Kalanchoe Variety Plant

Kalanchoes have very vivid colors.

The kalanchoe is a tropical plant native to Madagascar, where different species range from a few inches tall to tree-sized. The popular indoor plant is usually 2 to 4 inches tall and just as wide. It features very long-lasting flowers in a myriad of colors from white to orange, pink and red.

The indoor plants are not expensive and people often discard them once the blooms fade. However, the kalanchoe can be made to bloom again after a short rest.

The thick, fleshy leaves are poisonous to animals so the plant should be placed in a spot not easily accessed by pets.

Description

Kalonchoes have lots of tiny flowers.

There are more than 125 species of the kalanchoe plant (pronounced ''collin-co-wee') and it is cultivated all over the world. Although most people discard their plant once it has stopped blooming, kalanchoe is actually a perennial that can be grown as an annual in temperate gardens. It cannot tolerate frost so must either be composted at the end of the summer or moved indoors.

The small, but vivid, flower heads are grouped in clusters of 20 to 50 flowers. They perch on top of long stems and can bloom non-stop for four to eight weeks. The leaves are green and succulent and break off easily. The plant is adaptable and can tolerate different levels of light and sun. It prefers indirect light; if it receives too much sun exposure, the leaves will dry out.

Watering and Fertilizing

Kalanchoes may look like cacti but they're not. They are succulents related to the jade plant. They need to be watered occasionally. When the plant is flowering it can be watered once a week. Plant in well-drained soil that contains peat, sand and perlite. The roots will rot if left in standing water. Conversely, when the soil is too dry, the leaves often become dull-looking or turn red.

Flowering kalanchoes do not need much fertilizer. When bought as flowering pot plants, they usually have a reserve of fertilizer in the pot and will not need any more nutrients. If the plant is being kept to re-flower, fertilizer will be required once new growth begins.

Flowering

Kalanchoes are very similar to chrysanthemums and poinsettias where flowering is concerned. They all have built-in clocks based on daylight. When days are less than 11 hours long, kalanchoes start flower production. It takes approximately three to four months for flowers to develop.

When the plant has finished flowering, the withered flower stems should be cut off and the plant pruned substantially. Water very lightly and do not fertilize until new growth is spotted. Once this happens, water the plant more regularly and fertilize every two weeks with a half-strength fertilizer.

The exact amount of light is important to induce the plant to flower. One way to trick the plant is to cover it each day with a heavy cardboard box at 5 p.m. The box can be removed the next morning at 8 a.m. This must be done for at least eight weeks until flower buds form. If even one day is missed, the flowers may look abnormal.

Propagation

Propagating kalanchoes is simple. Some species produce offshoots or plantlets that can be snipped off and potted. Stem cuttings can also be taken. They should be left to dry for 24 hours so that the potential for rot is minimized.

Many kalanchoe varieties are protected or patented by plant breeders and customers are asked not to propagate these protected varieties, according to Balfour Greenhouses.

Problems

Most of the problems associated with kalanchoes occur when they are planted outdoors. They may develop leaf spot if there is insufficient ventilation between plants, so allow enough space between plants for air circulation. They can also rot if there is too much rain.

Caterpillars may also attack the leaves. They can be hand picked and squashed. Indoors, the plant encounters few pests.

References

• Balfour Greenhouses: How to care for your kalanchoe
• Pick Ontario: Kalanchoe