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How to Repot a Kalanchoe Tubiflora

Kalanchoe tubiflora, known as the chandelier plant, is an evergreen succulent reaching 2 to 3 feet tall. The slender, green, lance-shaped leaves have a waxy coating that preserves water within the leaves. Peach, pink, red and orange trumpet-shaped flowers top tall terminal flower stems. This succulent variety blooms from early winter through spring. It grows wild in hot, dry climates that can be mimicked indoors. Kalanchoe tubiflora grows rapidly during the summer and commonly is repotted in the fall.

Things You'll Need

  • Plant pot
  • River stones
  • Soap
  • Bleach
  • Electric drill
  • Sand
  • Peat moss
  • Potting soil
  • Compost
  • Hand trowel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wash a plant pot a few inches larger than the current container and river stones in soapy water. Rinse the items in a mixture of one part bleach and nine parts water to eliminate plant pests and diseases. Air dry the items to keep the soil from sticking to them. Drill holes in the bottom of the container with an electric drill if there are no drainage holes.

    • 2

      Fill the bottom of the plant pot with at least 1 inch of the river stones. This will anchor the plant when it becomes top heavy as well as keep the soil in the container.

    • 3

      Mix together two parts sand, one part peat moss and one part potting soil to create a loose, quick-draining soil mixture. Another option is to use commercial cactus potting soil. Mix in a handful of compost to give the plant a source of slow-release nutrients.

    • 4

      Fill the plant pot with soil and dig a hole in the center with a hand trowel. Lay the Kalanchoe tubiflora plant on its side and gently work is out of its container. Do not pull on the stems as this can damage the plant. Leave the soil attached to the roots.

    • 5

      Place the root ball in the hole and fill the sides in with soil. Do not cover the crown of the plant since this encourages rot to set in. Water the soil around the base of the plant until the water runs out the bottom. Place the repotted Kalanchoe tubiflora on a water-catch tray and locate it in a brightly lit area.