How to care for decorative Kalanchoe. Kalanchoe: growing and care at home

The plant has fleshy and thick leaves. Kalanchoe came to us from the subtropics and tropics. Two types of Kalanchoe are suitable for cultivation: pinnate and degremona.

Caring for Kalanchoe

This flower loves bright light, so it is better to place it on a south window. The plant does not require constant temperature control; changes of 17-25 degrees will not be scary for it. In winter, Kalanchoe copes well with dry air; this is not a hindrance for it. home flower Kalanchoe has a huge number of types of inflorescences different color: From bright orange, red or purple to soft white.

In order for Kalanchoe to bloom, you need to create certain conditions:

1. Daylight should be at least 12 hours. In this case, the temperature should be maintained at 15-18 degrees. Without enough light, you will not get large flowers with bright colors.

2. Even in winter, the flower does not need to be sprayed. Use complex mineral fertilizers as top dressing. Fertilize once a week in summer, once a month in winter.

3. If you want to achieve active development and growth of Kalanchoe, then take a tight pot. The soil should consist of part of leaf soil and turf, it should contain sand and humus. Availability allowed wood ash to activate growth.

Reproduction of Kalanchoe

The plant is propagated by children, seeds, or cuttings.

In the case of children, you need to take a small child from an adult plant. Place it with the bottom side up and sprinkle with a layer of prepared soil about 1 cm. It is necessary to water every day in small portions. After some time, you can get several plants from each child. Transplantation of children is carried out together with a lump of earth.

The plant is propagated by cuttings in a similar way. When pruning a plant, take several cuttings from the cut stems, plant them in damp sand, and wrap them with film to speed up rooting. Before transplanting cuttings into separate pots, prepare good drainage.

Even fallen leaves are used for propagation! It is enough to plant them in the sand, water them, and cover the container with film. It is better to carry out such manipulation in June. The same applies to seeds.

Plant pruning

When the plant stops blooming, prune it. Remove dead branches and form a crown. After Kalanchoe trimmings a period of rest is required. Reduce the amount of watering, select more dark place.

Leaves may begin to dry out and turn yellow. If the lower foliage turns yellow, this is normal process. A yellowed middle tier is a sign of a violation of the care rules. Pay attention then Special attention for watering: let the soil dry completely between waterings. Wait a week - drought is not a problem for Kalanchoe, but waterlogging can have a bad effect.

It is worth noting that the plant needs to be renewed periodically; it will not be forever green.

Transplanting a plant

Transfer blooming kalanchoe is highly undesirable; such a procedure should be performed only after flowering has ended.

Replant your Kalanchoe every spring. To do this, prepare the “correct” soil: Mix part of the turf soil with part of the leaf and peat land, add some sand and brick chips.

Pull out the old plant along with the soil. Proceed carefully - do not damage the root system! Replant the flower in a larger pot.

Signs of plant disease

Although the plant is unpretentious, the plant may begin to suffer from improper care. There are several signs by which you can determine that Kalanchoe care is incorrect:

• fallen leaves are a sign that the plant lacks nutrition;


• with succulent and healthy leaves there is no flowering - the reason lies in the lack of lighting;


• black spots on the foliage are a sign that the plant is experiencing excess moisture and low temperature.

If you have taken on the responsibility of caring for such a house plant, then remember possible emergence pests Kalanchoe can suffer from mold if it is kept in a very damp and cold place. When there is excess heat and moisture, powdery mildew appears on the plant.

All this is easy to avoid, just create the specified conditions for the plant!

Kalanchoe is a rather unpretentious indoor plant that can easily be grown at home if you know a few rules. proper care beautiful green Kalanchoe will bloom brightly pink flowers However, the flowering period of this plant is not that long.

Basically, the appearance depends on how you care for the flower and where it will be located.

Watering:

The plant does not tolerate excess moisture. If the soil is constantly too wet, then the roots are the first to suffer: the process of rotting begins, so watering should be taken seriously. Water the Kalanchoe with cool water (it is advisable to keep one glass jar, constantly replenishing it: it is better to water old water). Water in such a way that you do not touch the stem with water; if it gets moisture, it does not absorb it, and it is possible that the process of rotting will begin. Watering should be done moderately, so that the soil is sufficiently moist, but not wet, and water should not leak out. If you accidentally poured more water than necessary, immediately empty the tray of excess liquid. Remember that it is much better for Kalanchoe to receive less water than more: the plant copes well with the absence of water for two to three days. The secret is that Kalanchoe has a small supply of liquid and can survive without watering. But it will be very difficult to save the flower from the abundance of water.

Autumn and winter Kalanchoe should be watered half as much as in the warm season. Do not leave water on the tray under any circumstances (it is even advisable that it be completely dry). The plant does not tolerate cold well, and even a couple of drops can simply freeze and begin to rot. Water as needed: wait until the soil is completely dry and you can safely add water. Make sure that the water temperature is equal to room temperature. Otherwise, every watering will become stressful for the plant.

Lighting:

Kalanchoe - one of those plants that constantly needs sunlight, but there are several features of lighting the pot. From morning until two or three o'clock in the afternoon, you can keep Kalanchoe on a windowsill or any other place with plenty of sunlight on the flower. However, after lunch, Kalanchoe should be covered or moved into the shade, creating a feeling of night. If you do not have the opportunity to constantly change the location of the flower, then the problem can be solved with with the help of the lung a scarf with which you will cover the pot. In the afternoon hours, Kalanchoe does not perceive the sun's rays; they rather spoil the leaves of the plant.

In winter or on days when the sun does not come out, the plant can not be moved, constantly leaving it on the windowsill.

If the upper leaves turn yellow and the lower ones begin to fall off at this time, then there is only one reason - the lack of the proper amount of sunlight. If the leaves begin to turn yellow evenly throughout the stem, then there may be too many straight leaves. sun rays falling on the pot. Move to a more neutral location. It is also undesirable to keep Kalanchoe near a window, since glass increases the exposure to rays several times, burning the leaves.

For flowering species Kalanchoe is preferable to the eastern or south-eastern direction and additional lighting in winter period. With a clear lack of lighting, the plant stretches and weakens. The upper leaves turn pale and the lower leaves may die.

In its homeland, Kalanchoe is well lit for about ten hours, and is in the dark the rest of the day. And at home, Kalanchoe, which is a plant short day, we must try to provide similar conditions, only then it will bloom beautifully and for a long time.

Air temperature:

Just as in the case of water, we can say about the temperature regime that less is better than more. Kalanchoe feels most comfortable at 17-19 degrees, but if the temperature in the room drops to 5-6 degrees nothing will happen to the plant. But if the heat is too strong, Kalanchoe feels unwell and begins to absorb too much liquid, but the plant cannot absorb so much, so various diseases can occur.

The temperature regime for this plant is also more or less free. Already at 10°C outside the window, it can be placed on the balcony in the fresh air, where Kalanchoe can be located throughout the summer-autumn period. This plant tolerates heat stoically and copes with it quite well. But to prevent the flower from drying out, you need to increase the frequency of watering.

The optimal temperature in summer for Kalanchoe is 23-25°C, and in winter - 12-16°C.

Air humidity:

Kalanchoe should not be kept in rooms with high level humidity. As we said earlier, the flower does not like excess water, and this applies not only to the soil, but also to the air. The reason is that moisture from the air also enters the plant, creating an excess of accumulated liquid in the stem, and not in the root system. As a result, fungus, mold, etc. may develop.

Try to keep the air as dry as possible, especially in autumn and winter.

But in order to rid the flower of dust accumulated on the leaves, it is advisable to wash it sometimes in the shower. It is also useful to wipe the leaves with a soft cloth to prevent spider mites or mealybugs from growing on the surface.

Feeding:

Kalanchoe does not really like various fertilizers. Just like in the matter of soil, the plant is quite unpretentious, but if you begin to notice that the flower is lacking minerals, then choose succulent fertilizers. In winter, you should never fertilize the soil.

During this period, even if the Kalanchoe begins to wither (except for diseases), you should not overload the root system with various additives. Best time for feeding - this is the end of spring, in extreme cases - mid-summer. Fertilizers should be given half as much as indicated on the package - believe me, this amount will be more than enough for your home healer.

The only thing important rule when feeding - the fertilizer mixture must be completely dissolved in warm water, then let it cool and only then add it to the soil. Otherwise root system will not be able to absorb fertilizer.

Transfer:

Kalanchoe grows at a fairly fast pace, however, due to its rather strongly growing root system, it needs to be replanted quite often, regardless of the size of the stems themselves. Transplantation should be done in late spring, when the plant is in its most active phase.

The Kalanchoe, along with a small amount of soil, is separated and removed from the old pot and transplanted into a new one.

After the transplant, the adaptation process begins. It is imperative that the old and new soils be identical in composition and proportions. During the adaptation period, feeding is required, as we talked about this a little earlier. On average, the plant takes root completely after a week. When choosing a pot, try to choose deeper models with a wide diameter.

If for some reason the transplant must be carried out in winter, then try to create as much comfortable conditions for a plant.

It is a fast-growing flower and therefore requires frequent replanting - once a year, at the end of March. Mature plants can be covered with new soil, but provided that the roots do not extend beyond the boundaries of the pot.

Kalanchoe needs to be replanted into a pot larger than the previous one by 2-3 cm in diameter. When replanting, you need to very carefully remove the flower from the container - since it has very fragile leaves and stems. Soil will do such composition: Turf soil (1 part), leaf soil (1) and sand (1), you can also add humus.
Not too much big pot with drainage at the bottom and suitable soil is all that Kalanchoe requires when transplanting.

Reproduction:

Homemade Kalanchoe can be propagated in the following ways: cuttings, babies or seeds.

A very interesting process of self-destruction occurs when fallen leaves independently take root and become fixed in the soil.

When propagating using seeds, it is better to choose cool months (late winter - early spring). Seeds should not be covered with soil; they must be covered with glass and cloth so that sunlight didn't hit. Ventilate the pot twice a day by adding water. The soil should be constantly moist. This should continue for a month, and then transplant the plant into a pot and cover it with film for a couple of days. As soon as you see that leaves have appeared, finally replant them in a pot (about 7 cm).

During the growth period, the plant should be fed with fertilizers, however, in very small doses. Don't forget to pinch the shoots to form a beautiful bush.

Bloom:

If your home beauty does not produce the long-awaited flowers, despite proper maintenance and proper care, then reduce the amount of fertilizer in the soil. The most common reason for the lack of bright flowers on Kalanchoe is the hyper-high content of fertilizers in the soil. Fertilizing should be stopped gradually, just reduce the amount of fertilizer each time, bringing it to zero.

As soon as the flowers fade, the inflorescences should be removed immediately along with the peduncles. Their timely pruning will stimulate the production of new flowering stems and extend the flowering period until mid-summer. Kalanchoe is sometimes considered a re-blooming plant, but due to the common misconception that it is not so easy to achieve a second wave, it is often thrown away and replaced with new plants immediately after flowering. All that Kalanchoe needs to bloom from year to year is to provide it with a relative period of rest between August and December, during which they create a long night - up to 14 hours - and a relatively short day, shading with a special cap or moving it to a dark place in the late afternoon. Neither reducing the frequency of watering nor stopping feeding Kalanchoe is necessary, but the abundance of watering must be reduced, as well as the concentration of fertilizers. During flowering, fertilizers should contain increased proportions of phosphorus. In young plants, pinch off the tips of the shoots.

As soon as the flowers fade, the inflorescences should be removed immediately along with the peduncles. Their timely pruning will stimulate the production of new flowering stems and extend the flowering period until mid-summer. Kalanchoe is sometimes considered a re-blooming plant, but due to the common misconception that it is not so easy to achieve a second wave, it is often thrown away and replaced with new plants immediately after flowering. All that Kalanchoe needs to bloom from year to year is to provide it with a relative period of rest between August and December, during which they create a long night - up to 14 hours - and a relatively short day, shading with a special cap or moving it to a dark place in the late afternoon.

As soon as the flowers fade, the inflorescences should be removed immediately along with the peduncles. Their timely pruning will stimulate the production of new flowering stems and extend the flowering period until mid-summer. Kalanchoe is sometimes considered a re-blooming plant, but due to the common misconception that it is not so easy to achieve a second wave, it is often thrown away and replaced with new plants immediately after flowering.

Trimming:

This is very important condition specifically for flowering Kalanchoe species. It needs to be cut radically. The peduncle must be removed as low as possible so that the remaining part does not rot. Flowering also weakens the plant. All old and bad-looking parts of the plant should be cut off. And strong young shoots should be trimmed and used for rooting.

In summer, it would be generally a good idea to pinch the tops of the flowers so that side shoots form. Otherwise, the plant will unsightly stretch and grow.

Pests:

The most dangerous disease for Kalanchoe it is an aphid. It is quite easy to detect; there are always small green or dark green insects on the leaves and stems, which completely block the plant’s access to nutrients. From aphids, Kalanchoe can completely die, and before that you will definitely notice that the leaves have begun to turn yellow, the flowers either fall off or do not appear at all. If the insect has affected the plant too extensively, then the especially affected areas will have to be cut off and burned, and the remaining stems treated with potassium soap. If everything is not so bad, then you can simply wash the plant in a solution of potassium or laundry soap. The solution should not get into the soil.

If you find an unpleasant grayish coating on Kalanchoe from small insects, then most likely your flower is affected by scale insects. Because of them, the condition of the flower sharply deteriorates, fungus develops, and flowering does not occur. Scale insects secrete a special mucus, so before removing them you will have to use an alcohol solution. Then carefully remove the insects with a brush and re-wipe the affected areas with any medicine containing alcohol. The plant will recover on its own.

Types of Kalanchoe:

Kalanchoe Blossfeld. Compared to other home-grown Kalanchoes, Blossfeld is more tall plant with large inflorescences on long peduncles. There are plants with white, yellow, red, pink and purple flowers. The leaves are bright green, with slight redness at the edges. You can purchase Kalanchoe Blossfeld with very decorative double flowers.

Kalanchoe Kalandiva. The plant is a dwarf variety of Kalanchoe Blossfeld. A small bush (with fleshy stems and leaves characteristic of all Kalanchoe) blooms profusely for a long time. Kalandiva not only has a lower bush, but also short peduncles, which adds decorativeness to this Kalanchoe.

Kalanchoe mix looks very beautiful. Small Kalanchoe bushes with flowers of various shades located next to each other can decorate any room, balcony or loggia.

Kalanchoe Laciniata. This plant is valued for its very original, strongly dissected leaves. It is because of these light green leaves with a waxy coating, somewhat reminiscent of deer antlers, that Laciniata is sometimes popularly called “deer horns”. The succulent fleshy shoots of this Kalanchoe gradually lie down, which makes it possible to use it as an hanging crop. Kalanchoe Laciniata also blooms, but its yellow flowers are slightly less decorative than those of Blossfeld or Kalandiva. Requires care similar to other types.

Kalanchoe Blossfeld. Compared to other Kalanchoes grown at home, Blossfelda is a taller plant with large inflorescences on long peduncles. There are plants with white, yellow, red, pink and purple flowers. The leaves are bright green, with slight redness at the edges. You can purchase Kalanchoe Blossfeld with very decorative double flowers. Flower of the Kalandiva species Flower of the Kalandiva species Kalanchoe Kalandiva. The plant is a dwarf variety of Kalanchoe Blossfeld. A small bush (with fleshy stems and leaves characteristic of all Kalanchoe) blooms profusely for a long time. Kalandiva not only has a lower bush, but also short peduncles, which adds decorativeness to this Kalanchoe. Kalanchoe mix looks very beautiful. Small Kalanchoe bushes with flowers of various shades located next to each other can decorate any room, balcony or loggia. Flower of the species Laciniata Flower of the species Laciniata Kalanchoe Laciniata. This plant is valued for its very original, strongly dissected leaves. It is because of these light green leaves with a waxy coating, somewhat reminiscent of deer antlers, that Laciniata is sometimes popularly called “deer horns”. The succulent fleshy shoots of this Kalanchoe gradually lie down, which makes it possible to use it as an hanging crop. Kalanchoe Laciniata also blooms, but its yellow flowers are slightly less decorative than those of Blossfeld or Kalandiva. Requires care similar to other types.

Kalanchoe is a well-known medicinal plant grown at home. It is also called the “house doctor” or the “tree of life.” The juice from the fleshy leaves of the flower has medicinal properties, so it is widely used in folk therapy.

The beautiful plant is hardy and not picky. It adapts quickly, but mistakes in care can lead to the death of the pet. It belongs to the group of succulents, that is, crops that accumulate water in the stem and leaves. This genus includes many species, many of them have high medicinal properties, and others - decorative qualities and large bright flowers:

1. Dissected Kalanchoe is also called “deer antlers.” It has leaves that look like deer antlers - long shoots with narrowed leaves, dissected along the perimeter.
   
2. Tubiflora is a plant with narrow foliage tucked inward. It has many branches along the edges.
   
3. Mangini – decorative variety having long shoots. Flowering occurs with bell-shaped flowers of bright red color.
   
4. Cirrus is a medicinal variety. The foliage resembles feathers and has clearly visible veins.
   
5. Degremona - has succulent, fleshy leaves, the juice of which quickly heals wounds and is used to treat many ENT pathologies.
   
6. Blossfeld has high decorative qualities. This compact bush with umbrella-shaped inflorescences.
   

All of the above varieties are easy to grow at home, even for a novice gardener. They will constantly delight with their beauty and decorate the room.

Important rules for caring for the Kalanchoe plant

The first representatives of Kalanchoe grew on the island of Madagascar, and then spread to all areas of Asia. This handsome green guy feels good both at home and in the greenhouse. It can survive for a long time without watering, as it accumulates enough moisture in the stem and wide leaves.

Covers them thin film, preventing evaporation, but it is still necessary to monitor the growth of the plant, and also follow some rules:

• protect against diseases;
• feed and fertilize;
• water correctly;
• observe temperature and light conditions;
• propagate and prune correctly so as not to damage the main bush.

Kalanchoe should be kept in a well-lit room. In a darkened corner, the flower will stretch out, and the flowering stage may not occur at all. The best window sills for a green pet these are the east and west sides. In winter, the flowerpot can be moved to the south side.

In bright sun and heat, the foliage takes on a reddish color. This is not a sign of illness. At home, the plant is planted in pots and placed on a windowsill or flower stand. In greenhouses and on balconies, it is better to place the flower in a wide box.

Concerning temperature regime, then Kalanchoe loves a moderately warm climate. IN winter months ideal for him is +11-16°C, in the summer months - +23-25°C. Of course, a pet can withstand sudden jumps back and forth, but it is better to prevent this.

The main thing is to avoid drying out the soil or excessive waterlogging. In summer, the plant is moved from the house to the yard or to an unglazed balcony. Some gardeners dig up flowers in open ground, and then in the fall the pot is replanted.

Forming and pruning Kalanchoe

Over time, the indoor flower begins to stretch upward. At the beginning green friend looks compact and miniature, like a squat bush, but gradually it decorative properties are getting worse. The foliage becomes smaller and the stems become longer. To restore the beauty of the Kalanchoe flower, pinning and pruning are necessary.

The last procedure is carried out after the flowering stage. Cut off long stems and remove faded flowers. Young shoots will emerge from the cuts. To branch them, they are pinched. Shaping and trimming the flower is usually done in summer or spring. By the beginning of autumn, the plant will produce many young shoots with flower stalks.

Proper watering of a flower

You don't have to worry too much about watering your Kalanchoe. It withstands drought very well. Of course, in the hot season you should not overdry the soil ball. During the winter months, watering frequency is reduced to once every few weeks. Stagnation of water in the soil often causes rot of the root system.

It is very important that the flowerpot with the plant has drainage holes at the bottom through which excess liquid will flow out. You need to water the plant both in the tray and on top of the soil. In extreme heat, you should monitor the soil. Dried out upper layer water immediately.

Fertilizer and feeding Kalanchoe

The plant does not require soil fertilizers. This is best done during the period of buds setting and flowers appearing. Classic mineral fertilizers are usually used for decorative flowers, which in wide range sold in flower shops.

Universal fertilizing is used during the growing season. It is enough to saturate the soil with half the norm suggested by the manufacturer. Fertilizing the soil is carried out no more than once a month. When the flower is at the dormant stage, there is no need to fertilize it at all.

How to stimulate Kalanchoe flowering

IN natural conditions beautiful plant blooms during the African summer, that is, when there are short sunny days. Even at home, flower buds are formed during a short photoperiod. Kalanchoe generally blooms from December to May. Some varieties good care produce flowers all year round.

To force a Kalanchoe flower to produce buds, it is necessary to artificially reduce daylight hours to 8 hours. At other times, the pot is moved to a dark corner, for example, in a pantry. This continues for a month.

This is enough to lay good flower stalks. Some gardeners simply cover the flower with a tight box and place it in a dark closet. After 16 hours the pet is opened. For example, this can be done at 17-00 in the evening, and open at 7-00 in the morning.

For long flowering good lighting, infrequent watering and coolness are necessary. During flowering, soil moisture can be increased, then flowering will continue for up to six months. Withered flowers cut off. New young buds usually appear in their place.

After Kalanchoe flowering enters a quiet period. This is necessary to restore strength, prepare for a new stage of flowering and release cuttings. After flowering, the stems are trimmed and dried flower stalks are removed.

Then the flowerpot is moved to a shady place, for example, on the northern part of the room or on a darkened loggia. Watering during this season should be sparse; coolness down to +16°C is desirable. Repeated flowering occurs again after 2-3 months.

Suitable soil and flower replanting

Kalanchoe loves neutral and slightly acidic soil, soft and loose, well-draining water. Flower growers buy universal soil and mix it with coarse sand. Soil mixtures for succulents are sold separately. Young bushes are transplanted annually into a wider pot. Adult green inhabitants of the windowsill do not need to be replanted often; once every 1-2 years is enough.

A drainage layer must be laid at the bottom of the flowerpot so that water does not stagnate at the bottom. The plant is replanted with a moistened old ball of soil. New soil they add it, and it should be similar in properties and quality to the previous one. It is poured on the sides of the new pot. The plant quickly takes root within a few weeks.

How does Kalanchoe reproduce?

The new plant can be propagated. This is done in different ways:

1. rooting cuttings;
2. sowing seeds;
3. dividing a large bush;
4. planting a single leaf.

The third method is not always successful, since a new bush or the main one can quickly wither. The most common and easy method– rooting cuttings.

The small stem quickly sprouts roots, which become established in the new soil. In a month there will be in his place lush bush. Not only the cuttings take root well, but also the leaves.

When planting Kalanchoe seeds, they are introduced into moist soil. Then the ground is covered with polyethylene and periodically ventilated and watered. For rapid seed germination, diffused light is required. The container should be in a warm place. After pecking the seeds, the pot is moved to the sun.

Pests and protection against Kalanchoe diseases

Kalanchoe rarely gets sick. If brown, white or gray spots appear on the foliage, it is necessary to change the watering or lighting regime. The ground should not be very wet. During illness, it is better to water the plant rarely, providing it with additional lighting. At best, you should change the pot and feed it.

Kalanchoe foliage may dry out and die. The reason for this is very dry air and heat. To treat a flower in such a situation, you should moisten it more often and move it to a cool place. To get rid of aphids, the buds affected by it and yellowed leaves are cut off, and the remaining stems and foliage are treated with a soap solution.

It is impossible to imagine any home without this plant. The flower has long been grown by our grandmothers and mothers, not only for decorative purposes, but also actively taking advantage of the healing properties of the plant.

For colds, runny nose, sore throat, and also if you are cut or burned, this plant is simply irreplaceable as first aid.

Kalanchoe has many names besides the main one: tree of life, house doctor, indoor ginseng. All plants differ in the shape of the leaves and shades of flowers, but absolutely each has medicinal properties.

• Kalanchoe is a succulent plant belonging to the Crassulaceae family. Distinctive feature This flower has fleshy leaves and shoots.
• The island of Madagascar is considered its homeland and now there are more than 200 species of Kalanchoe.
• Growing naturally in South Africa, Asia and America, these plants differ from each other not only in the color of the inflorescences - panicles, but also in the height of the bush and the structure of the leaves.
• Nowadays, there are several especially popular and known species, which can be successfully grown even by a beginner at home. Kalanchoes are quite resistant to infections, diseases and pests, tolerate pruning well, and you can admire their flowering for up to several months a year.
• Since the plants are tropical, they tolerate both hot and sultry weather and high humidity.
• The fleshy leaves accumulate moisture, which the plant gradually uses for nutrition. Kalanchoe does not need to be replanted too often and endlessly fertilized and fed. Such undemanding nature will make the flower a favorite of any flower collection.
• Conventionally, the flower is divided into several types: decorative - blooming, capable of pleasing the eye with the variety of colors of small flowers, and decorative - deciduous, which, thanks to the fleshiness and density of the shoots, look very original and will highlight any stylish interior with their decorative effect.

Main types for cultivation

There are not many of them, but they are all undoubtedly beautiful. When purchasing a flower, you should ask what variety and species it belongs to, because care may vary slightly. Let's look at the most common ones and their brief descriptions.

Kalanchoe Blossfeld

• The plant is very small, rarely reaching a height of more than 30 cm. The compactness of the flower allows it to be grown in small apartments, which is very convenient.
• The leaf blades are serrated along the edges and sometimes have a faint reddish border. The structure of the leaves is fleshy.
• The species is very popular thanks to long flowering: we can enjoy the beauty of flowers from the beginning of December until the end of May.
• The flower is quite unpretentious and tolerates replanting and even moving well. Rarely gets sick.

Kalanchoe Kalandiva

One of the most popular varieties. The structure of its flowers resembles a rose, only in a smaller version.

• Flowering is represented by a thick head of panicle-shaped inflorescences, which are represented by the brightest palette of colors. The flowers are not only very beautiful, but also bloom for almost 6 months of the year.
• When Kalanchoe of this species is at rest, its dense and shiny leaves of a juicy green hue look no less decorative than the inflorescences.
• Caring for it is completely simple, although it has several secrets, about which a little later.
• This species is distinguished by such a variety of colors that it is often called Kalanchoe Kalandiva mix.

Pinnate

• This view is more different from the previous ones complex structure leaf blades and other flower structure.
• The flowers have a tubular structure, but are also collected in paniculate-type inflorescences. The color is predominantly red, but may have more dark shades. Hybrids of this species may have a different color.
• The color of the leaves is also different: from light shades green to purple.

Kalanchoe Degremona

• This flower has one distinctive feature— along the edges of the leaves there are so-called babies in the form of brood buds.
• Over time, they fall away from the mother plant and take root nearby.
• The leaves are usually dense and fleshy, triangular shape. The upper part bends slightly to the side.
• This flower can grow very large, so you can adjust its size by trimming the tops and creating a more rounded shape.
• This species is very unpretentious, has a decorative appearance due to the original structure of the leaves.

Rules of care

The flower is quite undemanding, but basic recommendations should be followed. Then Kalanchoe will delight you with lush flowering and healthy green leaves. Let's take a closer look at all the stages.

Watering

1. It is advisable to water the flower only from above.
2. In hot and dry weather, you need to increase your hydration a little more often. In winter, it is better to reduce the number of waterings to once every 14 days.
3. Kalanchoe is an undemanding plant and tolerates even dry soil well. But here excess moisture can cause putrefactive processes at the root.
4. It is not recommended to moisten the leaves and flowers, spray them, and if they are wiped with a damp cloth, it is advisable to then wipe them dry.

Temperature and lighting

• The flower loves a lot of light when active, but under the rays of the sun the leaves may acquire a brownish tint. The southeast is a comfortable place for Kalanchoe.
• In winter, it is better to place it on other sides of the room, where there is shadow or diffused light, since at this time the kaklanchoe enters a resting phase.
• The peculiarity of this plant is that for active flowering it does not need very much daylight. That's why it blooms more often in winter. If you want the flowering to continue, you can artificially reduce the lighting to 10 hours using a bag that is placed over the crown. You can also place a flowerpot with a flower in the closet in the evening, and take it out from there in the morning.
• The temperature in the room may vary depending on the time of year. IN summer days Kalanchoe perfectly tolerates air temperatures up to +25 - 35 degrees, and in winter it grows normally at 10 - 15 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below +5 are destructive for this tropical beauty.
• This flower feels good both in the room and on the terrace or insulated veranda.

Feeding and fertilizer

Once every 30 days, the flower needs feeding to lush flowering and active growth. It is recommended to purchase special fertilizers for succulents, but universal fertilizers will also fit.

It is important not to overfeed this ornamental plant, since instead of beautiful flowering you can only expect lush foliage. If the dosage is indicated on the package, then use half for one time.

You should carefully observe the plant; its appearance will immediately show whether it has enough nutrients. If the leaves turn yellow or fall off, the lighting, temperature or watering is not suitable. Or perhaps the flower needs additional nutrition.

Transfer rules

1. The root of this decorative flower It develops and grows quite quickly, so it needs to be replanted periodically.
2. It is better to transplant from the last ten days of April to mid-May. During this period of time, Kalanchoe enters a phase of active growth.
3. It is recommended to extend the daylight hours to 11 - 12 hours.
4. The new pot should be selected a few centimeters larger than the previous one.
5. You should remove the plant very carefully. Try not to disturb the roots along with the ground - they, like the leaves, are very delicate and fragile. Therefore, transfer the flower to a new pot as carefully as possible.
6. The composition of the soil can be prepared as follows: leaf and turf land And river sand. In some cases, a little humus is added. Don't forget to make a drainage layer at the bottom of the pot.
7. If the flower has taken root well, then next time you will have to replant it only after a year.

Trimming

The plant needs to periodically remove faded inflorescences, as well as dry or damaged leaves. Sometimes formative pruning is done to give the bush a decorative and neat appearance.

During flowering, Kalanchoe may become sick or pests may appear on it. Only then should you do sanitary pruning, in which the affected parts of the plant are removed.

Pinching is done when the Kalanchoe does not begin to bloom a second time. This may be due to the fact that the shoots become very thin and lack mineral elements. If pinching is not done, the shoots may begin to dry out, and this can lead to drying out of the bush.

Conclusion

• Kalanchoe is a pet for many generations. It is famous not only for its excellent decorative look and a long flowering period, but also healing properties.
• Caring for it at home is quite simple, you just need to follow the basic rules: adjust lighting and watering depending on the resting or growth phase.
• Having chosen your favorite variety in the store, immediately purchase fertilizer for succulents or cacti. Feed Kalanchoe once a month.

So. You bought a beautiful lush Kalanchoe bush. He delighted you all summer with his splendor. And then I got offended. It has bloomed, its branches are long, and its leaves are sticking out here and there. And he doesn’t give flowers anymore. And you seem to have taken proper care of it, watered it heartily all winter, fertilized it, bought special lamps. This means that he needs to have light for at least 15 hours a day. But he doesn’t! It sticks out like a scarecrow in a pot and it doesn’t have the decorativeness it used to have.

How to make Kalanchoe bloom at home? Very simple. We need to dance around him less and indulge all sorts of whims. You need to give him a “sweet” life. Then it will bloom like a little one. Now let's figure out what needs to be done.

For any plant, flowering is reproduction. And it comes when hard times come. That is, the plant understands that it has very little time left to live. Therefore, it is urgent to bring offspring. Or, on the contrary, the pet will rejoice that it survived the difficult time and will bloom with joy. One way or another, we need to make life a little more difficult for the capricious Kalanchoe.

That is, we create artificial winter. The plant is native to the tropics. And the cold season there is not our snow and frost at all. Tropical winter includes:

• cold air
• short daylight hours
• little precipitation
• poor rocky soil

It is from this knowledge that we will dance. We will keep Kalanchoe in extreme conditions throughout the cold season. And in the spring... what will happen - read below.

Cold air

No, we won’t take it out into the cold. This is completely unnecessary. But lowering the ambient temperature to +13-15°C is just that. We place the pot between the frames, or ventilate it more often. Cover the radiators with a thick blanket or towel. Place snowballs or pieces of ice nearby in separate trays. We put it around plastic bottles with frozen water.

You can even put it on an insulated loggia or balcony. Either at the very cold room in the house. In a word, get out as best you can. Otherwise you won't have flowers.

Short daylight hours

For full flowering of Kalanchoe, you need to provide lighting of no more than 10 hours a day. This is the approximate length of daylight hours in winter in the tropics. This means that in the fall we cover it tightly from light. Black will do plastic bag, cardboard box, large pot or pan. And in winter we add a little more light. In total it should only take 8-9 hours. This is most optimal for the formation of buds.

Little precipitation

It snows here in winter, and it rains in the south. In the tropics, winter is the driest time of the year. Maybe once a month a cloud will come and splash a little water. And there is no dew, because there is no daytime heat either.

So we do the same. Starting from October and ending in February, we water Kalanchoe once a month. We don’t look at its offended drooping leaves. He is deceiving you. It's a succulent! And its shoots contain enough moisture to withstand dry times.

All you have to do is fall for his trick once and water more often, that’s it. You can say goodbye to spring bloom until next year.

By the way, it’s difficult to call it watering. Light soil moisture. And even then, only because the air in the apartment in winter is often dry.

Advice. To avoid forgetting the next watering date, write it down on your calendar. Or, even more convenient, put a note in your phone. IN right time it will remind you with a call about the need to water.

Poor rocky soil

The tropics are not only jungles with a rich substrate of centuries-old compost. The tropics are also deserts, mountainous and lowland. It is in the mountains with rocky, poor soil that most species of Kalanchoe grow. There is nothing special to eat there, and the root system also has nowhere to develop.

And look what you have? The pot is the size of a good tub; you carry fertilizer almost by the shovelful. What flowers do you like? Your Kalanchoe is simply fattening. We urgently need to change everything!

We take a tiny container for planting. Just a little more than the root system, maybe a centimeter at most. We collect the soil like this:

• sand
• gravel
• garden soil
• coal

We take everything in equal parts. There is no doubt that the mixture turns out to be cruel and rough. But it is the closest to natural realities. So we transplant the Kalanchoe into it. Let him find out where crayfish spend the winter and how to deprive their hosts of flowering.

Naturally, no fertilizers. Not a drop at all. And even give a crumb of organic matter to another flower. Kalanchoe will catch up in the spring and summer, when you treat it with fertilizing for its lush and bright flowering.

Let's pinch everything!

Well, do you think this is where all the dancing ends? But you didn’t guess right! Now your beloved Kalanchoe will try to deceive you again. He will increase shoots. Hard and diligent. To turn into that same hated scarecrow with long branches.

What to do? Pluck! Mercilessly and without pity. Without missing a single escape. We wait for three leaves to appear, and tear off the rudiment of the fourth along with a piece of the cutting. We continue this haircut until the end of February. By this moment you will have a neat round and dense bush, and not a line that has a bow on the side.

Spring

In early March we begin to give Kalanchoe more light. Raise the temperature a little. We resume regular watering and fertilizing. That is, we end the artificial winter and make spring. After truly Spartan conditions, the plant will begin to grow buds with great relief. And then it will bloom. In this case, the process can continue until August without interruption.

After flowering

After you have had enough of the flowers, you can’t let things take their course. It is imperative to cut off the flower stalks just below the leaves. And continue to form the plant until the beginning of November. And there we repeat the cycle again and arrange an artificial winter.

Moreover, throughout the flowering period we make sure to pamper and pamper the flower. We water regularly and fertilize periodically. We don’t touch the shoots and leaves for now, we give plenty of light. During this period, the Kalanchoe will gain enough nutrients to survive the harsh winter.

1. Now the industry offers a great variety of Kalanchoe varieties. Whenever possible, choose plants with yellow flowers. They are the most unpretentious and bloom on their own without shock therapy.
2. The most demanding varieties have pale pink flowers. Even with all the observance and harsh conditions in winter, such plants almost never bloom at home.
3. Please note that Kalanchoes in offices or offices bloom beautifully and are literally bursting with health. It's all about the short daylight hours. After all, they work there from 8 to 17. Just what you need. At the same time they forget to water. The result is obvious.
4. If after all your dancing Kalanchoe still stubbornly refuses to grow buds, then give it a cataclysm. For 25 days, put it in a dark, cool pantry, in a kitchen cabinet, or place it under the sink. Then take it out and continue to care for it as usual. It has never happened that after experiencing stress, a Kalanchoe did not bloom.

How to make Kalanchoe bloom at home? It's simple. We need to be stricter with him and stop feeling sorry. Eliminate even the slightest care and you will be happy. All spring and summer there is a lush flowering crown.

Video: how to make Kalanchoe bloom