, or purple and have no scent. They are very good ornamental plants, but they have no smell.

If there is any special distinction between the Kalanchoe, it tends to produce scale on the edges of its leaves. The suckers are nothing more than exact replicas of the plant but in miniature. Once the aphids begin to grow, they develop their tiny roots and fall to the ground. If the soil is bare and meets the necessary conditions, they begin to take root and develop. In this way, the survival of the species is ensured as they have a very good multiplication rather than with seeds. And it is that the seeds need more time to germinate than the worms to grow. The suckers also take advantage of the mother plant’s nutrients to grow.

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Kalanchoe care

These plants do not need a lot of care, but they do need minimal care. Highly recommended for those new to gardening who don’t have the time to devote to their plants. However, it is prepared for interior and exterior decoration.

We will show what are the minimum cares that this plant needs:

• Location: Most of these species should be found in full sun or very bright areas. Some species appreciate partial shade, but it is not common.
• Watering: watering should be very little. Only during the summer season is watered once or twice a week and in very small quantities. For the rest of the year, you only need to water every fifteen days.
• Pass: In the spring and summer season it is interesting to fertilize a little, fertilizers for cacti and fats. You just have to follow the specifications indicated on the package.
• Floor: it is not at all demanding on the soil substrate. It just needs to have good drainage so that the roots do not rot due to excess water. Keep in mind that it is soil that does not filter water and allows it to accumulate, the roots can rot.
• Planting or transplanting time: you should wait for springtime when the danger of frost has passed. This way, the plant will have no problem growing.

Propagation of Kalanchoe

It can be done through seeds, cuttings or cuttings. If we choose to do it through seeds, we will have to plant some seeds in spring or summer and mix them with vermiculite. They should be covered with a thin layer of substrate and always keep light moisture. Let’s not forget that moisture does not mean that the ground is flooded. These seeds will expire after a month.

If we decide to multiply by stem cuttings, a cutting should be cut in spring or summer and planted in a pot. It can also be placed in a part of the garden but taking into account that there is enough sunlight. You should care for it as if it were a rooted plant, as it will only take a few weeks to put out roots.

If we choose to multiply it by cuttings, we can divide those of the mother plant when they have their first roots. After they are separated they are grown in a small size pot until they grow. We can use a universal growing substrate to promote its development. It is advisable to cover the roots with some sand from the river. Sometimes the worms are very small and planting them is a bit difficult.

As for pests and diseases, you have to be careful with snails and slugs. These molluscs are your main enemies. Keep Kalanchoe at bay with some diatomaceous earth. It is necessary to put this soil in the substrate around the plant so that these molluscs do not disturb. It is interesting to put a dose of 30 grams for every litre of water.

Main uses

Kalanchoe was mainly used for ornamental use. And it is that they are quite beautiful plants that are wonderful everywhere. The colour of the leaves and the precious flowers make its ornamental value very high. Other Kalanchoe species can be mixed to favour a good colour combination.

It also has other medicinal uses, although many of these species can be toxic. Those plants that are used correctly can help improve health. Many of its sheets can be used to prepare exterior or interior applications. If we want to use an external use, they are used for making plasters or poultices and for internal use you can prepare infusions with leaves. They can also be consumed in salads. Among the benefits they have for health we find relief from rheumatism and cough, soothing properties, shortening diarrhoea, improves digestion and can be used as a complementary treatment for cancer. Other benefits are that it helps reduce fever and protects the liver.

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