The Kalanchoe Species

Description

• The kalanchoe is a succulent herb from Madagascar. The species was named in 1763 by French botantist Michael Adamsen. Robert Blossfeld introduced it in Europe in the 1930s. A member of the jade family, the kalanchoe produces dark green, fleshy leaves with scalloped edges and masses of tight inflorescences that bear hundreds of ¼-inch flowers in shades of red, yellow, pink, white, orange and magenta.

Growing Requirements

• Kalanchoe species require well-drained, sandy soil to thrive. Amend regular potting soil with vermiculite or clean horticultural sand. A sunny window with southern exposure is ideal for growing the kalanchoe species. Kalanchoe plants that don’t receive enough light become spindly. Remedy this by supplementing the natural light the plant receives with a grow light.

Care

• Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry slightly between watering. Avoid giving this plant too much, or too little water, since either extreme has a detrimental effect. The kalanchoe species benefits from regular fertilization during the time it is in bloom. Use your favorite houseplant fertilizer and follow the label directions. Once the plant has finished flowering, cut the flowers off and re-plant it into a pot that is approximately one size larger than the one it is currently growing in.

Propagation

• Select stems that did not flower and cut off a 2- to 3-inch section. Remove all of the leaves except the top four, and lay the stem cutting aside so calluses can form. After five to seven days have passed, stick the stems into moistened perlite. It is okay to make a mixture of 50% peat moss and 50% perlite if you wish, but plain perlite will work just as well. Water from below. New roots normally form within 14 to 21 days. Once the new roots form, move the plant to its new home.