# Kalanchoe Troubleshooting
Kalanchoe produces clusters of small waxy flowers in the spring months. It thrives in moderate light and the standard room temperatures found in most homes. The green foliage, with its glossy color and scalloped edges, is nearly as attractive as the blooms. These low-maintenance houseplants rarely experience problems and usually recover quickly if they do suffer an issue. Diagnosing and treating any problems quickly improves the chances of the plant surviving and regaining its former beauty.
Things You'll Need
- Pencil
- Paper bag
- Insecticidal soap
Instructions
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1
Insert a pencil into the soil, approximately 1 inch in from the rim of the pot. Remove the pencil. If muddy soil coats the pencil, the kalanchoe is being overwatered. Muddy soil, leaf loss or soft stems and roots indicate overly moist soil.
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2
Feel the soil by inserting your finger 1 inch into the soil. If the soil feels dry, the plant requires watering. Water kalanchoe when the soil begins to dry but don't allow it to dry out completely.
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3
Check the lighting in the growing area if the kalanchoe is losing leaves or developing weak, spindly growth. Kalanchoe requires bright indirect sunlight during the day. It won't grow well in low-light areas, but direct sunlight can scorch the foliage.
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4
Decrease exposure to light if the plant fails to bloom. Kalanchoe requires 14 to 16 hours of darkness for approximately 12 weeks before it can flower. Cover the plant with a paper bag at night to force the dark period if you don't have a dark enough location in your home.
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5
Inspect the stems and underside of the leaves for insect pests if the leaves develop a mottled appearance or are chewed upon. Aphids typically colonize in clusters on the underside of leaves, while scale insects appear as bumpy growths along the stems. Wipe the insects off the plant with a wet cloth or treat them with insecticidal soaps, following package application directions.
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